Remember that sketch that launched your dreams? Now, many moons later with customer orders looming and a recent round of funding, the excitement slams headfirst into a brick wall otherwise known as manufacturing. Deadlines loom, manual data becomes overwhelming, and your spreadsheets are looking more and more chaotic.
If you're finding that getting your product to market is becoming mired in generic workflow tools, disjointed processes, and a lack of insight into resource availability, you're not alone.
Manual processes and disparate systems are likely holding you back. While tracking down data and manual inputs slow everything down, the right manufacturing operations software can be your secret weapon for success.
Understanding Your Manufacturing Software Needs
Before diving into the nuances of manufacturing production software, it’s important to understand your specific needs. After all, there are many types of Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) out there, and not all of them are the right fit for your needs.
Choosing the right technology is like finding the perfect partner for your operation. Because the foundation of your factory is critical to your operation’s success, the pieces need to fit together to function smoothly. Here’s how to help determine the ideal manufacturing operations management software for your objectives:
Know Your Manufacturing Needs MOM
Are you a pioneer of the aerospace industry? Or maybe you’re manufacturing medical devices that will forever change the healthcare landscape? No matter the case, your manufacturing needs will be based on the complexity of your assemblies, the type of regulations you need to comply with, and the style of manufacturing you’d like to pursue.
For instance, lean manufacturing principles can help to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency to stay competitive. The right software can help you achieve this. The bottom line being that it’s important to choose the best manufacturing operations software for your factory.
Size & Scalability
A modern solution is one of the most important investments you will make. Choose a solution that meets your immediate needs and goals for growth. The best MOM software should scale with you. You should also consider the complexity of your build to ensure your solution can meet your needs.
Budgetary Balancing Act MOS
Every manufacturer has a budget to keep in mind. It’s important to not get swept away by flashy (and expensive) features that you won’t use. Prioritize your must-have functionalities and then see if the “nice to have” features are also feasible. If this is your first investment into manufacturing software, consider a solution that includes additional features for purchasing and inventory management, rather than investing in a full-fledged ERP
Manufacturing management software is always a major investment, but it should help you cut costs and improve efficiency in the long run.
Data-Driven Decisions
Remember, the right manufacturing operations software doesn't just manage your production, it empowers your innovation journey. Manufacturers leverage data generated at every stage of the manufacturing process to glean insights into human and machine performance. While this practice isn't novel, its execution has evolved significantly. If data is important to your organization -- and it should be -- then make sure you understand the nuances of how your data is stored, accessed, and presented in ways that make extracting insights straightforward.
A Guide to the Best Manufacturing Software
With so many types of manufacturing software available, it can be daunting to decide which your factory needs. That’s why we compiled a short list of the most critical types of manufacturing operations software every factory should have.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) -- (but not prematurely)
As we’ve talked about before, implementing an ERP system can be a transformative step for businesses, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity. If you haven't yet implemented an ERP system, it's worth assessing whether the timing is optimal. Some MOMs offer basic ERP functionalities, serving as a transitional solution until your business requires a comprehensive ERP platform.
If you're already committed to an ERP, make sure it integrates easily with the rest of your tech stack. By aligning MOM with ERP, manufacturers can ensure real-time data exchange, streamlined processes, and holistic visibility across the entire manufacturing lifecycle, from production planning to inventory management.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
PLM refers to the handling of a good as it moves through the typical stages of its product life, explains Investopedia. Manufacturing is perhaps one of the most important stages. Centralized storage and management of product-related data, including CAD files, documents, specifications, and revisions are typically what is stored within a standard PLM. This comprehensive view of a product’s lifecycle provides valuable insight into optimizing manufacturing efforts.
Like other manufacturing operations management software, PLM works better integrated with other software types. Introducing any manufacturing software that operates in isolation from your existing systems is prone to fostering silos, which can pose challenges in the future. Prioritize thorough research into the effort and expertise required to develop seamless integrations, ensuring smoother operations in the long term.
An MOM or a similar solution serves as a solid cornerstone for your factory tech stack. However, it's crucial to ensure it boasts a flexible, open API, enabling seamless integration with all your other systems without requiring extensive IT resources or costly customization.
Ultimately, ensure you find a PLM that is easy to integrate with the rest of your toolset.
Material Resource Planning (MRP)
Know exactly what your factory needs and when it’s needed. An MRP empowers you to leverage data to ensure you have what you need to deliver products on time and on budget. This software can help automate purchasing, production scheduling, supply chain, and inventory management processes to accelerate planning and execution.
The critical distinction to consider when you're evaluating multiple MRPs is finding one that is powered by predictive planning functionality.
Predictive planning in manufacturing involves using data analytics, machine learning, and other advanced technologies to forecast future demand, production needs, and potential bottlenecks in the manufacturing process.
The best MRPs automate the production planning process by enabling you to enter a delivery date which results in a detailed production schedule based on our unique data.
When you connect your supply chain and inventory to the factory floor, you can gain greater control over your production planning.
Modern Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Of all the manufacturing operations software available, a modern MES is perhaps the most indispensable for the factory of the future. This type of manufacturing software empowers you with real-time insights, seamless automation, and unparalleled scalability to help you optimize production. The latest, most evolved solutions are more aligned with what you'd expect from a factory operating system -- where the focus is on increasing observability, connect-ability, and predictability across teams for increased collaboration and quality where it matters most -- on the production floor.
Rather than being bogged down by data and legacy systems, a modern MES puts the power of real-time production data at your fingertips. Gain insight into everything that’s going on at your factory to mitigate delays and ensure every product is a champion. And the best part? A modern MES can grow with you thanks to unmatched scalability.
What are you waiting for? Unlock your full potential with the best manufacturing process software that connects all your essential systems. First Resonance is a premier modern MES vendor that ensures you’re not just getting another software solution; you’re gaining a strategic partner committed to your success.
Learn more about our ION Factory OS platform today.