ACE Issue 35 2024 | Page 18

Nine ways consumable , democratised data improves factory operations

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Manufacturers are increasingly turning to smart manufacturing principles , hoping to turn the shop floor into highly efficient , data-driven operations humming with synchronised precision . Unfortunately , line-of-business managers , team leaders , and shift supervisors — the shop floor heroes — often lack easy access to the ERP system and the relevant data needed to keep production on track .

Deskless workers play a vital role in operational efficiency . Democratising data — making data consumable for a wider population — will give these frontline users valuable decision-making insights . With role-based dashboards and reporting tools , they can drive better performance up and down the production line , from smart use of resources to reduction in rework and scrap .
Countless critical decisions are made on the shop floor every shift . The setting — notoriously noisy and fast moving — isn ’ t conducive to careful , prolonged
Deskless workers play a vital role in operational efficiency . Democratising data — making data consumable for a wider population — will give these frontline users valuable decision-making insights .
pondering of influences . Fast-moving production lines require fast decisions and expedient action . At the same time , errors can be costly , eating away at profitability , wasting resources , and jeopardising as-promised delivery times . Decisions based on guesses , one random exception , or anecdotal stories can send a team into spirals of wasted time , frustrating workers and managers alike .
EMPOWERING FRONT-LINE USERS The answer is to put data in the hands of every decision-maker in the organisation , even those who aren ’ t advanced data analysts with skills in report writing and applying artificial intelligence ( AI ) algorithms . Modern digital platforms provide interface tools to help users apply advanced functionality to everyday situations . Featuring low-code and nocode capabilities , the digital platform provides front-line users with rolebased dashboards to track relevant key performance indicators ( KPIs ) and custom reporting to investigate emerging trends . Quickly , dynamic insights are within reach of machine operators , maintenance technicians , and material handling engineers , scheduling clerks , and shift leaders .
DATA DRIVES SPEED AND ACCURACY Operational-level access to data is especially helpful in preventing gaps in workflows and avoidable delays . Frontline workers can get immediate answers to design questions or