Quick Summary : Looking for mobile app development for your
manufacturing business? Manufacturing apps can help you easily manage and scale your
business. With their helpful features, these apps optimize workflows, automate
processes, and shorten production cycles. Understanding their types, usage, and
advantages is critical to ensure you choose the best mobile app development service for
your industry. Read this article to learn how mobile apps can digitally transform your
manufacturing units and also know how to select the best mobile app development company
for your purpose.
Manufacturing industries have complicated workflows. There is a lot to manage,
from production units, procurement, and sales to HR departments, warehouses, and supplier
relationships. Outdated or manual systems to manage processes, operations, or clients no
longer work in the Industry 4.0 era, which is heading swiftly toward Industry 5.0. Digital
transformation is the only way to keep their manufacturing businesses relevant, productive,
and competitive. Also, modern manufacturing enterprises won’t be able to provide an
impactful employee and customer experience without technological innovation.
What we mean is that business apps are non-optional, and even manufacturers have
realized that they need mobile apps for inspections, inventory management, creating work
orders, getting sales/production/dispatch reports, tracking project progress, quality
assurance management, and many other tasks. Manufacturers understand the need to connect
their processes, people, and stakeholders via centralized platforms that are easily
accessible from any part of their manufacturing unit or production sites.
This is where mobile
app development for the manufacturing industry comes in handy. From improving
productivity and departmental collaboration to enabling data-driven decision-making with
real-time data accessibility, the benefits of manufacturing apps are strategic and
outcome-based.
In this article, we will discuss all crucial aspects related to manufacturing
mobile app development, including their types, benefits, costs, and usage.
How Can Manufacturers Use Mobile Apps for Managing Key Processes?
Manufacturing apps are specialized apps that are developed for digitally modernizing
manufacturing businesses. These apps are custom-built for a particular type of
manufacturing vertical and generally have focused features that can help manufacturers
automate and optimize their key admin tasks. The features help manufacturers get rid of
their key pain points and derive more efficiency, increased speed, and improved accuracy
in their daily operations. Mckinsey
emphasizes unleashing digital transformation with key mobile apps for technicians,
operators, and supervisors.
Manufacturing App for Production Management
Improving operating models is critical to increasing production output. The digital
transformation brought about by manufacturing apps can result in better operating models
in the manufacturing sector. In fact, 67%
of CIOs surveyed by Gartner Research agreed that improving operating models is their
priority for digital transformation.
Production tracking apps for manufacturing help manufacturers plan their production
schedule, track production progress, and keep everyone on the same page with real-time
access to production data. Managers can use manufacturing to improve efficiency in
production activities.
How?
For instance, based on the real-time production output data, the procurement department
can plan production for the further purchase of raw materials. Also, the app can
automatically generate BOM (bills of material), and purchase orders and have a database
of suppliers that can be contacted from within the app. Other features like appointment
scheduling, contract renewals, and automated follow-ups can also help to expedite
production lines.
Inventory Management Apps for Manufacturing
Mobile apps can help manufacturers track the transportation of both raw materials and
finished goods from production units to warehouses and distribution channels (and
vice-versa). Managers can keep a tab on the supply chain from their app. They can also
see the location of their inventory with GPS-enabled apps. This data gives them an
accurate picture of their inventory status (transit inventory, warehouse inventory,
inventory under progress, returned goods, and more.)
Manufacturing apps for inventory management also come with multi-location inventory
management features. Mobile apps integrated with barcode scanning can also be used for
stock audits. Through digital checklists, warranties, condition, stability, and
equipment status (wear and tear) of assets (machinery, forklifts, etc.) can be tracked.
Manufacturing Apps for Barcode Generation
Employees in the manufacturing units often need to track or locate the specific
equipment, stocks, or spare parts. Barcodes help them trace all items in the warehouse,
production unit, or in transit. The implementation of barcode systems in manufacturing
simplifies this process. Both small and large manufacturing businesses can benefit from
mobile app-enabled barcode systems to easily generate, scan, and validate barcodes of
all types. (1-D, 2-D, Numeric, Alphanumeric, and more).
Manufacturing Apps for Reporting and Accessing Databases
How easy it will be for all manufacturing stakeholders (employees, supervisors, managers,
and the management) if they can fetch reports related to their work with a few clicks on
their mobile? Mobile apps for the manufacturing industry have modules that can be
accessed as per admin permissions set as per authorization. So, all those who have user
permissions can access, view, and download reports for which they are authorized.
- Sales reports
- Purchase reports
- Test certifications
- Bills of material
- Dispatch reports
- Inventory reports
- Quality Assurance reports
- Financial reports
- Asset/Equipment reports
- Compliance reports
- Supplier reports
Supply Chain Management Apps for Manufacturing
Disruptions in supply chains keep even seasoned manufacturing professionals in woe.
