Optimize Manufacturing Operations
The manufacturing industry is more data-driven than ever. With advanced sensors, automation, and Internet-of-things (IoT) devices, factories generate massive amounts of data daily.
However, all this data is only helpful if operations managers can access it in real time for on-the-spot decisions. This is where data visualization dashboards become critical for optimized factory operations.
Digital dashboards aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources (such as Power BI or Tableau), and then present it visually on easy-to-read screens. Rather than digging through spreadsheets or reports, managers can instantly view operations metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Dashboards make patterns, trends, and anomalies clearly visible at a glance. By leveraging real-time data, factory managers can identify developing issues early – and take preventative action before problems escalate. Data visualization transforms disconnected data points into truly actionable insights.
With increased global competition and pressure for efficiency, manufacturers need every advantage possible. Data visualization dashboards allow operations managers to make faster, data-driven decisions.
Dashboards ultimately lead to
- Reduced Costs
- Improved Quality
- Higher Output
- A Competitive Edge
Let’s explore the key benefits of using data visualization dashboards and how to implement them effectively across factory operations.
Real-Time Data and KPIs
Factory dashboards display real-time data and KPIs to provide instant visibility into operations. By surfacing data as it’s generated on the production floor, dashboards enable managers and workers to make data-driven decisions in the moment.
Some examples of real-time data shown on dashboards include:
- Machine efficiency and uptime metrics
- Cycle times for processes
- Output rates per station
- Inventory levels
- Quality control statistics
- Shift production numbers
Setting target thresholds for KPIs allows dashboards to highlight when metrics are out-of-range. This enables quick identification of underperforming equipment, stations, or processes.
Trend graphs can track KPIs over any time period to uncover patterns.
Real-time data removes delays between events on the production line or loading dock and acting on those events. Managers no longer have to wait for reports to be compiled – issues can be addressed as soon as they occur, minimizing downtime.
Overall, real-time factory dashboards empower the workforce to make better decisions by providing instant access to the state of operations. This drives efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.
Increased Visibility
Operations dashboards can be displayed on screens throughout your facilities to increase visibility. With data visualization dashboards mounted on the production floor, breakrooms, corridors and offices, employees at all levels gain more insight into real-time performance.
Displaying interactive dashboards helps reinforce key metrics and KPIs. When everyone has access to the same real-time production data, it facilitates better communication and alignment. Both managers and frontline workers can see how their actions influence downstream operations.
Always-on displays also enable posting announcements, company news, training videos and other messaging. By mounting dashboards in high-traffic areas, employees can stay informed and aware of critical information.
This centralized way of managing and distributing content to targeted locations is a major asset to any manufacturing business.
With data visualization dashboards throughout your facilities, your team gains the visibility they need to identify and resolve problems quickly. Increased transparency in operations helps align everyone with your manufacturing goals.
Centralized Management with Targeted Content
One of the major benefits of using a data visualization dashboard system is the ability to centrally manage all the content from one platform, while still being able to target specific data to different locations, departments and groups.
Skykit Dashboard Connections allows content admins to create various dashboards with different metrics, KPIs and data visualizations. Additionally, they can organize dashboards with labels based on the intended audience – such as the manufacturing floor, shipping department, front office, or executive team.
Skykit’s centralized management system empowers organizations to distribute relevant, targeted data to the right teams and departments, ensuring each group has visibility into the KPIs and metrics that are most important for their operations and objectives.
Facility managers can update dashboards as needs change – without having to interact with display screens physically – making it simple to keep data fresh and optimized.
Overall, centralized and targeted dashboards improve communication and transparency across an organization. Different groups have access to customized information, while enables a unified view of facility operations.
Location-Specific Content
Using a central content management system like Skykit’s allows factory managers to target dashboards to specific locations and departments in their facilities. By tagging dashboards and digital signage content, it can be filtered and displayed only where it is most relevant.
For example, the assembly line dashboard showing KPIs for line operations would be tagged for the assembly area. It would automatically display on the screens in that department. Based on their unique tags, separate dashboards for the packaging area or warehouse would be displayed only in those locations.
