- The rise of no-code databases in smart factory management.
- Optimising manufacturing processes with Pingflow and Baserow.
- Streamline data entry and retrieval with no-code.
- Fostering communication and collaboration.
- Optimising efficiency and driving continuous improvement.
- How Atlantic Group optimised their factory processes using no-code wallboards.
- Benefits of no-code for optimising factory processes.
- Get started with no-code in manufacturing.
In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, digital transformation has become a crucial driver of efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage. As factories strive to optimize their processes and embrace the principles of Industry 4.0, the integration of no-code databases into digital visual management systems has emerged as a game-changing solution in daily operations.
By leveraging intuitive no-code platforms like Pingflow and Baserow, factories can digitize their processes, streamline data management, and empower teams to make better, data-driven decisions. In this article, we’ll explore how no-code databases are revolutionizing manufacturing processes and transforming the way organizations achieve operational excellence.
We’ll also include an example use case to illustrate how the Atlantic Group’s heat pump production factory transformed its SIM processes by implementing no-code visual management in just three months using Pingflow and Baserow.
The rise of no-code databases in smart factory management
In the past, factory management relied on traditional methods like whiteboards, paper prints, and manual data entry, leading to information silos and potential errors. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and streamlined approach, modern ‘smart factories’ have turned to no-code databases.
These user-friendly platforms, such as Baserow, eliminate the need for complex programming and technical expertise, allowing production managers in business lines to independently create, manage, and customize their daily operations in a factory. As a result, factories can rapidly digitize their processes and action plans, leading to improved collaboration, performance tracking, and operational efficiency, which are key tenets of Industry 4.0.
Optimising manufacturing processes with Pingflow and Baserow
The Atlantic Group’s heat pump production unit provides a prime example of the transformative power of no-code databases in factory management. Seeking to optimize their Short Interval Management (SIM) rituals (frequent team meetings held throughout the day), the production manager, François Huyge, turned to Pingflow and Baserow.
After careful evaluation, they found the perfect fit in Pingflow’s comprehensive visual management tool backed by Baserow’s no-code database. In just three months, the Atlantic Group site in Billy-Berclau achieved a remarkable digital transformation by digitizing its SIM visual management materials.
The seamless integration of the Pingflow-Baserow platform enabled the factory to consolidate real-time data from multiple sources, including machine records, Excel sheets, and internal communication, into dynamic and interconnected wallboards. This holistic view allows them to monitor key performance indicators, identify bottlenecks, and proactively address production challenges in line with their Industry 4.0 vision.
François Huyge, Production manager at Atlantic said:
“At Atlantic, we like to have our hands on our tools so I was looking for an intuitive solution that would allow us to be quickly autonomous, and above all flexible because we do things our way. I studied several solutions on the market but only Pingflow and Baserow ticked all the boxes.”
Discover the feedback from Groupe Atlantic in the video below:
Streamline data entry and retrieval with no-code
One of the key advantages of no-code databases is their ability to streamline and optimize data entry and retrieval processes. In the pre-no-code era, factory operators spent valuable time duplicating information across multiple platforms, leading to data discrepancies and risking the loss of critical data.
With Pingflow and Baserow, data entry becomes effortless, thanks to user-friendly interfaces and pre-designed templates. The intuitive nature of these platforms allows operators to quickly enter incident reports, track action plans, and access up-to-date information. By reducing manual errors and improving data accuracy, factories can ensure better-informed decision-making and enhanced productivity.
Fostering communication and collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration lie at the heart of successful factory management in the Industry 4.0 era. No-code databases play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration by providing a centralized platform for teams to share information and track progress.
The interactive features of Pingflow, such as Pingview Table (the no-code database module powered by Baserow), empower employees to contribute to the system by easily reporting incidents, monitoring absences, and updating action plans. This increased engagement leads to more focused discussions, improved problem-solving, and heightened efficiency across all levels of the organization.
Optimising efficiency and driving continuous improvement
By embracing no-code databases, factories can unlock significant efficiency gains and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The simplicity and flexibility of Pingflow and Baserow allow business lines to adapt their digital workflows to changing needs and evolving processes.
The automation of previously manual tasks reduces administrative burdens, freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on value-added activities. Furthermore, real-time data insights provided by the interconnected wallboards enable management to identify process bottlenecks, implement corrective actions, and drive overall operational excellence.
How Atlantic Group optimised their factory processes using no-code wallboards
This case study highlights Atlantic Group’s implementation of no-code visual management boards in more detail, including their goals, challenges, solutions, and the exceptional results they achieved through their digital transformation.
Goals
François Huyge set clear goals for the digital transformation of their SIMs, aiming for a system that would simplify and streamline the retrieval of production information. They sought a solution that could centralize and monitor action plans for the entire plant, while easily integrating with their existing information system. The objective was to create a visual translation of data into clear indicators, empowering the team to make informed decisions.
Challenges
Atlantic Group’s factory in Billy-Berclau started in 2016 with 50 employees. Today it employs 500 staff and produces more than 200,000 heat pumps per year. It plans to further accelerate production to 350,000 in the next two years.
