Why You Should Automate Your Shop Floor Data Collection

There are many critical goals that need to be met in the pursuit of a highly efficient manufacturing operation. Reducing machine downtime, gaining a real-time picture of inventory, speeding up production times, and increasing overall productivity are just a few things top of mind for manufacturers. The trouble is, many of those same manufacturers that want to be more efficient still rely on manual entry and paper-based processes for their data collection.

The problem with manual data collection, be it via paper or computer, is that it’s a very slow and inaccurate process. Relying on manually entered information to improve your operation can sometimes be no better than taking an educated guess.

Average benchmark for data entry error rate generally acknowledged to be 1%

Here are some of the many problems of manual data collection:

• Inaccurate data
• Incomplete data
• Illegible data
• Biased data
• Many wasted hours entering or correcting data

So what option do manufacturers have to turn to? Look no further than automated shop floor data collection. Automated data collection is the only way to ensure accurate, unbiased, real-time data. As an example, let’s look at how it can be employed to reduce machine downtime.

Everyone wants to reduce downtime of their machines to save time and money, right?

It’s tough to improve something if you don’t measure it. With automated data collection, machine data is being collected as it happens, so there is no chance for inaccuracies to worm their way into your system through manual entry errors.

Automation is the best way to monitor the efficiency of your machines and processes. It not only frees your mind from worrying about bad data, it also frees a lot of valuable time.

Automated data collection systems enable manufacturers to be more efficient, profitable, and competitive. So why are so many manufacturers behind the curve?

Some industry insider estimate fewer than 5% of machines are currently being digitally monitored[1]

Perhaps they haven’t found the right partner to help them bring the industry-leading technology they need to their business. If you want to automate your shop floor data collection and achieve higher efficiency and profitability, contact The SMS Group.

[1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284735311_Why_manufacturing_needs_real-time_data_collection_Real-time_factory-floor_data_collection_captures_a_goidmine_of_information_that_can_improve_operational_performance