Manufacturing Quality Software, quality control software for manufacturing free download. Our manufacturing quality software supports the most successful ERP, MRP and SCM platforms to provide quality control in all areas of manufacturing such as MES, shop floor inspection and test stations
This free quality control software allows you to effectively manage your company’s quality assurance in manufacturing and ensure zero defects in your parts and products. Quality assurance software for manufacturing allows you to set up a quality control program by helping you define the required QMS standards and their implementation.
What Is A Manufacturing Operating System?
A manufacturing operating system is a major step in the evolution of manufacturing processes and practices in a facility. What is an operating system? It is a framework of interdependent elements — including benchmarks and improvement techniques for each — designed to strive for and result in operational excellence.
A manufacturing management operating system governs all facets of the manufacturing process — providing guidance for decision-making, scheduling, budgeting, maintenance, procurement, validation, quality, fulfillment and more. With the standards set by an industrial operating system, managers and personnel are free to focus on the tasks at hand — maintenance, production, planning and otherwise.
What Are the Benefits of the ATS Manufacturing Operating System?
Manufacturing operations management systems offer a range of benefits at all levels and functions of the facility, all of which are centered on the (described above) decision-making and enablement framework. In this section, we will look at the tangible benefits that come as a result:
- Consistency and reliability in processes: The industrial operating system takes the guesswork out of processes by developing and applying SOPs (standard operating procedures) for any function that takes place in the facility — from production to maintenance, inventory to procurement, and forecasting and HR. This consistency and reliability allow personnel to focus on carrying out functions at the highest level possible, rather than constantly reinventing the wheel.
- Data-driven objectives and results: One of the key benefits of an operating system is that as a consistent framework, it facilitates a data-driven approach to planning, process development and results analysis. With this data on hand, you are better-equipped to track quality, results and areas for improvement.
- A way to overcome technical skills gaps: A manufacturing operating system can provide a way around skills gaps by providing assistance and guidance in scenarios where personnel specialties and experience may not be on par with what is necessary. By providing a framework, even less-skilled personnel should be able to adequately complete many tasks.
- Alignment with customer goals: Customer goals and objectives are an inherent part of the operating system framework. These goals are identified at the outset of a project, and plugged into the framework, so that there is no chance of crossed signals as to customer expectations.
- Streamlined communication: Communication is a key part of every operating system framework — with documentation, validation and quality checks built into the process. This better ensures a project or process will only move forward when the proper communication channels have been activated every step of the way.
- A unified company culture of excellence: A well-planned, effective management operating system can be a source of support and pride throughout the organization. As the results of the operating system become apparent — improved customer satisfaction, higher productivity and streamlined functions for personnel — employees will develop more and more affinity for the program and the success that it delivers.
How to find the right manufacturing software
There is no secret recipe for choosing manufacturing software. The way companies need to approach software selection depends on many factors, such as:
- The company’s IT environment, especially the software it already uses for manufacturing and the technology used to support it
- The planned future development of the company, which may include activity diversification, upsizing or downsizing
- The company’s budget for software acquisition and maintenance, especially considering that cloud computing requires a lower initial investment than installed software
- The level of complexity of the manufacturer’s business processes, which may require specialized software
- The need for change management or business process reengineering, which tends to be overlooked during implementation
Based on all these challenges, companies can take different approaches when it comes to selecting manufacturing software. Let’s take a look at some of the most important.
Software versus services
More and more vendors provide services that can replace software either partially or entirely. One example is supply chain network services, which allow manufacturers to find and manage suppliers using an online portal. This solution is much easier and less expensive to maintain than traditional supply chain software. Another example is CAD (computer-aided design) libraries, which provide manufacturers with CAD models for thousands of parts, thus allowing them to reduce or eliminate the need to design products in-house.
There are also companies that focus on services that companies can use to outsource operations. Product design and development is one example of a service that can replace expensive software like CAD or PLM (product lifecycle management). Logistics services such as warehousing, transportation, or customs brokerage are other examples that can prove very beneficial for companies that cannot afford to invest in their own fleet or in software for transportation management.
Also, new technologies like 3D printing allow manufacturers to either purchase their own printers or work with companies specializing in additive manufacturing. One of the challenges of 3D printing is to convert CAD designs into models that are compatible with the printers. There are hundreds of 3D printing services providers that specialize in different types of materials such as ceramics, composite, glass, metal and more.
