Mobile App Development for Manufacturing Industry: Usage, Types and Key Benefits

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

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