Manufacturing Software – Benefits and Types

Most businesses have moved away from traditional operational methods to modern options. One of these options is manufacturing software. The said software helps a business plan and execute projects from start to finish. This includes everything related to the planning, development, and tracking of specific products owned by the business. If you are about to start a new business or want to experience what the software is, here is all the essential information you need.
Benefits of manufacturing software
When a business opts for manufacturing software they are in for many benefits. These benefits include:
Centralized production monitoring
Manufacturing tools make it easy for businesses to monitor production processes across various factories from remote locations. The application can be utilized on a laptop, computer, tablet, smartphone, or other smart devices. They can track processes, including the time taken for manufacturing, costs incurred, the number of employees present, the life cycle of the product, and logistics.
Improved product production rate
Manufacturing software can simplify the planning process of production. This includes allocating resources, time management, production routing, and workforce preparation. So when a business integrates the tool into its manufacturing ecosystem, it will benefit from an improved product production rate, which helps the business fulfill orders faster and take on new production tasks.
Shortened unplanned downtime
Earlier manufacturing machines would stop functioning halfway through production or create faulty product batches without warning. This severely impacted businesses where the timeline is concerned and also led to massive losses. Modern software curbs this problem by enabling manufacturers to measure overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) with real-time reporting tools. The ability to track and identify issues early can help the business plan when the system needs to be taken offline for repairs before it causes any serious damage.
Reduction of waste
With the introduction of manufacturer software, a business can improve waste management. The software analyzes processes where the maximum wastage occurs, including equipment, machinery maintenance, inventory management, and scrapped products. With the software, one can plan how a process is carried out. The tool also helps decide the number of materials used for it. The manufacturer can also set time slots for when a process needs to run. Furthermore, they can assign the number of workers required for tasks like production and distribution, which can help save resources and time.
Elimination of unprofitable processes
Several processes in manufacturing might utilize time and resources without rendering much value. Here’s where manufacturer software can identify these processes and bring them to the attention of the business. By eliminating an unprofitable process, manufacturing businesses can focus better on the quality of the services or products they offer.
Better product quality
Manufacturing software can also help improve the quality of a product. With the software, a business can closely monitor defects and problems in its product. The tool is also capable of narrowing down on a precise flaw in the design or production process and offers a suitable solution to rectify the issue. A business can ensure its finished products are without faults, thus increasing customer satisfaction. And happy customers mean that the manufacturer will eventually increase its profits.
Top manufacturing software
Businesses can find hundreds of manufacturing software companies at various price points. But only a handful offer true value-for-money manufacturing software plans.
Tulip
Tulip offers a range of benefits with its online manufacturing software. These include tools to track work order statuses in real-time and create a curated dashboard with data sourced from machines, people, sensors, and devices. Employees who use the software will be able to follow a media-rich, digital workflow to execute and complete respective tasks. The software can also alert shift supervisors of changes in cells through SMS messages or Andon lights. While businesses can experience a 30-day trial of the software for free, other manufacturing software packages range between $1,200 and $2,400. To subscribe to these packages, one will have to get in touch with Tulip’s sales team.
Fishbowl
The company has had a footprint in developing and improving its manufacturing inventory management software for QuickBooks for over 20 years. The software can help control manufacturing processes, identify the true cost of goods, and reduce or prevent stockouts. Fishbowl’s software is also capable of creating manufacturing orders, advanced work orders, and bills of materials. Automatic custom, batch, and serial number tracking in work orders and repair work orders are other features that come with the tool. The software starts at about $4,400 and comes with permanent ownership. But businesses will need to contact Fishbowl’s representatives for a price quote, manufacturing software offers, and other important terms and conditions.
Odoo
Odoo offers multiple open-source business apps that encompass the complete requirements of a business, including the avenue of manufacturing. Manufacturers can implement functions like barcode scanning, executing work orders, sorting products into assembly lines, managing repair orders under warranty or as a service, editing MOs, and disassembling finished products to repurpose or repair their components. There are other features, such as scheduling and planning, flexible master data, and quality control, that come with the advanced manufacturing tool. Odoo’s software plans start at $6 per user/month. The manufacturing software offered on their website is coupled with an inventory tool and is free as long as the business does not need more apps or hosting options. Further details can be found on Odoo’s official website.
Oracle NetSuite
Oracle’s NetSuite is a top pick for manufacturing cloud ERP software that enables manufacturers to coordinate, control, and manage all areas of their operations on a single platform. The professional tool comes with features like order management, planning and scheduling, supply chain management, procurement, shop floor control, and quality management. The software is also customizable during integration to adapt to individual business needs. A small business can expect to pay between $2,000 to $3,000 a month based on their requirements. These manufacturing software plans may rise if a manufacturing business makes additional subscriptions for specific features.