Finally, outsourced manufacturing is still prevalent, despite a trend to bring manufacturing back in regions like North America and Europe. Contrary to common beliefs, manufacturing operations aren’t always outsourced overseas: there are many U.S. and European companies that offer this type of service.
These services aren’t always cheaper than investing in software and qualified personnel for product development or production. It may be quite challenging to control the quality of the outsourced work, and collaboration between various partners isn’t always easy.
Top Manufacturing Management Software Options
1. Hubstaff
Manufacturing time tracking is essential for improving production.
Hubstaff Field is a trusted partner in the process of boosting your assembly line performance. Its real-time monitoring tools fuel better planning, team scheduling, and workforce management. With Hubstaff Field, you can conduct unobtrusive employee monitoring and GPS tracking. Data is automatically collected in online timesheets, which then feed into analytical reports.
It’s easy to clock in and out from any device — through Hubstaff apps — ensuring time cards are accurate and simple for your whole team to use.
Hubstaff also provides manufacturing businesses with easy online invoicing and payroll functionalities. This means you can handle timesheets and payments within the same dashboard. On the basis of the rich data collected, the platform also helps you handle better project budgeting.
For top-of-the-line tech that automatically clocks your team in and out when they get to work, try Hubstaff Field. For a simpler solution without GPS features, check out Hubstaff Time.
Pricing: There is a free plan with basic capabilities, but Time plans start at only $7/month per user. Hubstaff Field starts at $10 per user per month. There is a 14-day free trial.
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2. NetSuite Manufacturing
Oracle’s NetSuite platform has a manufacturing solution, and it is one of the best manufacturing ERP software options on the market. It’s cloud-based and provides tools to handle all manufacturing processes, from the shop floor to the top floor. The most notable capabilities include customer relationship management (CRM), centralized product data, and efficient order handling.
NetSuite also empowers better production planning based on balancing supply and demand, procurement processing, and supply chain control. NetSuite caters to a wide variety of manufacturing businesses, from consumer goods to medical devices.
Pricing: depends on company size, but NetSuite’s base license costs $999 per month with access costs of $99 per user, per month.
3. Global Shop Solutions
Global Shop Solutions is another ERP option, which offers a different set of features in comparison with NetSuite. It is targeted at the heavier industries, such as machine building, aerospace, plastics, rubber, wood manufacturing, and similar fields. The production management software boasts a number of tools, which you can match and mix to your company’s needs.
The most powerful features of Global Shop Solutions include CAD interface, inventory, job costing, product configurator, shop floor management, and quality control. In addition, the platform also provides manufacturers with CRM, company messaging, and advertising, among many other extra features.
Pricing: Available upon request
4. Fishbowl Manufacturing
Fishbowl Manufacturing is an ERP solution targeted at small and medium-sized businesses with suitable functionalities and pricing. The suite offers work and manufacturing orders, as well as advanced handling the bill of material costs. With Fishbowl, manufacturers can track their inventory across multiple locations. Inventory management is handled with useful features such as tracking and reorder points.
The platform allows you to create multilevel work orders, so you get visibility on production stages across the board. Fishbowl also supports part tracking, shipping, and sales and purchasing functionalities. Notably, it integrates with two popular work tools for SMBs: FreshBooks and Xero. In this way, you can handle your accounting processes from the ERP while using your preferred accounting app.
Pricing: Available upon request. There is a 14-day free trial.
5. Prodsmart
Prodsmart is a top option for manufacturing execution system software (MES). Its motto is that it connects machines, people and processes. With Prodsmart, you can transition to digital shop floor monitoring with ease. The system is flexible so it can adapt to your operations. In addition, it processes real-time data so you get an analysis straight in your dashboard.
The platform also provides planning and manufacturing resource planning (MRP) tools. These tools are based on robust data collection, which also makes managing stock easier and more effective. Prodsmart also visualizes workflows for better overview and allows for seamless employee scheduling and tracking. You can also conduct quality management from within the tool.
Pricing: Plans start at $199/month per manager for a minimum of three managers. There is a 14-day free trial. Custom enterprise solutions are available, too.
Conclusion
As a manufacturer, you need quality control software that helps you to manage production:. Our Manufacturing Quality Software helps your organization achieve its objectives through increased productivity and cost reduction.