Mobile apps for SCM can help discover potential vulnerabilities in supply chains and
build resilience. These apps bring suppliers, logistics teams, distributors, and
third-party carriers on a single platform. Everything from supply vendor management,
Procure to pay (P2P) operations, and supply chain analytics to monitor shipping carriers
and reverse logistics, these custom-built apps can help manufacturers keep their supply
chain activities under control.
Maintenance Management Apps for Manufacturing
Timely scheduling of plant maintenance activities (both corrective and predictive) and
testing of equipment is critical for preventing scenarios of downtimes and machine
breakdowns. The manufacturing apps can automate maintenance scheduling at regular
intervals and inform all departments with maintenance notifications. These apps can
create job sheets for plant maintenance and also allot work to maintenance teams. The
apps can also send reminder notifications to the concerned departments.
Quality Control Apps for Manufacturing
Mobile apps for quality assurance enable manufacturers to conduct and manage quality
control inspections with ease. The app features checklists that empower quality control
teams to conduct audits and simultaneously take (and share) photos, and videos of the
inspection process. The apps have options to red-flag issues and suggest corrective
actions.
IoT-enabled Apps for Manufacturing
The global industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) app market will reach 22
billion US dollars by 2025, a steep rise from mere 4.4 billion dollars in 2021.
Why? Manufacturers are now getting serious about the impact, benefits, and
implementation of IoT-enabled mobile apps and platforms in their respective industry
verticals.
By integrating data and sensors, these apps can contribute to increased workplace safety
by monitoring various parameters such as equipment operation, environmental conditions,
and employee activities. In case of accidents or incidents, real-time mobile
notifications can be sent to relevant personnel, enabling prompt intervention and
resolution. Through IoT mobile app
development process, supervisors and managers gain comprehensive visibility into
floor activities. With IoT-connected devices and mobile apps, manufacturing operations
can be monitored and managed remotely.
Key Benefits of Manufacturing Apps
The major benefits that manufacturers can avail of from deploying mobile app solutions in
their business are as follows:
Shortened Product Life Cycles
Mobile apps help manufacturers ensure faster communication and collaboration. This
increases their ability to respond promptly to market demands. Mobile apps automate and
simplify various production-related activities that can shorten product life cycles.
Manufacturing apps also offer real-time notifications for equipment maintenance. This
goes a long way to prevent costly downtimes and breakdowns that may hamper production
cycles.
Improved Production Efficiency
With manufacturing apps, employees can easily access crucial information whenever
required on their mobile devices. This real-time information ensures that they don’t
have to wait for data/reports from other departments to make production-related
decisions. This flow of information coupled with other features of manufacturing apps to
improve efficiency leads to better production processes.
Mobile apps also can be used for employee training modules that involve gamification,
training courses, and video tutorials that are easily accessible via mobile apps.
Better-managed Inventory and Supply Chains
Mobile apps for inventory management in manufacturing bring multiple benefits to the
table:
- Real-time tracking and handling of inventory
- Automated reorder features reduce the likelihood of stockouts
- Handling the procurement process smartly to avoid stock excesses
- Managing shipping processes (logistics, carriers, distribution)
- Improving communication with suppliers on mobile app
- Increased reliability in fulfilling orders with GPS-enabled apps for
shipment
tracking
- Clear visualization and optimization of supply routes and transport
fleets
Boost the business processes with Cross-platform
app development services delivered by our experts!
Data-Driven Decision-Making
With real-time data analysis capabilities, manufacturing apps allow professionals to
monitor production processes as they happen, and identify inefficiencies. With real-time
data tracking and analysis capabilities, manufacturing apps empower decision-makers to
make informed choices based on actionable insights. Data-driven analytics eliminate
decision bias or subjectivity in actions and let manufacturers make prompt,
insights-based, and the most logical decisions regarding their manufacturing activities.
Solve Potential Quality Issues
Mobile apps for quality checks and inspections ensure all metrics of quality control are
taken into account. Quality control teams can have a checklist in their mobile apps that
records all parameters that they need to check during inspections. It improves
monitoring and makes examination sophisticated. Mobile apps can bring more precision and
balance in finding potential quality issues in manufacturing.
Strong Relationships with Customers and Suppliers
All big companies that provide their customers with apps stay connected 24/7 with their
customers. Right?
How can manufacturers build strong relationships with their customers and suppliers?
The first criterion is to have open and transparent communication. When your customers
get timely notifications, personalized offers, loyalty points, membership benefits, and
complete visualization of their dealings with your manufacturing unit, they are more
likely to stay happy and loyal to your business. Also, customer support can be provided
via apps embedded with self-help videos, demo videos, guidelines, documentation,
reports, and digital catalogs apart from live support.
