Avoid quoting errors with accurate machine data

A common problem during quoting processes is the inaccurate estimation of actual machine working hours versus reported activity times. Often, production orders are scanned by operators or logged into ERP systems, but the real start or end times of machine operations differ from these manual entries. This discrepancy can lead to quoting inaccuracies, affecting profitability and operational planning.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), these discrepancies can be particularly problematic. Limited resources and tighter margins mean that SMEs must operate with maximum efficiency and accuracy. Errors in quoting processes can significantly impact competitiveness and financial stability:

• Over-quoting: quoting a price that is too high can result in lost business opportunities, as potential clients may turn to more competitively priced alternatives.

• Under-quoting: quoting too low can lead to reduced or negative profit margins, compromising financial stability and possibly resulting in unsustainable operations.

Moreover, SMEs often rely heavily on manual data entry and traditional paper-based reporting systems, which further exacerbates data inaccuracies.

Snaption’s DigiFactor: Automatic Machine State Detection

DigiFactor addresses this challenge by providing an automated machine-state detection system. It captures precise machine operation times without manual intervention, significantly reducing errors related to misreporting or delayed scanning. Additionally, by integrating directly with ERP systems and order-scanning solutions, DigiFactor compares automatically detected machine data with operator-reported activities.

This integration ensures that your quotations, post-operation reporting, and even predictive scheduling become highly accurate and reliable. It also enables comprehensive post-production analysis, offering insights into actual versus planned machine usage. These insights contribute to more precise OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) calculations, a better understanding of recurring issues, and clearer visibility of operational costs.

For companies still in the early stages of digital transition, DigiFactor offers intuitive digital interfaces and practical tools designed specifically to ease the shift from paper-based to digital workflows. Operators can easily adopt digital data collection methods, reducing the learning curve and facilitating rapid implementation.

With DigiFactor, you gain clear, real-time visibility into your machine operations, ensuring informed decisions and optimised resource utilisation.

Looking ahead, integrating such precise, automated data collection into your operations sets the foundation for future advancements. DigiFactor not only solves today's challenges but also positions your enterprise to adopt emerging technologies like predictive analytics, artificial intelligence-driven scheduling, and automated decision-making, ushering in a new era of truly intelligent and agile manufacturing.