3 . Accurate scheduling . Synchronising production runs to fulfill customer orders depends on accurate account data as well as sales , delivery promises , inventory of raw materials , and machine capacity . Working with co-manufacturers or subcontractors also requires access to information . Collaboration portals can help share information while protecting security .
4 . Strategic scheduling of the workforce . With data insights , managers can track and understand performance of shifts and crews , identifying essential staffing requirements and tracking expenses . With the acute labor shortage manufacturers face today , careful scheduling of rightskilled workers is especially important .
5 . Workflows . Keeping operations running smoothly with no gaps , delays , or roadblocks requires coordination among teams and sharing data on job status , equipment performance , and scheduling . Reporting can help identify trends and analyse variables , allowing managers to delve deeper into influencing factors that can be improved . Decisions can be made , changes executed , results monitored , and further refinements made . Continuous improvement can be part of the system and standardised workflows .
As artificial intelligence ( AI ) and machine learning ( ML ) have moved into the mainstream , manufacturers are increasingly seeking practical applications for data insights .
6 . Compliance and quality control . Managers need to track , monitor , and evaluate quality standards , with a continuous feedback loop in place . As new products are introduced , specifications need to be easily updated and accessible to relevant teams . Regulation compliance , too , is critical in many industries and demands accurate reporting . Democratised access to data helps keep the details in view when and where they are needed most .
7 . Waste reduction . As manufacturers strive to be more sustainable , they place a high priority on reducing waste , including energy , water , and raw resources . Reducing scrap is essential . By improving consistency and quality control , fewer units will need to be scrapped or reworked . Access to data will help crews verify proper machine settings , consult knowledge banks for typical resolutions of issues , and verify proper specifications and variables .
8 . The call centere . The aftermarket service operation needs real-time access to account and product details to answer customer questions about deliveries , service agreements , warranty status , and scheduled preventive maintenance . Service dispatch needs to access the location and availability of technicians to dispatch the right person to the right job based on geography , service level agreements and urgency .
9 . First-call resolution . Field technicians at the job site need remote access to details on the unit , as-serviced history , inventory status of parts , and availability of replacement or upgrade units . A technician with the right data is seen as a trusted advisor and can often make sales in the field .
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Issue 62 PECM 131