In the digital age, strategic management isn’t just limited to discussion and collaboration. Today it is about creating tangible processes that are universal, adaptable and systematic in nature. For example, in the manufacturing industry, it is extremely important to quantify and measure operational activities because if they aren’t quantified, then the quality of finished goods can get affected. Managers may not be able to see inefficiencies or bottlenecks, tracking deadlines may turn into a nightmare and managing the workforce could become challenging.
Therefore, to tackle issues like this, manufacturing companies rely on tools to simplify processes. These tools help companies stay ahead of demands and keep workflow productive. Two of such tools are:
– Project Management Methodologies/Strategies/Software
– Manufacturing Execution Software (MES)
Often a mix of both is used to achieve optimal productivity.
Understanding Manufacturing Execution System & Project Management
A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a digital solution that integrates into a company’s existing ERP system. Its main use is to centralize data, monitor, control and document processes from the factory floor. It is often used by manufacturing industry of all sizes to manage operational activities in the form of a useful dashboard, one that collects data like workflows, orders, quality assurance standards, component tracing etc. and presents it in the form of insights.
Project Management on the other hand are methodologies designed to oversee projects, track progress, allocate resources, and manage deadlines. It is a management system that is used either in the form of software or just strategic agile methodologies. It helps manufacturers streamline planning, ensuring that tasks are updated, well allocated in an agile manner and tracked while meeting deadlines. The aim of project management in manufacturing industry is to achieve production goals efficiently.
How MES & Project Management Complement Each Other
Effective Production Planning & Scheduling:
PMS helps manufacturers assign & schedule tasks, allocate resources and track deadlines. When this management proficiency is integrated with the capabilities of MES, it helps Managers adjust schedules accordingly and plan ahead, preventing blockages and delays.
Fact-Based Decision Making:
MES captures live production data that can be fed in project management systems or used overall to understand operational needs. Managers can leverage this data to make informed and quick decisions based on real-time data. They can adjust work plans and even predict future trends based on current insights, e.g. the amount of output needed 3 months from today based on present numbers.
Enhanced Resource Utilization In Manufacturing Industry:
Effective project management ensures that human and material resources are utilized optimally. MES on the other hand tracks usage and availability. This integration prevents underutilization or overuse of precious resources. With the help of MES one can trace back raw materials, with the help of project management, Managers can find the best ways to allocate those raw materials effectively. A win-win situation for both employees and business.
Seamless Communication & Collaboration:
MES helps centralize factory floor data and turn it into actionable insights. Engineers, Production Managers and Project Leads can use this data with project management to establish best modes of communication and collaboration with the workforce for uninterrupted work.
Cost & Time Management:
MES reduces waste by identifying inefficiencies in the manufacturing process, helping reduce production cost, while project management ensures on-time management and a centralized collaborative environment that connects various departments together. This seamless integration saves both time and cost.
Quality Control & Compliance:
MES helps maintain quality standards by tracking defects and deviations. With strong project management, compliance measures can be planned and executed swiftly, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
A Valuable Combination For Operations
MES and Project Management together fasten the manufacturing process, ensuring that fast-paced demands are met without compromising quality. Together they bridge the gap between planning and execution, adding value to a firm through a more holistic approach.
At Inevia, we are very conscious of the manufacturing industry’s changing demands. As a firm that provides 360-degree manufacturing solutions, we crafted Traveler MES and Flight Deck Project Management tool for small and medium enterprises that require cost effective operational solutions to keep up with the dynamic needs of their clients.
With Traveler and Flight Deck, you can customize your internal systems with state-of-the-art tech and help your team and business grow exponentially.
Get in touch with us for a quick demo!
