Digitising in no time: introduce apps to your workplace

We regularly hear it from manufacturing companies in our network, which have limited in-house IT services: how can we digitise without getting bogged down in long, expensive processes whose outcome on the shop floor is uncertain? The solution is to give some processes a digital translation and support them with apps. Our experience shows that in this way, SMEs achieve results very quickly with a limited investment and can significantly increase their efficiency.

From our own, hands-on experience within the STAS group, we have developed a series of applications that we further personalise according to concrete needs. Here are a few examples:

• Operations app: this app digitises the process of a machine or production line. The operator receives instructions via a digital work order, for starting, stopping and following up, reporting quality issues, etc. Here, we integrate the necessary video and photo instructions (via manual.to).
• Communications app: this application allows for structured communication between the production floor and the support services. Each incident can be easily reported, resulting in faster resolution.
• Quality control app: through this application, we introduce a digitised control process. Through a step-by-step plan with the necessary instructions, an assembly can be checked, pieces can be measured, photos can be taken of specific items and data based on serial numbers are also retained.
• Safety app: this app is designed to report dangerous situations, a problem or accident. This way, you quickly and effectively increase safety in your manufacturing company. Moreover, any psychosocial challenges on the floor can also be discreetly reported to a confidant.

These are just a few examples. We can also build very specific apps for your concrete needs. To elaborate those digital applications, we use the Microsoft Power Platform. Since just about all manufacturing companies in our country work with and are familiar with Microsoft, no additional licences are needed. Because we program in so-called ‘low code’, we have a very affordable solution that is quickly up and running: the lead time from intake to implementation is usually about four weeks.

From all the Digital Factory projects we have carried out with Squadron so far, we learn that the return on investment is in several areas:

1. Your production is run more efficiently: faster lead times, less error burden, higher quality, smoother training of new employees, better internal communication ...
2. Without digital tools, your production is often a black box. Our apps and dashboards make it visible where the problems are: issues with raw materials, machines, drawings or instructions are logged very quickly, allowing quicker corrections.
3. Collecting data makes data analysis possible in the medium term. You gain insight into recurring problems, which products are harder to produce and where you get the highest returns.
4. As you digitally track your efforts around workplace safety, you can even talk to your workplace accident insurance about better terms!

Last but not least, if you get the process right, you will tap into a wealth of information. Knowledge sitting on the shop floor with your employees can finally be put to good use. We ensure that the input automatically reaches the right person for further follow-up. This allows you to fine-tune and improve your production step by step.

Do you want to become a digital factory and get started with apps? Then we will listen to your story and find where the low-hanging fruit is. We analyse the process and see how we can improve it, and then build an application tailored to your needs. We provide a design that users can work with smoothly, just like the other apps on their smartphone. From as little as € 5.000, you can turn your production's black box into a golden source of data.