Beacon Trak: Connect Workers & Supervisors in Real-Time
Up until recently, the manufacturing landscape was characterized by a lack of real-time information and communication hurdles that often left manufacturers grappling with operational inefficiencies. Issues took longer to resolve, paper-based record-keeping was the norm, and supervisors had limited visibility into ongoing production processes. Decision-making was often based on outdated information, and manufacturing floors lacked a level of dynamic responsiveness that is achievable today using the latest in cutting-edge technology.
In our ongoing series on Trak-Suite, the comprehensive suite of applications and services designed to streamline and optimize the usage of Infor SyteLine ERP, we introduce Beacon-Trak, a groundbreaking addition that connects manufacturing supervisors and workers with real-time information, enhancing their decision-making capabilities and overall operational efficiency.
Beacon-Trak is an integral part of Shop-Trak, as previously discussed in our series. In this article, we will delve into how Beacon-Trak utilizes small Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons to provide real-time, role-based information to stakeholders at various points of production. This technology is revolutionizing how manufacturing facilities operate and improve overall productivity.
Real-Time Insights at Your Fingertips
With Beacon-Trak, a small BLE beacon is attached to each machine or production area. As an individual moves within the proximity of these machines, the beacon communicates with their digital devices, such as a tablet or notebook, providing real-time information tailored to their specific role.
For shop floor supervisors, Beacon-Trak offers a wealth of information, including details about the ongoing job, the individuals working on it, current piece counts, scrap counts, and a comparison of production trends to the planned schedule. It even shows whether the job is running ahead or behind schedule and provides access to notes, drawings, specifications, and work instructions. This information is automatically delivered to the supervisor's device as they move around the facility, providing them with real-time insights and up-to-the-second updates to make sure production is running according to plan.
Supervisors also have the flexibility to switch between different beacons and areas of production, allowing them to monitor and respond to issues as they arise. Beacon-Trak utilizes a simple-to-read color-coded alert system that enables fast response to areas that may be having issues. This dynamic capability ensures that problems are addressed quickly and proactively, allowing for a more efficient manufacturing process.
Role-Based Information for Everyone
While Beacon-Trak is especially valuable for shop floor supervisors, its incredible benefits are not limited to supervisors. It caters to various roles within a manufacturing facility, including machine operators, planners and schedulers, managers and executives, and quality control technicians. When individuals with different roles approach the same machine, they see personalized views that align with their specific production needs.
- Floor workers are given the detailed data they need to make sure their production areas are run efficiently and their output is keeping up with their goals.
- For schedulers, it displays the order of jobs to be run at any given point of production, enabling them to re-sequence work as needed, which automatically updates workers’ Visual Dispatch in real-time.
- Managers and C-suite executives have access to real-time data that can drive enterprise-level decision-making.
- Quality control technicians can access quality-related information about the job in progress, including scrap data and reasons for scrap.
- Transforming Manufacturing Operations
Because Beacon-Trak can be effectively utilized by individuals in various manufacturing positions, the information displayed is tailored to the user's role, providing relevant insights for informed decision-making. Manufacturers therefore stand to benefit significantly from Beacon-Trak in several ways:
- Faster Issue Resolution: Real-time information empowers supervisors and managers to identify and address issues swiftly, minimizing production disruptions.
- Paperless Operations: Say goodbye to scribbling notes on paper notepads. Beacon-Trak eliminates the need for manual documentation, ensuring that information is always up to date.
- Real-Time Responsiveness: Beacon-Trak allows for immediate responses to production challenges, making it easier to support workers and optimize operations.
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Keep track of workers' vacation and sick time, approve vacation requests, and ensure seamless workforce management.
- Streamlined User Experience: You don't need to be an IT professional to use Beacon-Trak. Its user-friendly interface filters out unnecessary information, allowing users to focus on the work specific to them.
The Power of Trak-Suite
While Beacon-Trak is a formidable tool on its own, its true potential is unleashed when integrated into the broader Trak-Suite ecosystem. The cohesiveness of Trak-Suite products and services ensures that they work seamlessly together, filling gaps and creating a streamlined user experience. When using Trak-Suite, the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts.
With Trak-Suite, manufacturers gain access to a comprehensive set of applications and programs that address various aspects of their operations, from production monitoring and planning to quality control and workforce management. This integrated approach not only enhances efficiency but also simplifies the management of manufacturing processes.
Explore the Possibilities with Trak-Suite
In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, staying ahead of the competition requires innovative solutions that empower your workforce and enhance operational efficiency. Trak-Suite is leading the way in this endeavor, bringing the manufacturing industry into a new era of real-time information and data-driven decision-making.
If you're ready to embrace the future of manufacturing and experience the numerous benefits of Trak-Suite, we encourage you to learn more or request a free demo.
In the next article of our series, we will delve into the advantages of APS Made Easier, which simplifies data analysis and optimizes scheduling for on-time fulfillment. Stay tuned for more insights into how Trak-Suite is revolutionizing manufacturing operations.
