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Even prior to the COVID -19 pandemic, manufacturing was becoming more and more digitalized. Consider that 80 percent of CEOs consider mobile apps as a competitive advantage that is key to the success of their investments. In 2020, the global industrial automation market reached a value of $175 billion, and is projected to grow roughly 9% each year, reaching a value of $265 billion by 2025.
This is no surprise given the numerous challenges manufactures are facing. Unfilled positions in manufacturing continue to persist, hovering near record highs in 2022, as companies struggle to find skilled workers. Manufacturers are facing longer lead times, shortages of critical supplies, higher prices, and ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
As a result, there is an ever-growing group of companies that are focused on transforming manufacturing into a fully connected industry through the use of apps, dedicated software and IoT enabled sensors. Today, we're exploring some of the top manufacturing apps and software to help manufacturers grow and thrive through difficult times.
Top Manufacturing Apps and Software
Raven
Manufacturers have no shortage of data. Unfortunately, managing and utilizing that data can be a challenge. Where does one start? How can it help the manufacturing processes?
At Raven Telemetry, the use of AI is being leveraged to help manufacturers get the most out of their data. Founded and operated by a team with extensive experience in all aspects of manufacturing, Raven provides solutions that focus on providing guidance that can be acted on immediately.
Raven Sense is the data collection portion of the solution. Compatible with machine sensors, PLC, servers, MES, ERP and OEE software, this program can gather thousands of individual metrics for use in other parts of the Raven system.
Raven Brain is the data analysis component of the solution. The software utilizes machine learning and data scientists behind the scenes to "study" manufacturing processes and optimize them based on the manufacturer's requirements. Monthly reports are generated with a focus on usable information rather than random data.
Raven Flight is a mobile-compatible app, which allows the right people to see critical information at appropriate times. This interface can alert leaders not only to time-sensitive issues but also to potential solutions for theproblems.
Optessa
As supply chain disruptions continue to wreak havoc on operations, Optessa’s advanced planning and scheduling (APS) solutions are a go-to for manufacturers looking to better manage their supply chains. Optessa’s software leverages AI to help manufacturers generate optimized plans and schedules, and is the only planning, sequencing, and scheduling software that mathematically guarantees results. This scheduling and planning tool uses patented algorithms that adapt to all challenges. This helps manufacturers reduce complexity by modeling the production environment and respond to operational challenges with real-time rescheduling, as in the event of a sudden change in supply availability. Ultimately, this helps companies reduce unit costs and predict cash flows with optimized production plans.
Related: How APS Solutions Help Manufacturers Weather Supply Chain Disruptions
DCSC
Helping distribution, manufacturing and fulfillment companies with their supply chain needs, DCSC provides supply chain management and warehouse automation software. DCSC’s warehouse automation helps companies optimize inventory management with real-time warehouse automation solutions, while their distribution automation tracks manifest and delivery and obtains the best shipping rates. The company’s manufacturing automation helps companies optimize the entirety of their processes from order processing to procurement to production.
Verusen
Inventory control is simplified through the use of the cloud-based Verusen platform. It automatically integrates into a manufacturer's ERP and various data sources.
Verusen's AI learns how the inventory control specialists operate and synchronize procurement with requirements. Enhanced by AI, Verusen automatically identifies and alerts users to the presence of duplicate parts.
Capable of suggesting optimal times to place orders, Verusen takes just-in-time manufacturing to levels of efficiency previously unheard of in the industry, while retaining a 99 percent or higher reliability rating at scale.
Optimum Output
The BPR is a platform from Optimum Output that assists in business process reengineering. From producing product manuals and visually compelling content to internal methods for improving procedures, the BPR is designed to allow companies without dedicated IT personnel to harness the power of software.
FreightPOP
As manufacturers look to make better logistics decision, FreightPOP’s transportation management system provides intelligent enterprise logistics, built by shippers, for shippers. FreightPOP's transportation management system allows you to expertly assess your vendors and suppliers with one-click supply chain management. The company’s customer portals also helps manufacturers improve communication with their suppliers, easily establishing what quantities are available, when they will ship, and if there is excess capacity.
FreightPOP gives manufactures and suppliers a more transparent view of what’s available and what is planned, allowing users to track inbounds and outbounds at every leg of the journey.
Related: Using Your Transportation Data to Make Better Decisions
AccuSpeech Mobile
Enterprise level apps are an effective way to improve productivity for companies. However, is there a way to improve on that capability? AccuSpeech Mobile has the answer in their mobile-based voice-control system.
Aware of the expense associated with server-based voice-solutions, AccuSpeech Mobile operates from individual devices.
By eliminating the need to modify the code of ERP, WMS or other cross-platform apps, the cost is substantially reduced without sacrificing performance. This solution can be fully implemented in days rather than the months it would take for server-based programs.
Multiple industries are supported with various functions within each that benefit from voice control. These functions include:
• Ticket management.
• Machine inspection and repair.
• Asset management.
• Fire and emergency.
• Building status.
• HVAC and energy management.
• Dispatch and proof of delivery.
• New orders.
• Fleet management.
Ashwood Computer
One of Ashwood Computer's many solutions is a hybrid ERP platform named ForeMost. Fully customizable, ForeMost can integrate accounting, payroll, reporting, .NET and SQL systems offered by third-party providers.
It is designed to replace one-size-fits-all solutions by being fully customizable by the end user. Among the benefits to raw materials management are:
• Inquiries and analysis.
• AR, AP and GL.
• KPI reporting.
• Pre- and post-sales activities.
• Finished goods and sub-assemblies.
Tulip
Founded five years ago by engineers from the MIT Media Lab, Tulip has recently received $18 million in investment funding.
Investors recognize the power of IoT in manufacturing, and Tulip is uniquely positioned to take advantage through open architecture apps, connectors and hardware customized for the industry.
Rather than creating apps that may or may not be what a customer needs, Tulip provides a platform for companies to make their own apps without the need to learn code.
A growing database of apps includes hundreds of functions in dozens of categories. These functions include:
• Interactive work and repair instructions.
• Rework management.
• Cycle time.
• Defect tracking.
• Kitting.
• Production dashboard.
• Product genealogy and traceability.
• Ambient condition monitoring.
As an example of the efficiency of Tulip apps, Merck recently saved 57 percent on training costs and slashed the amount of time required for training by 92 percent.
IndustryNet
Finding information can be a time-consuming process. IndustryNet alleviates that problem by serving as a free, one-stop database for all things manufacturing.
They compile detailed data on over 400,000 companies, streamlining the procurement, sourcing and purchasing process. Quoting is also simplified as they provide the ability to send out quotes to multiple manufacturers simultaneously, saving time and money.
Click here for a full list of software providers for manufacturers.
IndustrySelect
IndustrySelect is a sales and prospecting tool that provides access to MNI's database of a half million industrial companies and one million executives. Subscribers to IndustrySelect can select up to 30 data points on any industrial company in the U.S. to help identify or pre-qualify leads. Company profiles also include the contact information for hard-to-find executive decision-makers.Try a free demo today!
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in March of 2019. It has been updated to include new companies as well as statistics and trends in automation.
