Defining Real-Time
For the longest time, manufacturing operations were based on factors that were determined over time. Each production run was based on expected demand and the best course of action at that moment. The same mentality also extended to the technology across manufacturers’ assembly lines. Many firms utilized a series of tools linked between the item cycle and their primary system.
While this provides you with many key performance indicators (KPIs), that’s only half the picture. Up-to-the-minute reports and other data can be lost in these processes, resulting in limited visibility. The result is a less than perfect picture of your organization’s performance.
Recently, enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions have been taking advantage of an old concept in a new way. Drastically simplifying how you receive information; real-time intelligence is being linked from more than the production floor. Rather than a complex network from the assembly line to the ERP system, why not have it tied directly together? Similarly, what if your KPIs went further than production and sales and involved the product and customer?
The expansion of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has greatly impacted how different manufacturers exchange data. Businesses achieve a more comprehensive overview of their production.
With the latest options, it’s possible to get actual product information from sensors within the item. Whether you produce all-terrain vehicles, auto parts, or electrical components, all can be tracked after leaving the production floor.
Yet what can these changes provide for your ever-growing business and what benefits will result?
1. Control Product Quality
With every product or item, quality is typically more important than quantity. If you have successive problems with the quality of your products, sales won’t meet expectations. Often, any item issues will only become known long after they’ve left the production line. There’s also the question of wear and tear from use over time. If this manifests in the product itself, customers may not be aware of it immediately.
In the latest real-time intelligence tools, any problems are reported back to the manufacturer as they occur. Rather than waiting for clients, you can contact them to inform them of potential problems. From there, the necessary steps can be taken to avoid any long-term damage or provide a replacement for the product. Whatever item needs to be addressed and fixed will be accomplished almost instantaneously.
2. Strengthen Customer Service
In the past, product replacements or recalls are done in a rather “matter-of-fact” manner. Most customers only become aware of problems after they’ve experienced problems or been told. The results can create customer dissatisfaction.
Safety is critical for many manufacturers. When problems appear, a timely response can make all the difference when it comes to retaining those clients. Instead of numerous roadblocks, how about a simple process that goes from the producer directly to the customer?
With the newest features of real-time intelligence, any issues are directly reported to clients who are provided frequent updates. Similarly, with product sensors, any items experiencing problems will be tracked to determine potential steps. This creates the ideal situation for the business relationship. Rather than waiting to address their problems, customers can receive immediate responses from the company itself.
You’ll have satisfied clients who are happy over a timely response to product issues. When they’re considering purchasing a new version of the product, you’ll have a window of opportunity. Instead of losing a customer to a bad situation, you have a long-term client awaiting your sales team.
3. Improve the Decision–Making Process
If you’re using an older setup to automate and run your production cycles, your decisions are being affected. The data and information you receive are often reactive, leaving little room to make immediate adjustments. Often, it will take an entire production cycle to be finished for new strategies to be implemented.
To avoid these difficulties, up-to-the-minute information can be accessed instantly in your ERP system. Rather than a cumbersome link of programs, they’re tied together from the assembly line to your computer. Instead of having your data run through multiple levels, it’s accessible directly from the immediate item cycle. Resulting in a more comprehensive overview of your business with every production factor accounted for.
Wrap Up
Real-time intelligence creates the outcomes you want with the least amount of difficulty. You’ll provide better customer service, have stronger product control, and more information for your decision-making. The power of real-time intelligence will empower your manufacturing business to tackle anything.
Contact Datix today to harness this technology!
