Top 6 Manufacturing Communication Systems that Enhance Efficiency and Collaboration

The recent past has seen a significant shift in work patterns, with an increasing number of workers choosing to work remotely or with more flexible hours.

When discussing this remarkable change, manufacturing workers, who make up a significant portion of the workforce, continue to feel excluded from the shift to flexible workplaces.

The effective implementation of digital technology is a crucial—yet often disregarded—aspect of communication in manufacturing. In production environments, where both humans and automation increasingly manage processes, digital communication tools are particularly significant.

This blog discusses the top 6 manufacturing communication systems, their intrinsic benefits, and their use cases. Let’s dive in!

A Wider Picture of Manufacturing Communication

Employees on factory floors must directly speak to one another or use online chat programs for internal communication. Information typically flows in the best possible way in these situations.

Many manufacturers have departments that mostly work alone and rarely communicate with the teams around them. When this occurs, an information silo forms; even though essential knowledge could be very helpful to others in the same company.

Information silos have an overall impact of reducing a company’s efficiency, even if this is not a deliberate goal. Clear, real-time communication between all teams on the floor and over several shifts is critical to sustaining consistent output and continual quality requirements.

Even before the epidemic made in-person encounters hazardous, simple word-of-mouth exchanges could never provide the same level of dependability. Manufacturers are now forced to consider different choices for worker safety. All of these issues can be resolved by having internal discussions online rather than in person.

Top 6 Manufacturing Communication Systems

Here is a detailed account of the top manufacturing communication systems that boost overall worker efficiency:

Frequency of digital communication channels used worldwide by professionals 2022

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1. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) business management software program automates and integrates workflows, operations, and tasks inside an organization.

ERP systems integrate several business operations into a cohesive system, which is the foundation of manufacturing communication. They allow departments to share data in real time, guaranteeing that all departments—from finance to sales to production—have access to the same data.

Enhanced Process Overview

ERP serves as a consolidated, easily accessible “single version of information” for each system function. It is much simpler to promote cooperation, teamwork, and communication to provide advantages and breakthroughs because any employee can access data obtained from any other system or sector.

Communication Between Teams

As operations and procedures become more visible, communication barriers are broken down. Business “silos”, which are the unseen “barriers” separating various groups and operations, can lead to errors, unnecessary effort, and missed possibilities for cooperation. ERP uses clarity and open channels to address these issues.

Increased Scalability

By designing a flexible ERP system, manufacturing companies can adapt to changing market conditions and business needs. Scalability allows communications systems to support expanding operations and changing needs. This ensures smooth communication as the business grows.

2. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Digital tools specially designed to monitor and manage production processes within manufacturing companies are called manufacturing execution systems (MES). Real-time data collection from the manufacturing floor provides information on every stage of the production process, from initial supplies to final goods.

Manufacturers can boost product quality and guarantee adherence to industry standards with the help of MES. It serves as a link between enterprise-level administration and shop-floor structures, facilitating information exchange and improved choice-making.

MES top functionalities that boost communication include

• Task Assignment and Tracking: With the use of MES, managers may give employees assignments and keep an eye on their progress in real time. This feature reduces the likelihood of delays and promotes collaboration by clearly defining responsibilities and deadlines.
• Performance Monitoring: MES provides KPIs to help staff evaluate their own performance as well as that of their teams. With access to this information, employees can set goals and collaborate effectively with colleagues to achieve desired outcomes.
• Quality Control and Troubleshooting: MES systems facilitate communication of quality control guidelines and troubleshooting procedures. Employees can submit faults or maintenance concerns through the MES platform, which triggers corrective measures to guarantee operational efficiency and product quality.

3. Collaboration Platforms

Regardless of the team’s location, digital collaboration tools help them communicate with each other. File sharing and video conferencing facilitate collaboration across projects.

Architecturally, these platforms support integrated workflows even when teams are dispersed across multiple locations or shifts.

Additionally, many collaboration solutions integrate with other systems, helping to solidify communication and reduce time wasted in swapping between apps.

Let’s take a look at some of the best-performing collaborations and how they are used.

Microsoft Teams

Application: A manufacturing organization uses Microsoft Teams to streamline communication between its design and manufacturing departments.

Team members can work together in real-time and share documents by setting specific procedures for each task. For example, the design team can send a 3D model to platform engineers for immediate feedback if they need input on a prototype.

Slack

Use case: A manufacturing company uses Slack to improve supply chain communication. The business can promptly resolve any delays with the help of these channels specifically designated for suppliers and logistics.

If a supplier notifies them of a shipment delay, the logistics team can immediately engage in discussions to find alternative solutions, minimizing downtime.

Trello

Use Case: Manufacturing industries employ Trello for project management and task assignment. Each board represents a manufacturing project, and cards can be created for each task. Further, these cards can be assigned to team members and tracked for progress.

This visual organization keeps teams on top of production schedules and deadlines, ensuring the timely completion of projects.

Asana

Use Case: Let’s consider a manufacturing firm managing cross-departmental projects using Asana. In this case, teams from the R&D or production department can all plan their activities and track progress in one location when introducing a new product. Further, this transparency encourages departmental coordination.

