Manufacturing today is no longer just about putting parts together; it’s about managing data, optimizing flows, and responding to market shifts in real-time. Whether you are a discrete manufacturer, a project-based shop, or a mixed-mode operation, the ability to maintain visibility over your shop floor is the difference between profit and loss.
Partnering with an Epicor Platinum Elite Partner, like Six S Partners, ensures that these tools are not just installed, but strategically integrated into your unique workflow. Having seen firsthand how the Production Management suite within Epicor Kinetic transforms chaotic shop floors into streamlined, data-driven environments, here is a breakdown of how you can leverage these tools to drive operational excellence.
1. Job Management: From Planning to Costing
At the heart of every manufacturing operation is the “Job.” Kinetic’s Job Management module provides a comprehensive view of the entire production process. It allows you to track everything from raw material issues to labor hours and final assembly.
- Real-Time Costing: Stop waiting until the end of a production run to see if you stayed within budget. Kinetic provides real-time updates on labor and material costs, allowing for proactive adjustments.
- Planning Workbench: This central hub allows production planners to identify material shortages and capacity bottlenecks before they stall a line.
2. Advanced Production and Batching
For manufacturers dealing with complex, multi-stage processes or co-products, Advanced Production is a game-changer. It builds flexibility into your scheduling by allowing for sequential or concurrent operations.
If your facility utilizes batching—grouping similar parts or operations to save on setup time—Kinetic automates this logic. This ensures that you are maximizing machine uptime and reducing the “dead time” often associated with tool changes and resets.
3. Implementing Lean Manufacturing with Kanban
The transition to Lean Manufacturing is a journey, and Kinetic serves as the ideal roadmap. By utilizing the Kanban method, the system shifts your shop floor from a “push” to a “pull” environment.
Instead of building based on forecasts that might be wrong, you build based on actual demand. Kinetic automates the material flow, triggering replenishment signals (Kanbans) only when inventory is consumed. This reduces work-in-process (WIP) and frees up valuable cash flow that would otherwise be tied up in excess inventory.
4. Real-Time Data Collection and Advanced MES
In a modern smart factory, manual paper travelers are a liability. Epicor Advanced MES (Manufacturing Execution System) provides a digital twin of your shop floor. By capturing data directly from machines and sensors, you gain an unfiltered view of machine performance, downtime, and scrap rates.
- Connected Worker: Operators interact with a simplified, touchscreen interface to report labor, view drawings, and log quality issues.
- OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness): Automatically calculate your OEE to identify exactly which machines are underperforming and why.
5. Quality Assurance and Compliance
Quality shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be baked into the process. The Quality Management module in Kinetic ensures that every part meets your rigorous standards before it leaves the building.
From automated non-conformance reporting (NCR) to supplier returns and audits, the system centralizes compliance tracking. This is particularly vital for manufacturers in regulated industries like Aerospace & Defense or Medical Devices, where traceability is non-negotiable.
Strategic Implementation for Maximum ROI
While the software is incredibly powerful, the true value lies in how it is configured to meet your specific business processes. A “one-size-fits-all” implementation often misses the nuances that make your company unique.
By working with the veterans at Six S Partners, you gain access to a deep bench of industry experts who specialize in Epicor ERP implementations, customizations, and strategic change management. This collaborative approach safeguards your business from operational oversights and ensures your team is fully equipped to leverage the technology.
Ready to Optimize Your Production?
Don’t let inefficient processes hold back your growth. Whether you are looking to migrate to the cloud or optimize your existing shop floor controls, the right expertise makes all the difference.
Contact Six S Partners today to schedule a consultation and discover how Epicor Kinetic can be tailored to your specific manufacturing needs.