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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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