SafetyCulture Shop Floor Management Software
SafetyCulture (iAuditor)
- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture is a scalable platform that you can tailor to your company’s different needs, which is why it works for organizations of all sizes. With this tool, you get a bird’s eye view of shop floor operations while also digitizing manual tasks such as inspections and audits. Using this software also ensures managers have an easier time making informed decisions to boost efficiency, reduce production cost, and improve productivity from any device, from frontliners to backend management.
Features:
- Digitize time-consuming tasks like product quality inspections, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) compliance checks, and risk assessments thorough the use of smart checklists.
- Gain visibility over shop floor operations to identify and address production inefficiencies through the data collection and analytics tool.
- View shop assets, equipment, and tools from any device to track availability and conditions of materials or equipment.
- Automate workflows with integrations and designated people at their respective sites to boost productivity.
- Empower employees to report issues found on the shop floor to create a more efficient communication channel between managers and floor workers.
Why use Plex?
Plex allows managers to facilitate shop floor operations while getting real-time updates, making it easier to find problems, improve operations, and manage teams. It streamlines processes like SOP compliance, change controls, and quality control, offering a centralized platform for efficient production management.
Features:
- Batch records management
- Production monitoring
- Visual scheduling
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use DELMIAWorks?
DELMIAWorks (formerly IQMS) is a powerful platform for shop floor management in the mid-market manufacturing industry, offering features like shop floor control, batch records management, calibrations, and visual scheduling. This allows managers to enhance operational efficiency and boost overall production.
Features:
- Job and processing cost estimation
- Automated resource planning and management
- Logistics coordination
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Fishbowl?
Fishbowl is a powerful manufacturing software designed to simplify complex processes, thus also able to assist in shop floor management. It offers features like inventory management and tracking for different industries while boasting a simple user-interface and various native integrations.
Features:
- Warehouse management
- Vendor and goods receiving management
- Accounting and financial support
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use MESTEC?
The MESTEC by Eyelit Technologies platform specializes in shop floor control, giving managers a bird’s eye view of operations and making it easier to spot problem areas and improve operations. It focuses on real-time data collection and analysis to optimize production processes.
Features:
- Advanced planning and scheduling
- Labor management
- Real-time dashboard management
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Katana?
Katana offers you full control of your shop floor with multiple integrations and task tracking options. This gives you real-time insights on production while also making it easy to improve operational efficiency.
Features:
- Live production overview
- Task generation and assignment
- Shop floor operator management
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $179/month, billed annually
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Fusion Operations?
Fusion Operations by Autodesk focuses on streamlining shop floor operations by tracking all tasks and changes within the production area. It enhances productivity and offers real-time insights into production activities.
Features:
- Customizable alerts
- Shift management
- Integrated machine management tools
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (with a free 14-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Shop Floor Management Software?
Shop floor management software is a digital platform that allows managers to oversee shop floor operations. These are designed to make data accessible and accurate, allowing managers to find problem areas and make informed decisions to improve operational efficiency. This is a critical tool when aiming for operational excellence, especially in manufacturing.
The integration of shop floor management software represents a leap forward in operational efficiency. It replaces traditional, manual methods with automated systems, fostering precision and reducing the likelihood of errors.
Importance
The biggest benefit of using shop floor management software is that it allows managers to create and implement more efficient and productive practices. These platforms gather data and analytics that would be too time-consuming to collect manually. That way, you can gain valuable insights into shop floor operations and determine different ways to improve productivity.
Having a close view of operations throughout the production process allows managers to have better control of quality. This means that products will adhere to standards, which improve the reputation of the organization while reducing the risk of potential regulatory issues.
This is why more businesses are adopting these platforms for shop floor operations. If you’re looking for ways to improve the shop floor as a manager, it may be time to adopt one of these platforms in your operations.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features you must have in a shop floor management software:
Inventory Management
Efficient inventory management is pivotal for smooth operations. Shop floor management software provides a comprehensive view of inventory levels, enabling businesses to minimize waste, prevent shortages, and optimize stock levels. The right software also helps managers keep track of inventory issues and implement the necessary inventory control measures, streamlining operations in one place.
Production Scheduling
Timely production is a cornerstone of success. The software excels in creating accurate production schedules, aligning with demand forecasts, and minimizing downtime. This feature ensures a seamless production flow across all levels and promotes more efficient sales practices.
Employee Performance Tracking
Understanding and optimizing workforce productivity is integral. The ideal shop floor management software should include tools for tracking and assessing employee performance, fostering a data-driven approach to human resource management. It would also be best for it to come with training features, making it easier to monitor and encourage personal growth.
Choosing the Right Software
Here’s a quick comparison of the software featured above to make it easier to find the right fit for your organization:
| App Name | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
| Plex | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| DELMIAWorks | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Fishbowl | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| MESTEC | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
| Katana | No | Starts at $179/month* | No |
| Fusion Operations | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
Leon Altomonte