Much of the success or failure of an ERP comes down to the
production floor. If systems are clunky and difficult to use, or if reports are
hard to generate with accurate data, then manufacturing and distribution
companies will quickly fall behind their competitors in terms of speed, cost,
and efficiency. COVID has added new challenges to maintaining an effective
production setup that have pushed struggling manufacturers even further behind.
If you are struggling with shop floor inefficiencies, consider moving to a paperless
system. A paperless ERP streamlines everything from training new employees to
collecting data for audits.
Benefits to Paperless Manufacturing
- Proactive systems require compliance to necessary, error-proof processes and business rules
- Reduces errors
- Streamlines updates
- Provides a complete electronic audit trail of all manufacturing activity
- Supports continuous improvement and lean initiatives
- Offers real-time data analysis to identify problems quicker
- Allows for expansive instructional resources for employees and new hires
- Motivates employees
- Accelerates releases by streamlining review processes
- Increases customer satisfaction through faster releases
- Delivers cost reductions
- Drives in revenue faster
What is Paperless Manufacturing?
Paperless manufacturing refers to the use of software-based
electronic systems (known as Manufacturing Execution Systems) to monitor and
enforce manufacturing production processes, while capturing all information
associated with production records. Users can look to their electronic device
(computer, tablet, or smartphone for Infor ERP customers) as their
one-stop-shop for finding information and logging necessary steps in the
production process.
How does it work?
In paperless manufacturing, electronic records replace
paper-based, manual ones. There are no “paper travelers” around the facility or
across facilities. Operators in paperless manufacturing facilities are
presented with production tasks in properly ordered sequences (e.g., by
priority, due date, or customer significance). Operators are given visual cues
at their work cells to help enforce and speed proper action. Drawings,
graphics, and standard operating procedures are viewed online, ensuring that
workers are working from the most current versions. Paperless systems not only
prevent errors, they also provide real-time alerts when issues arise
company-wide. Even more importantly, paperless manufacturing speeds up release
times by eliminating the need for in-process reviews and accelerating final
reviews, meaning that businesses can recognize revenue faster.
Applications with Infor’s SyteLine (CloudSuite Industrial)
ERP
One ERP system that is designed for paperless manufacturing
is Infor’s Syteline (CloudSuite Industrial) system. Shop floor personnel can
use its Factory Track Shop Floor module to access a job, job routing notes, and
documents related to the job or specific operation. Within the Engineering
Workbench, you can attach drawings, work instructions, videos, and photos
directly to item files, reducing the amount of paperwork on the floor. You can also
increase productivity by uploading work instruction videos that demonstrate
step-by-step processes for operators. These video instructions are valuable when
training new hires or when workers want a refresher in real time without having
to thumb through written documents. Because Factory Track is app based, employees
can access it on a smartphone or tablet, so operators can stay focused at their
workstations instead of running around the shop floor to find a computer.
Data Analysis Applications
Information stored in electronic manufacturing systems like
SyteLine help manufacturers optimize production processes. Employees can access
an organized job list through Shop Floor to know what is happening next, instead
of needing to track down a lead/supervisor. In turn, you can view dashboards
that provide real-time trending data and analysis to make informed decisions
about strategy. By displaying production metrics on monitors around the shop
floor, you and your employees also have the ability to see what jobs are
actively being worked, if they are meeting the set production timelines and if
any issues need to be addressed. Employees benefit from being able to compare
their progress against other teams to generate healthy competition and see how
they compare with their peers.
Paperless manufacturing is changing the way that companies
do business. To learn how to launch a seamless paperless manufacturing
transition with your ERP solution, contact Datix to chat with a sales expert
today.
To learn more about ERP Solutions, access our free business
briefs:
Why Manufacturers Should Invest In A Modern ERP