The Employee App

Use Case: Manufacturing teams of any size can use The Employee App to streamline and simplify communications across multiple channels on the floor. From providing training resources to safety reminders, it provides a centralized platform to manage personalized internal communications.

4. Internet of Things (IoT) Communication Systems

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming manufacturing by enabling real-time data sharing across machines, sensors, and other devices.

Manufacturers can exponentially increase operational efficiency by tracking production parameters and anticipating maintenance requirements with the help of IoT communication systems.

Smart sensors can warn operators of any issues before they generate downtime, allowing for preventative maintenance. This link improves teamwork by allowing maintenance crews and production personnel to cooperate to improve operations.

In manufacturing, three typical IoT connectivity systems are:

1. Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)

RTLS tracks and monitors personnel’ present whereabouts in a manufacturing facility. RTLS, which uses sensors, RFID tags, or Bluetooth beacons, allows supervisors to assign tasks based on proximity.

2. Wearable Devices

To improve worker communication, industrial companies are increasingly utilizing wearable IoT devices like smartwatches, smart glasses, and health monitoring sensors.

These gadgets promote instant texting and real-time data transmission for important information. Employees can interact with coworkers hands-free, read instructions, and receive notifications, which promotes better teamwork on the manufacturing floor.

3. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are examples of industrial IoT communication networks that offer a strong foundation for smooth worker-to-worker communication in manufacturing sectors.

Workers can effectively perform various activities with the use of IIoT like

• Coordinate tasks
• Share information
• Check equipment status
• Real-time data collection
• Data transmission

Additionally, industrial communication networks improve worker connectivity by integrating several devices and systems.

5. Cloud-Based Communication Tools

The manufacturing industry is using cloud-based communication technologies more frequently because of their scalability. These solutions allow geographically separated teams to collaborate and access information remotely.

This accessibility is beneficial in manufacturing, where teams may need to respond fast to shifts in customer needs or production schedules. In addition to improving data protection and backup, cloud solutions guarantee that important data is safe and accessible.

Cloud-based communication tools can be used to send group messages in case of highly dispersed teams. This facilitates real-time collaboration.

Frontline workers in the manufacturing sector can increase efficiency through smooth virtual collaboration with the aid of Zoom and Google Meet, two crucial cloud-based communication platforms.

Regardless of physical location, frontline employees can participate in training classes, and work together in real time. For instance, they can take part in online team meetings to talk about production objectives and best practices.

These tools also give supervisors the ability to conduct virtual inspections, which contributes to enhanced productivity on the manufacturing floor.

6. Mobile Communication Solutions

Mobile communication solutions, such as advanced apps, are boosting how easily manufacturers communicate on the shop floor.

One important example of how mobile solutions are transforming communication among manufacturing workers is using these handheld devices with apps that facilitate video conferencing and instant messaging. These tools enable workers to communicate effectively regardless of their location within the manufacturing facility and provide real-time connectivity on the factory floor.

The use of mobile applications for process collaboration and task management is another example. Supervisors can assign tasks and provide workers with real-time updates with these apps.

To assign a machine operator a new assignment, for example, a production manager can utilize a mobile app. The operator will receive a notice on their smartphone and can start working on the task right away. Delays are reduced and overall operational efficiency is increased due to this simplified communication method.

Additionally, mobile communication solutions make it easier to quickly access resources. For example, employees can access manuals, schematics, and instructional videos on their mobile devices, which enables them to fix problems on their own and make decisions right away.

Takeaway

According to Deloitte, there will be 2.1 million vacant manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2030. This low retention rate of manufacturing employees can be made better by integrating robust communication systems into their everyday activities.

Most of the manufacturing devices are predicted to be networked and able to communicate with one another by 2025, increasing productivity manifold times above its current level.

We are not at the point where our production machinery is undergoing a test, the introduction of smart machines and the Internet of Things has equipped businesses to advance to the next level of manufacturing innovation.

From maintenance reports to safety reminders, seamless employee communication is key to the effective growth of the manufacturing business.

Streamline effective communication systems for your manufacturing industry with The Employee App. We offer a robust platform with advanced features like push notifications, read receipts, content hub, and search to enable seamless internal communication.

Book a demo with us right away to learn more about our advanced employee communication tools.

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of implementing communication systems in manufacturing?

By putting communication solutions in place, manufacturing companies can increase employee engagement and minimize miscommunication errors.

2. What are manufacturing communication systems?

Manufacturing communication systems are tools used in the manufacturing industry to facilitate collaboration among employees, departments, and stakeholders.

3. How do communication systems enhance efficiency in manufacturing?

Communication systems help manufacturing businesses become more productive by streamlining procedures and facilitating real-time information exchange.

4. What features should a manufacturing communication system have?

An ideal manufacturing communication system should include instant messaging, file sharing, task management, scheduling tools, and integration capabilities with existing manufacturing software and systems.

5. How do you communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment?

Businesses can establish an effective communication channel in the manufacturing sector by opting for real-time communication channels like mobile notifications, group messaging, and more.