Today, many companies will agree that using data management tools can simplify operational processes, and improve the company’s overall efficiency. Data management in the manufacturing industry has come a long way in influencing how manufacturers choose to operate.
By accurately and consistently utilizing data through integrated solutions that connect planning and production, manufacturing companies can reduce a product’s life cycle to increase output and overall sales. If you’re after the best data management tools for manufacturing companies, this article should help point you in the right direction.
1. Data Virtualization Tools
If your manufacturing company relies heavily on data for swift operation, a data virtualization tool will certainly come in handy. Data virtualization is starting to gain popularity; in fact, it’s now the fastest-growing form of data integration. Thanks to an abstraction layer and the data catalog, data virtualization aims to simplify navigation in all of the company’s data. With database virtualization tools, you can access real-time data that’s easy to find and understand. However, if you’re unsure where to start, companies like TIBCO can help.
Their integrated solution provides various data sources like IoT (Internet of Things) and meets all required capabilities of a data virtualization software. This includes an agile design and high-performance runtime. Better yet, they’ve also incorporated a business directory for easy retrieval of data.
2. Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
The benefits of HR software can’t be overemphasized. It offers the core HR functions to effectively manage employee information and ease the hiring process. It will also help HR professionals track, automate, and measure employee engagement and employee benefits to optimize your business operations — which ultimately eases the conduction of performance appraisals. Furthermore, with a human resource management system, you can send personalized emails and screen candidates.
Apart from employee management and administration, it makes applicant tracking and resumes management much easier. All in all, with a human resource data management tool, you no longer have to struggle to find quality candidates. Your HR department can also wave goodbye to payroll mistakes.
If you’re not sure where to find the best human resources information system, there are many to choose from. A quick Google search for ‘HRIS software’ is a great way to start.
3. Product Life Cycle Management Tools
Product change is never easy to manage, as it comes with a set of challenges. That’s why a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool is essential for manufacturing companies. A PLM tool helps you coordinate and execute design reviews. Furthermore, you can reduce the cost of managing PLM processes and the manual effort involved. With the use of a PLM tool, you can also assign people to the right tasks, provide the correct data, and make the right decisions at the right time.
4. Process Planning Tools
If you’re after an efficient way to manage production, a process planning tool might come in handy. Such a tool allows you to initiate, review, and manage manufacturing processes from start to finish. Most process planning tools allow users to integrate the Bill of Process (BOP), Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM), and the Bill of Equipment (BOE) from one solution.
For instance, a manufacturer can create processes that represent a series of steps for an assembly plan within the BOP. The next step is to assign the relevant parts from the MBOM to precise operations, along with the required tools and resources from the BOE.
5. Business Reporting Tools
Business reporting and analytics tools are essential to any business that is keen on making informed decisions. A business intelligence tool allows you to retrieve, analyze, and represent data in charts or tables. Furthermore, you can quickly spot all the vital information about your products for better operational efficiency and better decision making processes.
