In our last article, we discussed how having documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) is essential to the efficiency of the manufacturing process, as well as why the continuous review and improvement of these procedures can keep manufacturing plants competitive, productive, and safe. While we pointed out that digitizing those SOPs can provide a superior level of efficiency, the topic deserves more discussion. Traditionally, SOPs were delivered to new employees via a binder or handbook – or may have been hanging on the wall of the plant in laminated sheets or stacked on top of a plant office filing cabinet. While these guidelines were accessible to the team, they were quickly lost, misplaced, and frequently became outdated. The documents provided no easy avenue for feedback or input, and managers still found themselves constantly answering repetitive questions.
Today, user-friendly digital systems allow knowledge to be captured, stored, and shared readily, allowing both managers and team members to perform their jobs more efficiently. KLONE makes it easy for organizations to digitalize their SOPs – which is beneficial for all industries but can be especially advantageous for manufacturing plants. Here’s why:
- They Improve Efficiency: When digitized, SOPs can easily organize processes across the facility – from the front office to inventory management to equipment maintenance and to more reactive needs like emergency action procedures. Manufacturers must achieve standard, repeatable processes to guarantee a consistent product. Digital SOPs are the easiest way to clearly communicate these standards across production lines and facilities without the risk of misinterpretation.
- They Support Real-Time Communication: Digital SOPs allow managers and team members to access and view real-time data about ongoing and completed projects. This ability minimizes the opportunity for miscommunication and facilitates internal dialogue between team members, improving the efficiency of the entire process. Digitizing SOPs via KLONE also makes it possible for employees to contribute valuable feedback on improving SOPs for better outcomes – and for management to implement system-wide changes effortlessly.
- They Cultivate a Compliance Culture: Manufacturers are required to adhere to environmental regulations and health and safety requirements. Many businesses work from analog SOPs because of habit – but are then required to pull together reports, stats, and data when an audit is imminent. Digital SOPs enable digital data collection that allows management to flag process inefficiencies and make data-supported decisions on how to improve. Once improvements are in place, the data can be easily disseminated to employees to achieve compliance goals. Automating the documentation of the manufacturing process from start to finish makes regulatory compliance more straightforward than ever, reducing audit times and avoiding potential litigation or fines.
- They Facilitate Data Analysis: A user-friendly digital knowledge platform can collect, organize, and illustrate critical KPIs that reveal possible problems and promising trends. Digital procedures give managers the power to track metrics and gather insights, improving decision-making and efficiently informing upper management of progress and status.
Digital Manufacturing SOPs Are Just the Beginning
KLONE is a digital knowledge platform that organizes and automates your company’s critical information into a user-friendly system that saves time and resources. Once your organization’s documents are converted or uploaded into the platform, your team has full digital access to relevant information, best practices, policies, and procedures.
In addition, updates and changes to manuals and procedures are communicated instantly to employees, partners, and third-party contractors, eliminating the need to update hardcopy manuals.
When employees have instant access to best practices, situational responses, and FAQs through keyword searches, the need to track down managers is minimized. Managers have more time to focus on their production goals.
Digitizing SOPs utilizing the KLONE system:
● Saves time and resources
● Minimizes employee frustration
● Improves productivity
● Supports employee development
● Clarifies proper understanding & execution of policies and procedures
● Compels consistency and standardization
Organizations committed to digital transformation initiatives will find KLONE a vital enabler of that objective. Once your knowledge is digitized, KLONE injects the information into other systems (e.g., your ERP system as an example) through standard APIs making your operating workflows more intelligent.
Are you ready to learn more? Call KLONE today.