Why Standardizing Systems Produces More Valuable Data

Real-Time Data for Real-Time Results

System standardization is critical to discovering the value of the data generated through manufacturing operations because it produces data within a real-time context. Up-to-the-minute information is vital as it not only provides visibility into all operations, it does so while ensuring a stable, manageable execution.

A standardized system assures that the information being generated is unified. Unlike data harvested from different sources, systems and siloes, having one single source of truth means reports can be prompt and accurate, helping operators make more effective decisions. Therefore, this approach allows for precise control over production with real-time indicators, that can either flag changes, efficiency gains or potential problems that need addressing.

Understanding the inner workings of manufacturing operations enables shorter response times to challenges or disruptions, as opposed to a reactive approach when they invariably arise. 

Standardizing for Success

The pursuit of standardization has been a key objective for many manufacturing organizations over the past few years. This is due to the fact that when a business operates with a uniform MES system or consistent processes, it provides a distinct advantage in data analysis.

Within this framework, it’s important to have defined a common approach for data collection, which ensures that data remains current and consistent; all of which makes it more comparable and exploitable.

Standardized systems help create a consistent, inter-connected ecosystem where data is more actionable. All facilities can work according to the same standards and have the same measure of what success looks like. Typically, developing standardized, global dashboards, including OEE, ensures effective benchmarking across all operations, regardless of location. It also makes it easier to identify and share best practices to drive greater operational performance across the board.

Leveraging Legacy Systems

One important element of standardizing systems is integrating legacy systems alongside new digital systems. It can be incredibly expensive to abruptly phase out and replace existing operations, not to mention time-consuming. Manufacturers striving for standardization on an organizational scale can align processes by more effectively leveraging existing systems.

Taking advantage of out-of-the-box solutions allows manufacturers to expedite these changes, generating a faster return on investment from cloud-based solutions by lowering IT cost and simplifying the IT infrastructure. Additionally, standardization removes the necessity to manage upgrades that results from disconnected systems.

Standardization not only makes data collection easier, but also promotes a shared structure across the organization, enhancing data understanding. This makes standardization an invaluable tool for managing data sets, as well as for manufacturing operations as a whole, helping to drive ongoing success and growth potential.

Learn more about improving data management, here.