Workflow collaboration software: Why Manufacturers Need It

I wrote last week about how RPA (Robot Process Automation) can assist manufacturers in automating their business processes. Today, I'd like to expand on that discussion by examining how workflow collaboration software platforms, such as Smarsheet's project management solutions for businesses managing multiple projects, are assisting companies of all sizes in managing workflows and improving collaboration. In today's fast-paced business environment, manufacturers must stay up to date on the latest business tools to streamline their operations and increase efficiency.

TPC has used a cloud-based project management platform like this for nearly ten years. We were looking for ways to improve collaboration and gain deeper insights into our department's planning and progress, as meeting deadlines and quarterly and annual goals were critical. There are now numerous similar platforms, each with its advantages and disadvantages. However, it serves its purpose for us. Consider using this platform if your organization still needs to organize and collaborate on project workflows. Our meetings begin with data-driven dashboards and conclude with a detailed board view displaying future project milestones. Here's how these platforms can benefit businesses.

Enhance teamwork and communication

There are several reasons why implementing a workflow collaboration platform like Smarsheet can benefit businesses. Undoubtedly, it can improve communication and collaboration between team members. Team members can share information and work on projects together in real time, which can help ensure clarity and communication.

In addition to improving communication, workflow collaboration platforms can also help to improve efficiency and productivity. By streamlining workflows and automating tasks, businesses can free up time for their employees to focus on more critical tasks. Access to these platforms allows team members to track the status of projects quickly, ensuring that projects are completed on schedule and keeping everyone on track, thereby improving your manufacturing business's efficiency and productivity.

Increased efficiency

Manufacturers can increase efficiency by tracking project progress in real-time and assigning tasks to the right team members using workflow collaboration software. Furthermore, these platforms allow companies to automate tasks requiring manual labor, such as emailing notifications of assigned functions to assignees. This can help improve accuracy and reduce the time needed to complete a task.

Improved decision making

Another benefit of workflow collaboration platforms is that they help businesses make better decisions. By giving companies visibility into all aspects of a project, they can identify potential problems and obstacles before they occur. In addition, companies can use data analytics to make better resource allocation and project selection decisions.

Improved communication

A workflow collaboration software platform can improve communication by centralizing all project-related information and correspondence. This allows team members to stay informed about developments and easily avoid misunderstandings.

Increased productivity

A workflow collaboration software platform can boost productivity by assisting manufacturers in more effectively planning and managing production schedules. This can result in shorter lead times and increased customer satisfaction.

Cost savings

By eliminating the need for paper documents and manual data entry, a workflow collaboration software platform can help reduce costs. Manufacturers can save time and money while lowering the risk of errors.

Better insight into the manufacturing process?

A workflow collaboration software platform gives manufacturers a better understanding of the manufacturing process, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and potential bottlenecks. Based on this data, one can make changes to improve quality control and efficiency.

It's our experience that Smartsheet stands out from the other leading project management tools, but if you prefer visual tools with Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and timeline views, you may find something better. Consider these pros and cons.

The Pros

• ?Smartsheet provides software for "dynamic work and collaboration" and project management.
• Smartsheet's enterprise data protection standards safeguard your team, data, and business with the zeal of Fort Knox.
• AES 256-bit encryption at rest, two-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO), granular user access controls, and secure data centers are a few security features that prevent unauthorized access.
• A comprehensive set of integrations, connectors, intelligent workflows, and automation tools: Smartsheet outperforms most project management tools with its robust automation capabilities.
• With Smartsheet's drag-and-drop automation builder, you can quickly set up basic automation features.
• Adding resource management, digital asset management, and portfolio management features enable project budgeting, time tracking, advanced reporting, analytics, and forecasting.
• The adaptability and flexibility of SmartSheet are two of its most significant advantages.
• It has hundreds of uses, making it a viable alternative to other business tools.
• Custom fields, views, and sheets are unlimited. Unlike other project management-specific tools, SmartSheet is refreshingly versatile, with no limits on what it can do.

The Cons

• Smartsheet should have an easier learning curve.
• Charting and data analysis are difficult due to a complex user interface.
• A limited activity log is available for Smartsheet users and administrators, allowing them to track everyday actions such as who viewed what, what was shared, and so on.
• Compared with other project management tools, this log is a bit limited.
• Agile teams using Kanban boards and other hybrid project management methods will have problems using Smartsheet.
• That type of functionality is not available in the software.
• The calculations are all done on spreadsheets.
• The pricing of Smartsheet could be better.
• Your changes don't get saved automatically, but the page is refreshed in real-time to reflect them.?
• Because most cloud-based software packages save your changes in real-time, we take this feature for granted.
• You can work around the problem by configuring Smartsheet's preferences window to save once every minute or when you exit a sheet.

There are other project management platforms, and the newer names have proven to be very popular. All of these tools have their own differentiators and value propositions. I recommend that you and your team leaders experiment with them to determine which one works best for you.

Monday.com - Best project management software

ClickUp - Best platform for remote work

Smartsheet - Best for flexibility

Customer and service-oriented businesses should use Teamwork

Asana - Simple and powerful?

Trello - Best for Kanban project management [1]

Conclusion

Workflow collaboration software platforms provide several advantages to manufacturers, including increased efficiency, improved communication, higher productivity, lower costs, and greater visibility into the manufacturing process. Regarding streamlining operations and increasing efficiency, workflow collaboration software platforms are worth considering.

Get in touch with me on #LinkedIn or visit www.tpcpage.co.kr to learn how we are innovating factory automation with best-in-class pneumatics, linear and collaborative robots, and 3D printers.