Reduce Operational Costs and Unburden Employees
Employee salaries are one of the key operational costs involved in manufacturing. If your
employee can do three tasks a day without automation and if the same employee can
perform five tasks due to mobile app-enabled automation, then you need to reconsider
your current operational strategy. Without automation of admin tasks, employees will
toil harder and waste their valuable time in repetitive tasks.
So, manufacturers can reduce employee burden and save labor costs on employee time by
automating repetitive admin tasks via apps and allowing employees to focus on
higher-value and core manufacturing activities.
Types of Mobile App Development for Manufacturers
The most popular types of manufacturing apps (with a development platform perspective)
are as below:
| Native Apps |
Cross-platform Apps |
Web Apps |
| Platform-specific, high-performance, full device access
(Swift for iOS
app development, Java/Kotlin for Android) |
Developed once and deployed across multiple platforms
(React Native,
Xamarin, Flutter) |
Accessed via browser, no installation required, developed
using web
technologies (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript) |
| Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) |
AR-enabled Mobile Apps |
IoT-enabled Mobile Apps |
| The blend of web and mobile apps, native-like experience in
the browser, offline functionality, push notifications (leveraging modern
web capabilities) |
Overlay digital info onto real-world environments, and
immersive experiences (ARKit for iOS, ARCore for Android) |
Integrates with connected devices, and sensors for
real-time data collection, (using IoT platforms like AWS IoT, Azure IoT,
Google Cloud IoT). |
Mobile App Development For Futuristic Manufacturing
In the era of Smart Manufacturing, IoT-enabled mobile apps connected with wearable
technology have the potential to improve safety in the manufacturing industry. Wearable
technology such as smart glasses or smartwatches can provide workers with immediate
notifications and alerts regarding potential hazards.
These apps can send alerts if any particular safety measure is ignored and save employees
from accidents. Whether you implement smart IoT-enabled helmets, sensor-integrated
personal protective kits, smart safety vests, or exosuits, all can be used to their full
potential and reliability only when these are monitored via connected mobile apps
The integration of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), sensors, big data, and
analytics with mobile applications brings about a revolutionary change in the
manufacturing industry. By utilizing AI/ML algorithms, sensor data can be analyzed to
predict equipment maintenance requirements, ultimately reducing downtime. Technicians
can access these valuable insights through mobile applications.
Moreover, mobile apps collect energy consumption data from smart meters, enabling
manufacturers to analyze usage patterns and optimize energy loads on production lines.
Manufacturers are also increasingly opting for Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)
solutions that comprise a suite of mobile device management (MDM), mobile application
management (MAM), and security features to enable secure access to enterprise resources
from mobile devices. Manufacturers can use EMM solutions to manage device policies,
enforce security measures, and control access to sensitive data within their mobile
apps.
How to Choose the Right Manufacturing App Development Company?
Choosing
the right manufacturing app development company is like building a sturdy
aircraft. You need a skilled pilot (experienced partner) who knows the terrain (your
industry) and uses top-notch equipment (technology expertise).
Check the mobile app development partner on the following metrics before handing over the
project:
Technology Expertise
Just like trusting a skilled pilot with your life, entrusting your project to a
proficient app development partner is crucial. Look for a company experienced in the
platform you need, whether it's iOS, Android
app development, or both. Ensure they use top-notch frameworks for native or
hybrid apps.
Domain Knowledge
Find a partner well-versed in your industry. They'll not only avoid development pitfalls
but also assist in strategic decisions like regulatory compliance and revenue models.
Portfolio and Ratings
Explore the company's portfolio, case studies, and ratings on trustworthy platforms. This
gives you insights into their experience and reputation.
Costs and Pricing
Understand the pricing structure—whether it's hourly or fixed—and ensure the cost
of developing a manufacturing app covers all aspects from development to
maintenance. Seek a detailed breakdown of costs.
Rational Suggestions
Beware of companies blindly replicating others' success. Ensure they bring original ideas
to the table and explain their technology choices thoroughly.
Customization Options
Opt for custom app development to tailor-fit your business needs. Custom apps for
manufacturing companies offer superior user experience, improved productivity, high
security, market segmentation, and a better brand image.
Bottomline
If you are wondering how to develop a manufacturing app for your industry, you will need
a skilled mobile app developer like Xbyte Enterprise Solutions.
Their team is experienced in developing high-impact and low-cost mobile apps that will
help your manufacturing business soar high with the benefits gained from rightly
developed and flawlessly implemented manufacturing apps.
Their team will guide you through the entire process ranging from prioritizing app
features through user research, and addressing specific pain points in mobile app
functions, to current system integration requirements, and choosing the right app
development platform for your needs.
What’s more?
Xbyte’s UI/UX is one of the best in the industry and they will chalk out a highly
intuitive and user-friendly app that has an amazing interface and aesthetically pleasant
design.
Frequently Asked Questions