Understanding Manufacturing Operations Management Software
Manufacturing operations management (MOM) is a software system designed to improve processes, creating an efficient and effective manufacturing operation. MOM software can oversee all parts of the manufacturing process as it relates to production operations, including:
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Production Planning
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Quality Control
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Supply Chain Management
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Inventory Management
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Maintenance Operations
Having access to real-time data on these processes can provide manufacturing companies with valuable insight into daily processes and where they can be improved.
Importance of Manufacturing Operations Management Software in Modern Industry
In order to gain a competitive edge in today’s manufacturing industry, companies must utilize advanced technology to run manufacturing processes. When a manufacturer’s production processes are controlled with a software system, they can quickly respond to changes in market demand.
MOM software is used to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency, which will reduce downtime and improve the production process. With efficient operations management, manufacturers can reduce costs and increase production output, which can put them ahead of their competition.
Key Components of Manufacturing Operations Management Software
To cover the manufacturing production line workflows, MOM software will typically include features that cover manufacturing execution systems, quality management, and production planning.
Manufacturing execution systems (MES) provide companies with a comprehensive view of their manufacturing processes while collecting data on production efficiency. With access to a wide amount of data on production operations, manufacturers can take this valuable data and use it to optimize production processes.
Quality and compliance software is essential for manufacturing companies, as it runs robust quality control processes and ensures production processes are in compliance with any market or industry regulations. With quality control software, manufacturers can prioritize product quality while reducing overall production costs and increasing customer satisfaction.
Production planning software, also referred to as production scheduling software, is designed to give manufacturers control over their production schedules. With easy access to current production schedules, manufacturers can identify opportunities to streamline production planning and reduce the amount of waste and downtime on the production line.
Implementation Challenges of Manufacturing Operations Management Software
The challenges to implementing MOM software are similar to the challenges most manufacturing companies face when implementing a new software system. Since most manufacturing companies will already be using at least one software solution to manage their operations, systems integration will be a concern during implementation. Integrating software systems to communicate with each other fully is essential to managing manufacturing operations effectively.
Another common challenge to implementing a new manufacturing management software system is ensuring that it is adopted by employees and used to manage business processes. Some employees may be resistant to change, so offering multiple training sessions to give employees time to learn and understand the software is essential. Along with in-person training sessions, employees should also be provided with recorded walkthroughs and a user guide to ensure they are using the software solution correctly.
Features and Functions of Top Manufacturing Operations Management Software
While the features and functions of manufacturing operations management software can vary based on the solution, there are a couple of essential features.
Resource allocation is a critical feature for managing daily operations, as knowing how many employees will be scheduled will determine production operations. Managing resource allocation through a software solution also makes it simple for manufacturers to adjust employee schedules if there are any changes to the production schedule due to supply chain disruptions.
Reporting and data analytics are other features that are essential for manufacturing companies looking to grow and focus on optimizing production processes. MOM software can collect and analyze large amounts of data on manufacturing processes, transforming it into valuable data. This data can be used to support data-driven decision-making and measure key performance indicators.
Selecting the Most Suitable Management Software
When it comes to selecting a management software solution, there are a few criteria manufacturing companies should consider. The scalability of a software solution is important for a manufacturer looking to grow its business and focus on innovative opportunities. Scalable software solutions are designed to be changed as a manufacturer’s production processes change, ensuring the software can be used in the long term.
Another consideration is whether an off-the-shelf or custom software solution is better for the company’s specific manufacturing processes. For example, if a manufacturer has workflows with little or no deviation from the industry standard, then an off-the-shelf solution is likely the better option. However, if a manufacturer has unique workflows and requirements, then a custom solution will better support their production processes.
Maximizing Efficiency With Coordinated Manufacturing Operations Management Software
Manufacturing operations management software is designed to streamline operations, which results in efficient production management. When manufacturing coordinators can manage the operations processes from a single software solution, they can reduce the number of errors and the risk of downtime.
Role of Coordination in Manufacturing Operations Management
While there are specific processes that benefit from manufacturing operations management software, an overall benefit for manufacturers includes the ability to coordinate operations better. Regardless of the size of the manufacturing company, coordinating production operations is complex due to all of the moving parts. Managing manufacturing operations with MOM software streamlines production management into a single solution, improving operational efficiency.
Steps to Implement and Coordinate Manufacturing Operations Management Software
The implementation workflow for MOM software will depend on the software vendor. For an off-the-shelf solution, the vendor will configure the software to a manufacturer’s configuration and ensure there is a seamless data flow. For a custom solution, the software development company will push the solution to a live environment and give the manufacturer time to verify the workflows are accurate.
For both off-the-shelf and custom solutions, there will be a training period where employees will be shown the system and the available workflows and features.
Work With Geneca Today
If you’re ready to take the next step and learn more about how manufacturing operations management software can transform your production operations, contact Geneca today for a commitment-free consultation! Our software development team comes with experience in the manufacturing industry, so you can be sure our business analysts and software developers understand your unique workflows and requirements.