For custom manufacturers, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just efficient production methods; it demands precision, adaptability, and seamless coordination across every aspect of the shop floor. That’s why many businesses rely on MES software that effectively manages and streamlines production activities for better shop floor control.
At Frontier, we understand the critical role that shop floor control plays in enhancing manufacturing operations. That’s why shop floor software, also called Manufacturing Execution System or MES, is a core feature of Frontier ERP. However, many custom manufacturers may not realize the myriad of benefits that shop floor control software can offer.
Benefits of Shop Floor Control Software
Frontier’s Advanced Manufacturing Execution MES software provides manufacturers with automated shop floor control processes for increased operational efficiency.
As defined by Gartner, shop floor control encompasses “a system of computers and/or controllers tools used to schedule, dispatch and track the progress of work orders through manufacturing based on defined routings.” They offer detailed, real-time monitoring and control of production processes for better efficiency.
- Optimizes Production Efficiency: A shop floor control system coordinates and monitors real-time production activities. It helps maximize resource distribution, minimize idle time, and improve overall operational efficiency for increased productivity.
- Helps to Meet Production Deadlines: It enables manufacturers to schedule and monitor tasks effectively to meet production deadlines. This results in improved workflows and shorter lead times allowing for an increase in customer satisfaction.
- Reduces Costs: By optimizing resource allocation, minimizing waste, and improving productivity, shop floor control software enables manufacturers to reduce costs and realize higher profits.
- Ensures Quality and Consistency: Better workflows allow for focused quality control measures and production process monitoring. This helps manufacturers maintain consistent product quality, essential for customer satisfaction and retention.
- Flexible and Adaptable to Changes: The ability to adjust schedules, reallocate resources, and optimize production plans on the fly is a great shop floor operational benefit. It enables manufacturing companies to quickly respond to changes in customer orders, market demands, or production priorities as needed.
Frontier ERP with Integrated Shop Control
Frontier ERP provides advanced shop floor control modules to exchange data and synchronize operations. This ensures our customers receive real-time visibility, seamless communication, and data exchange with other departments such as finance, procurement, and sales. Our manufacturing clients realize operational efficiency and data needed for better decision-making from our scalable modules.
Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Our MES software, Advanced Manufacturing Execution (AME) is the cornerstone of Frontier ERP. It eliminates non-value-added tasks and facilitates communication throughout the organization. Key features include:
- Paperless, real-time data, and processes
- Integration visibility
- User-friendly interface
- Rich tracking and robust reporting
Automatic Interchange and Data Entry (AIDE)
Our Automatic Interchange and Data Entry (AIDE) module provides an integrated system for entering material movement transactions. AIDE utilizes data batches or real-time inputs from devices like bar code scanners or radio frequency transmitters to reduce manual data entry and save time.
RFID barcoding provides movement tracking of materials, orders, and people to monitor productivity and measure KPIs.
RF Bar Coding & Production Tracking
The Frontier RF Bar Coding module supports radio frequency-based (RFID) transaction processing. The barcoding technology issues a unique identity for each person, workstation, and individual part. Orders are then tracked as they move through the fulfillment process.
All real-time validation and transaction updates go directly to Frontier ERP. All transaction screens are visible from a radio frequency device or a static terminal for better shop floor control.
The RF Reporting module enables businesses to access comprehensive reporting and tracking for both stock and customer-specified products. This increases visibility and efficiency throughout the company.
Cut Part Processing
Cut Part Processing is an extension to the Frontier configuration-based production system. It closes the integration loop between production scheduling, material optimization, shop floor equipment, and material handling devices. This shop floor control software module supports standardized machine interfaces including GED, Lineal Mate, ARDIS, and CUT-RITE.
Realize Better Shop Floor Control with Frontier
Frontier ERP is scalable which makes it the best ERP for manufacturing. Our innovative modules bring the most useful software features to custom manufacturers for better shop floor control and management. Our comprehensive software solution is designed to offer a myriad of benefits:
- Scheduling: Easily determine production activity sequence and timing of machine setups, material handling, and task assignments.
- Resource Allocation: Effortlessly assign available resources such as machinery, equipment, materials, and manpower based on their availability, capacity, and requirements.
- Monitoring and Tracking: Monitor production activity progress in real-time while tracking the status of work orders, and identifying any deviations or delays from the planned schedule.
- Improved Quality Control: Measure the quality and consistency of manufactured products through inspections, testing, and adherence to quality standards and specifications.
- Inventory Management: Expertly manage inventory levels to avoid shortages, excesses, or obsolescence of raw materials, works-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods.
- Maintenance and Downtime Management: Schedule and coordinate equipment maintenance activities to minimize unplanned downtime and disruptions to manufacturing operations.
- Data Collection and Analytics: Gather production data, performance indicators, and process parameters to analyze trends, identify inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions for process improvement.
Conclusion
Investing in shop floor control software from Frontier can significantly enhance manufacturing operations. From optimizing production efficiency to meeting deadlines, reducing costs, and ensuring quality consistency, the benefits are plentiful. With features like paperless real-time data, RF bar coding, cut part processing, and comprehensive reporting, Frontier’s ERP with MES software provides custom manufacturers with the tools they need to realize better shop floor control and management. By leveraging Frontier’s power, companies can streamline processes, improve productivity, and ultimately achieve greater success and business growth.
To learn more about how your company can realize real-time shop floor control with Frontier ERP, contact us today!
