Operating Without Software is like Working with the Lights Off
Are you managing your plant in the dark?
Shop Floor Data Capture
Plant visibility on the shop floor is a key to unlocking growth and profits. Operating a plant on paper and spreadsheets is like working with the lights off. Outdated systems hamper efficiency and jeopardize profits.
Let's explore how production floor visibility supported by data in a manufacturing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) can uncover massive opportunities. Learn how Steelhead Technologies has revolutionized the plant operating platform to enhance visibility and streamline processes.
The Dark Side of Operating on Paper and Spreadsheets
Manufacturing processes executed manually, relying on paper-based systems and spreadsheets, often lead to workflow bottlenecks and missed opportunities. Lack of real-time data access hampers decision-making, delays production cycles, and increases the likelihood of errors. It is like operating in the dark, unable to see the obstacles or opportunities hidden in the shadows.
This lack of shop floor data clouds pricing judgment. Job costing is a critical piece of manufacturing operations. Job costing allows manufacturers to understand the cost to run a work order. Analyzing the cost of materials with the cost of labor accomplishes this.
According to industry best practices, the average benchmark for margins should land between 20 and 30 percent. With real-time data, decision-makers can easily adjust to optimize workflows, allocate resources efficiently, and prevent costly downtime. Other benefits include:
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Companies utilizing data-driven decision-making in manufacturing have experienced up to 30% improvement in operational efficiency and productivity.
- Less Downtime: Using data analytics for predictive maintenance has potentially reduced unplanned downtime in manufacturing facilities by 25%.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Businesses leveraging data-driven insights in their supply chain management have seen up to a 15% reduction in inventory costs and a 10% improvement in on-time deliveries.
- Quality Improvement: Data analytics has contributed to a 20% increase in product quality through better monitoring and control of manufacturing processes.
- Cost Reduction: Companies using data for decision-making have achieved up to 25% in cost reduction, attributed to better resource allocation and waste minimization.
- Profit Margins: Organizations leveraging data for decision-making have seen, on average, a 20% increase in profit margins due to improved operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.
- Business Growth: Companies embracing data-driven decision-making have reported, on average, a 20% faster rate of business growth compared to those relying on traditional methods.
The Power of Manufacturing ERP: Unlocking Doors to Profits and Efficiency
Leveraging a Manufacturing ERP system acts as a beacon in the darkness. Software shines a light on every aspect of the production process.
Data and statistics show a direct correlation between profits and time savings when embracing this technology. By unlocking doors to profits and efficiency, a manufacturing ERP becomes an investment with a tremendous ROI.
Shop floor data enables operational decisions, available at the click of a button to ensure ultimate accuracy. Real-time data access impacts manufacturing KPIs, like:
- OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency)
- cycle times
- production rates
- quality control indicators
With job shop software, manufacturers can monitor and optimize these metrics in real-time. Managers can identify areas of opportunity and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and performance.
Steelhead Technologies: A Vision for Surface Finishing Excellence
Recognizing the need for a specialized solution, Steelhead Technologies has spearheaded a surface finishing focused approach. This system tracks every step in finishing a product, from receiving materials to packaging and shipping it. The result is a seamless, integrated system that optimizes efficiency and enhances overall visibility.
Steelhead's foundation allows you to customize the plant operating platform for any surface finishing operations, regardless of complexity. With so many data set options available to access, how does Steelhead make it as easily accessible as possible? Through the revolutionary Watch Tower tool.
Watch Tower: A Real-Time Dashboard for Comprehensive Visibility
Steelhead Technologies launched the Watch Tower, a live dashboard that shows an overview of all active orders. This global search capability allows users to access any document or work order with one click. It's like dining at an all-you-can-eat buffet of information, where everything is available at your fingertips.
Key Features of Watch Tower
Custom Filters: The Watch Tower allows users to filter orders and order information based on specific criteria, including:
customer
location in the plant
treatment information
job progress status
This flexibility ensures that users can focus on the information most relevant to their roles.
Real-Time Analysis: Analyzing active parts in real-time gives valuable insights into the current state of production. Users can view the amount of money on the floor at any location or station, for any customer, at any time.
Production and Inventory Reports: The Watch Tower offers Production and Inventory Reports. These reports provide a snapshot of:
- the quantity of part numbers
- active work orders
- total value
- inventory items
- and more
These reports enable quick decision-making and aid in production planning.
Process Node Filters: The Watch Tower uses Process Node Filters to manage production backlog. This feature enhances efficiency by allowing users to view parts by what step of the process they are currently in.
Card View and List View: Users can choose between Card View and List View based on their preferences. Card View has a detailed layout like Workboards. List View provides a condensed table view for efficiently handling large amounts of data.
Export to CSV: Seeing and sending a snapshot of a job status has never been easier. With desired filters applied, one click provides a CSV export of visible data that can be used internally or externally.
Summary
Operating in the dark with paper and spreadsheets is a thing of the past. Steelhead Technologies, through its surface finishing focused solution and the Watch Tower dashboard, has demonstrated how comprehensive visibility can transform manufacturing processes.
Embracing a manufacturing ERP system illuminates the path to profits and efficiency while opening doors to hidden opportunities. It's time for manufacturers to step into the light and leverage technology for a brighter, more efficient future.
About Steelhead Technologies
Steelhead Technologies was created by a team of six co-founders to improve the surface finishing industry. Surface Finishing includes the manufacturers supporting the entire North American supply chain.
The cloud-based manufacturing ERP is changing the metal finishing job shop industry with advanced coding and cyber security. For more information, visit gosteelhead.com.