Shop Floor Management Systems have been becoming increasingly more affordable as more manufactures begin to implement these systems.  They are quickly becoming more of a necessity than an option.  Many small and medium sized manufacturers are beginning to explore the feasibility of using such systems.  Once they begin to understand how these systems work they begin doing the preliminary preparation work and process modifications necessary to economically and efficiently implement this technology. 

But is it for you?

Shop Floor Management Systems are essentially a data base tracking system which provide statistical information to management.  

This information may be captured in many different ways as follows:

• Barcode Scanners

• Photoelectric Sensors

• Temperature and Pressure Gages

• Level Indicators

• Emissions Data Collection Devices

• Statistical Data Collection Programs

• Limit Switches

• Interface with PLCs and Shop Floor PCs

• Operator Input

Collected information may be reorganized, compared statistically to historical data, and then utilized to provide management with an accurate assessment of the near real time status of their manufacturing operation. 

This information may be used to:

• Predict task completion and on time schedule performance

• Monitor operator and/or machine performance

• Display production rates and projected efficiencies Assess adherence to defined manufacturing processes

• Analyze QC performance against target assignments

• Predict failures

• Schedule maintenance and downtime

BENEFITS

Some of the benefits which may be derived from the utilization of a Shop Floor Management System are as follows: 

• Improved throughput

• Improved operator efficiencies

• Improved support operations such as replenishment moves and transportation of work in process and finished goods

• Reduction of scrap

• Better control of your manufacturing process

• More timely information to assist shop floor supervisors in managing their assigned production responsibilities 

• Reduction of down time due to better machine and tool monitoring

• Better control of Work In Process inventory, what it is and where it is

• Improved on time schedule performance

In our opinion the essential benefit, improved control over manufacturing costs, is derived from the distribution and efficient presentation of near real time performance information to those individuals who are in positions to effect the outcome of your day to day activities.  They make the decisions which effect day to day performance and ultimately, your bottom line.