Digital tools driven by new technologies are essential elements for industries at all levels. They are at the heart of its operation, orchestrating, in particular, the activities in the workshop. This is where everything is actually at stake, where the major strategic decisions are finally translated and the procedures and processes are applied, to give rise to the product that will then be offered to the customer. Products for which workers have a fundamental role.
The IT tools used to manage manufacturing must therefore not only be efficient but also adapted to the specific characteristics of the company, its organisation and what it manufactures. We must not forget that there can be no industrial performance without a worker because even with the smart factory, we will still find people behind the machines. So choosing these digital tools for workers implies taking all these criteria into consideration.
Essential tools for production
Going digital allows the company to streamline and optimize its operations in all its sectors, starting with the production sector itself.
The machines used in the workshops incorporate increasingly complex technologies. Their management, monitoring and maintenance require equally sophisticated technical and procedural means, hence the use of computer tools that must be efficient.
Indeed, for an operator to be efficient and productive, he must be given the tools that will facilitate his work. For example, digital work instruction software offers a new way of designing and viewing standard operating procedures. Filing cabinets filled with sheets that are not consulted are stopped and digital and visual formats are switched to with a touch screen or tablet to facilitate understanding and execution of the task.
We can also mention the MES software. This type of software called the manufacturing execution system provides many functions.
Thanks to the MES, the company has both crucial manufacturing data and management support. Production indicators such as the OEE, the support of certifications and the analysis of information on raw material consumption are just some of the services that such a tool can provide to workers and workshop managers.
In general, the digital tools deployed are as close as possible to manufacturing and are intended to take full advantage of the workers’ potential to improve production.
Facilitate data capture and information feedback
Manufacturing information is valuable to the company. They need to be properly and intelligently collected by the appropriate tools (sensors, forms filled in by workers) and analysed so that the right decisions can be taken, and readjustments made at the right time.
There are still many companies that operate paper forms where data generated by workers and technicians are not used. It is a mission that is possible to ensure today with the right digital tools that will automatically centralize in databases, the answers provided in the field.
But before choosing the software solutions to be implemented, it is essential to define the company’s needs with precision, especially for all aspects of production. Making the right choice will then allow the organization to become more responsive to markets (demand), standards and regulations.
In short, digital tools, when they meet the company’s specific manufacturing and logistics requirements, broaden its possibilities and strengthen its competitiveness in an environment where any competitive advantage is good to take.
Picomto is the digital work instruction solution that aims to give workers and technicians with the right tools. Contact one of our experts to learn more!
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