Data dilemmas? One version of the truth is the only way forward for manufacturing businesses
It sounds obvious, doesn’t it? So why are so many manufacturing companies struggling to access the information they need to make fast decisions and run their businesses at optimum efficiency?
Information is power - but only if you can get to what you need quickly and have complete confidence that it’s correct. And that’s the problem for so many manufacturing companies. Despite having invested in software and systems to collate and manage data, it can still be far too difficult to gain access to what is needed quickly and confidently. Separate and unconnected systems are the root cause of data problems with duplication, inconsistent update protocols and lack of formalised data cleansing. It’s easy to see why the mountain of information just gets bigger – and the ability to use the data effectively becomes ever more difficult
Mind the gap
A common issue is timing – when what is happening on the factory floor is not instantly communicated or visible to management. This ‘shop floor to top floor gap’ creates a problem when operational decisions need to be made instantly. Waiting to clarify the facts costs time and money, delays production schedules and causes unnecessary issues for the business and for customers.
Closing this gap is not as difficult as you might expect, thanks to the advent of excellent and reasonably priced data collation and management solutions. Effective technologies such as barcode readers, handheld devices and tablets linked into a centralised dashboard makes keeping on top of data collation a cinch – and they’re designed for hard-working operational environments too.
Who and where
Ensuring that the right people get access the information they need (and those that don’t, can’t) needs to be dealt with correctly, not only from an operational efficiency perspective but also from a data management and control perspective. That means an integrated solution with built-in access controls, not just on site but remotely too.
The latest manufacturing technology solutions can handle all of this as standard, which not only helps your business run smoothly, it also means meeting your data compliance obligations is far easier too. Isn’t that reason enough to upgrade?
See what you need to see
Making decisions based on the full picture, (not just part of it plus a hefty dose of ‘gut feeling’) is so much more effective. It’s also a more confident way to operate and is easier for everyone to be supportive of. Remove the ambiguity and see exactly what you need to know using customised views, manufacturing oriented dashboards and bespoke reporting. But does that sound too good to be true? It really isn’t now that sector specific software has evolved, and the cost of technology continues to fall. There simply hasn’t been a better time for manufacturers to invest.
You can resolve your data dilemmas. With a single, centralised data repository which then ‘feeds’ various elements of your business systems as required, there is only ever one version of the truth. It’s only when this is finally in place that manufacturers can breathe a sigh of relief and know that what they are seeing is entirely correct.
Help is available
Access has been helping manufacturers make the best use of evolving technology for years – so we’re familiar with the particular challenges you are facing. Our modular solutions and centralised data management means that you get the right fit for your business - real-time data, tailored to the user (so you only have to look at what is relevant to your job and not wade through pages of report) with tabbed browsing, analytics, and KPI dashboards straight to your desktop or tablet. This way the data you need finds you so you don’t go looking for it.
If quick and accurate decision-making would make life easier in your business, then perhaps it’s time to give us a call…
