World Class Manufacturing Tools and Software

Implementing world class manufacturing (WCM) tools and software can drastically change the way manufacturing firms manage their day-to-day operations. From using statistical control charts to monitor the different stages of a production process to incorporating AI-powered software to digitize and optimize shop floor procedures, industry leaders are gravitating towards the new era of digitalization.

But what exactly is WCM? This management ideology focuses on developing timely, high-quality goods or services to enhance customer satisfaction. WCM software and tools aid in this process by helping workers maximize productivity and reduce product defects.

The bottom line: manufacturers should embrace new digital technologies on the shop floor to stay ahead of the competition. Learn more about some of the most important WCM tools and software by exploring the following sections:

World class manufacturing tools
Benefits of WCM tools
World class manufacturing software and how Augmentir can help

World class manufacturing tools

Applying world class manufacturing tools to your everyday operations is a great way to objectively measure and analyze production floor data. Keep in mind that achieving world-class performance is dependent on using a combination of tools.

Some WCM tools include:

Flowchart: It is a diagram of steps that map the different stages of a production process.
Value flow mapping: It is visual aid of all the components needed for product distribution.
Cost deployment: It is a method that identifies losses in the manufacturing process to cut costs.
Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle: It is a management problem-solving tool that measures and improves products by showing where changes need to be made in a specific process.
Kaizen: It is a philosophy that stresses the importance of executing manufacturing processes that continuously boost operations.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs): They are step-by-step directions for how to carry out everyday production tasks. Increasingly, SOPs are being digitized and made available to workers through mobile devices.
Lean manufacturing: It is the practice of reducing waste and maximizing worker productivity to improve assembly line operations.
5S of lean manufacturing: It stands for a five-step methodology for creating and maintaining an efficient workplace (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain).
Muda: Based on the Japanese word for waste, this concept identifies seven types of waste to get rid of (overproduction, idle waiting, moving unnecessary parts, overprocessing, excessive inventory, unnecessary movement of people, and defective parts).
Total productive maintenance: It focuses on using workers, machinery/equipment, and supporting processes to improve the overall safety and quality of production.
Failure modes and effects (FMEA): It is a method for analyzing a process to troubleshoot where and how it might fail to gauge its impact and identify the parts most in need of improvement.
Poka-yoke: Also known as mistake-proofing, this prevention tool works to prevent potential human errors at work.
Six Sigma: It works to reduce operational errors through data analysis and statistical tools to find areas of improvement.

It’s also important to note that these tools are just a few of many that are used widely in manufacturing processes.

Benefits of WCM tools

The above world manufacturing tools can provide a number of benefits for companies looking to gain a competitive edge.

Some of those benefits include:

Enhanced data tracking and monitoring of operational procedures
Decreased costs in overproduction, raw materials, wasteful processes, and more
Greater flexibility in adapting existing processes to meet consumer demand
Creation of high-quality products free of errors and defects

World class manufacturing software and how Augmentir can help

Augmentir offers an industry leading enterprise solution for world class manufacturing implementation. Our cloud-based connected worker platform helps improve the way manufacturers work in industrial settings.

This software can be used by operations management and production supervisors to create, assign, manage, and monitor the work being done. In return, workers can better execute the work assigned to them on a daily basis.

Our software makes it easier to implement the above tools, from lean manufacturing to standard operating procedures. For example, our connected worker solution can:

Improve productivity
Reduce employee training time
Decrease product rework
Reduce worker and machine downtime

The combination of digital work instructions and real-time support can help manufacturing firms optimize production processes to fit the specific needs of a company. It also helps operations managers better gauge the efficiency of their workforce and identify areas to improve.

Become a world class manufacturer with our customized connected worker solution — request a live demo today!