This ensures workers see the performance metrics most relevant to their work. It also reduces information overload by limiting dashboards to appropriate areas. With content targeted to specific locations, the right information reaches the right people.
Tagging also allows content admins to update content across multiple facilities quickly. Dashboards tailored to assembly lines, packaging, or other departments are managed in one place and deployed globally.
Playlists Enable Looping Content
Playlists allow factories to configure looping content – like announcements and dashboards – displayed on screens throughout the facility. For example, a playlist could show:
- A company announcement video.
- Location-specific dashboards with KPIs for that area.
- Safety procedures relevant to that department.
- Upcoming maintenance notices.
- Quality metrics and goals.
Playlists loop to continuously display relevant content on strategically placed screens on the production floor and in common areas. Operators and managers can quickly glance at monitors to view the latest production stats, announcements, or reminders.
Displays using playlists are also lively with fresh, rotating content. They allow targeting messaging and dashboards to specific locations without having to set up multiple versions of the presentations.
With robust playlist options, factories can configure monitors to show both general and targeted content. This keeps displays engaging while still providing managers and staff with the live data they need to optimize operations and decisions.
Platform Management System
Skykit’s content management system enables the distribution of dashboards across multiple facilities with ease. Rather than having dashboards limited to one location, the platform allows you to distribute the same dashboards to any facility seamlessly.
This makes it simple to standardize metrics and dashboards across all locations. Whether you have two factories or twenty, you can distribute the same optimized dashboards to each one. Teams at every facility can work from the same information.
With a platform management system, you also gain flexibility. While you can widely distribute standard dashboards, Skykit offers easy customization options.
Location-specific tags allow specific dashboards to be displayed only at certain facilities. You get the best of both worlds—standardized dashboards across locations and the ability to tune dashboards to individual sites when helpful.
Easy Deployment
Rolling out dashboards to multiple factory locations is straightforward with the right digital signage management system. Rather than needing IT staff to install and configure software at each site, it can be managed centrally on the platform. Instantly distribute new dashboards and content to all connected devices across the organization.
This makes it simple to get all sites up and running with dashboards. New locations can be seamlessly brought on board by simply connecting their devices. There’s no need for complex per-site setup and configuration. Plus, updates roll out in real time.
The Skykit platform also simplifies user and access management. Adding or removing user accounts can be done in one place, rather than at each site.
Permissions and security settings are configured automatically, based on centralized policies. This reduces the management burden while ensuring consistent rules across the organization.
With an intuitive browser-based interface, authoring and publishing new dashboards is accessible for non-technical users, too. The entire organization gains visibility into operations and KPIs without IT project overhead. Staying on top of production issues and trends is now easier than ever.
Increased Efficiency
Real-time data visualization dashboards significantly improve operations efficiency on the factory floor. Managers and workers can continuously monitor performance and make data-driven decisions by providing instant access to KPIs and metrics.
With an overview of factory operations, managers can better optimize workflows. Seeing current workloads and capacity in different areas allows for dynamically balancing resources.
Dashboards also help interdependent teams to coordinate smooth handoffs between processes.
By replacing gut instinct with data, factory managers can achieve new levels of efficiency. The improved visibility leads to reduced downtime, higher output, and lower costs. Teams have the insights to tune and improve performance across factory operations continuously.
Are Real-Time Dashboards Right For You?
Data visualization dashboards provide significant benefits for factory operations. By displaying real-time data and KPIs, dashboards enable better and faster decision-making on the production floor. Managers gain insight to make data-backed decisions, while operators have the information needed to identify and resolve production issues.
Dashboards are centrally managed but can be targeted to specific locations and departments using tags and playlists.
You can efficiently distribute dashboards across multiple facilities with a content management system like the Skykit platform. This results in greater efficiency through data-driven operations based on real-time analytics.
Connect with a Skykit to see if implementing a data visualization dashboard solution can help your manufacturing business drive continuous improvement for your leadership, on-the-floor workers, and customers!
