Traceability

• Record in the MES software the serial number of each part made at each point in production
• Use scanners to read bar-code labels or use RFID tags
• Optionally generate serial numbers according to rules
• Record the time of each operation, on each machine for every part made
• Each part/lot used is associated with each part made for two way traceability

Material/component usage

• Capture the serial numbers (or lot numbers if batch controlled) of components/materials used/assembled/consumed
• Capture lot/serial numbers automatically from PLCs if required
• Validate FIFO and use-by-dates rules

Enforce assembly steps

• Capture and validate the manufacturing process step
• Capture and validate used materials/components/parts used against the Bill of Materials

Update inventory in the ERP in real-time

• Link with the ERP system to inform the quantities of actual materials consumed rather than the more traditional back-flush methods.

• Implement end-to-end traceability – from raw materials, components through to finished goods at a serialised part level
• Eliminate errors – ensure the correct use of inventory,- validate materials used against the Bill of Material (BOM)
• Improve stock accuracy – update the ERP system with actual stock used, when it is used, rather than back-flushing
• Reduce waste – prioritise the use of materials that are soon to expire, implement proper FIFO

Electronics

►GTECH case study
Gaming technology manufacturer achieves compliance with full assembly history of every machine in Shopfloor-Online MES.

Sustainable Energy

►Sunpower case study
Solar technology manufacturer gains full traceability and can track issues throughout the supply chain back to the raw material with the Build Traceability module.

• Traceability – Consumption - to take traceability to the level of lot controlled materials
• Quality – to perform Quality checks on serialised parts and keep the results as part of the traceability record.