Choosing the right software to move work instructions from paper to a digital platform that is easier to use and more advanced is a big task. There are a lot of things that companies should think about to make sure they get the best tool for their needs.
Having a clear idea of the benefits of using digital work instructions in a manufacturing facility might be enough to convince some companies to make the switch. But, like any other important business decision, this one shouldn't be made on the fly.
One way to make sure that the software chosen is the right one for the job is to ask questions and write down the answers. Nothing would be worse than spending time and money on a tool only to find out later that it wasn't the best one for a company's needs. Before choosing digital work instruction software, manufacturers should ask and answer the following questions:
What are your goals?
Before choosing digital work instruction software, it's important to have clear and doable goals in mind. This will make sure that the choice is made with the desired results in mind. Is the point just to get rid of old paper instructions? Is there a set increase in productivity that should happen because of this? Are there important gains in safety, quality, or the number of mistakes?
Every company is different, and must-haves for digital work instructions will be different for each one. Some companies will need to use AR or MR programmes, while others may be able to use simple multi-media.
On the plant floor, some operators may be able to hold tablets, while others may need to wear devices so they can do complicated tasks with both hands. Think about what each process that needs instructions needs and test the software to make sure it meets those needs.
Is the software easy to use?
Work instructions must be clear, easy to understand, and easy to follow. If employees can't make, share, and use work instructions quickly and easily, then the whole point of the exercise has been lost. The chosen software should solve a problem, not make more problems by being hard to use or taking a long time to make.
Does the software record data in real time?
One of the best things about digital work instructions is that they can record data in real time. Whether it's recording who did what task and when, how much material was used, or key performance indicators (KPIs), the variety of data that can be collected is very useful for businesses and should be the main factor in choosing software.
Using digital work instructions to cut down on mistakes
Studies show that human error is the cause of 90% of accidents and mistakes at work. So it can be easy to blame each worker for all the mistakes that happen. But when the direct cause of these mistakes is looked into, it becomes clear that many of these accidents may have been caused by the systems themselves.
When people are involved in a system that was not well thought out or is broken, mistakes will happen. To reduce the chance of mistakes, both people and the system must work well together.
Digital work instruction software can help manufacturing companies cut down on mistakes made by humans. One of the best things employees can use to do their jobs well and safely is clear, accurate instructions.
Here are some tips that companies can use to help make sure that employees who use digital work instructions do their jobs safely and without making mistakes.
Communication
To make and use digital work instructions, a lot of departments and staff members at all levels are needed. That's why it's important to have clear and precise communication if you want work instructions to be used well. Every employee who is writing, overseeing, training, or running the process should have the same information and be able to talk to each other easily.
Avoiding Multiple Interpretations
Digital work instructions should be made so that anyone can use them, no matter how skilled, experienced, or knowledgeable they are. Think of it as a beginner's textbook. Even if a worker has skills and experience before starting a job, the instructions for the job should be easy to find and understand for anyone at any stage of development.
Steps that are easy to follow
The most important thing about work instructions is that they show each step of a process in detail. Accidents and mistakes can be avoided by making sure that step-by-step instructions are clear, explained, and shown so that the operator understands and can do each step safely without confusion or guesswork.
Try to be clear and to the point.
Safety should be the most important thing, so instructions should be easy to understand. Don't use too much technical jargon that doesn't add anything to the explanation of a process. This can cause confusion. Keep the language clear and precise, and list the steps in a way that can't be misunderstood or confused.
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