Before implementing Pingflow, the Atlantic teams in Billy-Berclau relied on traditional methods such as whiteboards, paper prints, and PowerPoint presentations to manage their SIMs. However, this approach was time-consuming and prone to errors.
Operators spent valuable time copying information between whiteboards and computer files, leading to inefficiencies and the potential loss of information. With over 40 daily rituals to organize, the need for a more efficient system became apparent.
Solutions
Pingflow wallboards emerged as the ideal solution for Atlantic’s digital SIM process optimization due to their ease of use and intuitive design. The visual management tool provided an interactive platform where line animators and operators could access and update information in real-time.
Additionally, the integration of Table, Baserow’s no-code database solution within Pingflow, enabled the creation of interactive inputs and streamlined action plans. This comprehensive solution allowed for the digitization of processes, documentation, sorting, prioritization, and real-time updates.
Results
The implementation of Pingflow yielded significant results for Atlantic. Firstly, the time spent preparing and searching for information before meetings was dramatically reduced. With 80% of the required data automatically available on the digital wallboard, the time previously spent on information retrieval for 40+ daily meetings was drastically reduced.
Secondly, the digital transformation enhanced team participation and engagement. The single support provided by the screen broadcasting the wallboard made rituals more interactive and discussions more meaningful.
Finally, the digitization of action plans provided a synthetic and precise overview of the factory’s ‘pulse’. This visibility was particularly valuable during the factory’s essential ‘TOP 30’ coordination meetings, enabling improved decision-making and better monitoring of key performance indicators.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of visual management through Pingflow at Atlantic’s Billy-Berclau site showcases the transformative power of no-code digital solutions for optimizing processes in manufacturing.
By digitizing their SIMs and adopting a visual management approach, the team achieved remarkable improvements in efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. The integration of the no-code database management solution, ‘Table’, further enhanced their digital capabilities.
With a streamlined system, improved visibility, and real-time data access, Atlantic’s factory embraced Industry 4.0 principles and positioned itself for continued success in a rapidly evolving industry.
Benefits of no-code for optimising factory processes
1. Improved data visibility and decision-making
No-code tech enables manufacturers to optimize data capture processes, leading to improved data quality and accuracy. With the ability to create custom templates and forms, frontline workers can quickly digitize data collection, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual processes.
By connecting digital visual systems to multiple data sources, manufacturers gain real-time insights through easy-to-understand dashboards. This enhanced visibility empowers management teams to make data-driven decisions, accelerating progress in Industry 4.0 initiatives.
2. Enhanced productivity
By replacing manual data collection with no-code solutions, such as digital visual management, manufacturers can save significant time and effort. The automation of data capture and streamlined processes result in increased operational efficiency.
Frontline workers can focus on value-added tasks, leading to improved productivity on the factory floor. With clear visibility into daily operations and the ability to assign actions, due dates, and priorities in real-time, manufacturing leaders can optimize task management and drive continuous improvement.
3. Data ownership and security
No-code databases can be hosted on-premise or at an approved partner like Pingflow in order to manage critical operational data and meet the data security and governance policies of IT and data teams. This is especially useful for manufacturers with sensitive data or strict security requirements.
4. Cost-effective implementation and scalability
No-code tech offers a cost-effective solution for manufacturers of all sizes to embrace Industry 4.0. These tools empower non-technical users to drive digitization initiatives without the need for extensive IT resources or high implementation costs.
Manufacturers benefit from the rapid development and deployment of digital solutions, facilitating scalability as they expand their Industry 4.0 efforts.
5. Data-driven culture and organisational agility
No-code tools foster a data-driven culture within manufacturing organizations. By empowering frontline workers to collect and analyze data, decision-making becomes evidence-based rather than relying solely on leaders’ intuition.
This cultural shift promotes agility and responsiveness to market needs. With a data-driven approach, manufacturers can quickly adapt their operations, optimize processes, and align their strategies to meet changing customer demands. This agility is a key driver for success in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0.
6. Improved communication across teams
Digital visual management systems powered by no-code platforms promote collaboration and communication across shopfloor teams. With easy-to-understand dashboards and real-time progress monitoring, all stakeholders gain clear visibility into tasks, action items, and performance indicators.
This transparency facilitates effective communication, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards common goals.
Get started with no-code in manufacturing
When embarking on your Industry 4.0 journey, it’s crucial to find a reliable partner who will support you at every stage of the process. Look for suppliers with a proven track record, credibility, and accessibility. Optimizing your manufacturing processes is not a one-time investment but a long-term strategy, so building a lasting relationship with your partners is essential.
Pingflow and Baserow have the expertise and experience to guide you through the complexities of digital transformation. Pingflow can help you implement digital visual management wallboards across your organization, whatever your industry, from manufacturing and logistics, to IT, customer service, and more.
Furthermore, Baserow offers organizations a flexible and customizable database solution to enhance data management, streamline processes, and improve overall operational efficiency. By leveraging Baserow’s capabilities, manufacturers can optimize many processes and drive continuous improvement in the pursuit of manufacturing excellence.
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