Control your production: optimize management and performance

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When you use production management software, you're opting for a continuous improvement approach to your production. This is because this type of software is a powerful tool for steering, analyzing and managing your production organization in real time.  

But how does it differ from a CAM system? How do you choose the right software from all those on the market? Does performance mean time savings? Does real-time control work for production and distribution?  

Synaxe takes a closer look at this Industry 4.0 tool.  

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CAPM / production management software: what are the differences?

Production management software: optimized monitoring and management of your production processes  

Production management software - also known as MES (Manufacturing Execution System) - is an intelligent IT system that combines flexibility and agility. As proof, in your quarries, it manages, monitors and synchronizes in real time the execution of the physical processes required for each stage of production.  

To achieve this, the production control software coordinates :  

• Multiple work orders    
• Production planning  
• Enterprise systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems  

Like an orchestra conductor, the control and production software is linked to all connected machines. It thus retrieves all execution data and can transmit the right information at the right time - both to the teams (instructions, traceability, progress...) and to the machines (start, stop, parameters...).  

Crushing, screening, washing... the production control software provides complete real-time control of your quarry with ultra-precise data. Improve the performance of your production line and boost profitability!  

CAPM solution: from planning to production optimization  

CAPM stands for Computer-Aided Production Management. This type of software enables you to plan your production so as to minimize costs and avoid breaks in the production chain. All while respecting your deadline constraints.  

How does it work?

In practice, the CAPM solution collects operational and technical data for each stage of your production, then compares them to maximize results. Gone are the days of conflicts, cumbersome processes and slowdowns... Thanks to CAPM, all the data collected is organized and exploited in the quest for maximum optimization.  

Productivity, ability to meet your customers' deadlines, compliance with current standards and quality criteria... CAPM represents a reliable, durable and ultimately profitable planning tool. What's more, thanks to its Sales and Operations Plan (SOP), Master Production Plan (MPP) and Workload Schedule (WBS), it gives you a strategic and operational vision of your production.  

Ideal for making strategic choices in line with your production constraints, stock levels and team presence.  

CAPM VS production management software: how to choose?  

A CAPM solution is ideal for optimizing your production chain - for example, by digitizing manufacturing processes, managing human resources and inventory. However, if you're looking for a system capable of guiding, orienting and managing your production as it unfolds, you'll need to turn to (more comprehensive) production control software. The duo of "data collection" and "real-time analysis" will enable you to optimize your activity in its entirety: traceability, quality control, production monitoring, organization, preventive and curative maintenance.  

Production management software: 5 additional functions

1. Data collection  

The strength of production control software lies in its ability to collect data. Manual or automatic, the choice is yours! However, with either (or both), you can benefit from precise evaluation and analysis of your data at every stage of the extraction, collection, storage and delivery process, ensuring not only flawless traceability, but also optimization of your quarry production capacity. For example, production management software enables you to control your delivery schedules and transport costs. How can you do this? By calculating your margins in real time for each means of transport, enabling you to maximize the occupancy rate of your vehicles.  

2. Workforce management  

Thanks to the data collected by the production control software, you can identify the strengths (qualities, characteristics, etc.) of your team members and equipment. What's in it for you? To optimize the performance of each individual by positioning them on tasks in which they are more proficient. But also, to direct each employee towards training courses that offer real added value for them, and which will increase their efficiency. Once again, the key to increased productivity!  

3. Quality control  

Thanks to real-time analysis, you can monitor the entire quality of your manufacturing process instantly. This means you can quickly identify potential problems, so you can resolve them more effectively.  

4. Performance analysis  

The production control software's real-time monitoring enables you to react quickly and avoid any delays or stoppages in production. This is because it analyzes the entire operation of your quarry and pinpoints any areas where productivity is insufficient. This vital information enables you to make the right decisions - those that will improve site performance day after day (flow management, quality control, water supply, aggregate transport, etc.).    

5. Maintenance management  

If machine maintenance is unavoidable, the key is to avoid having to put up with it! This is precisely one of the advantages of production control software. Thanks to this software and the data it collects, you can avoid unforeseen production stoppages, forecast the cost of your maintenance operations, minimize the downtime of your equipment needed to extract and transport materials, and optimize the working time of your teams according to the machines in operation.  

How do I choose my production control software?  

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Today, digitalization is everywhere - including at your doorstep quarries. With this in mind, a multitude of production control software packages are at your disposal. What do they have in common? They all aim to improve the management of your mining and extraction sites. However, not all of them offer the same functionalities. And it's this difference that should guide your choice of production control software.  

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Step 1 in making the right choice: prepare your specifications  

As with any project, start by drawing up the specifications for your production control software. To do this, define :  

The functionalities (modules) you'll need now and in the future. The software you select must be able to keep pace with your development.  

The number of users who will be using the production control software, and their professional profile. This is essential if you want to find software that they can all get to grips with and understand without difficulty.  

Your budget.  

Then check :  

That the pre-selected solution is suitable for quarries. Your production constraints and regulatory requirements (among others) are not the same as those of other activities. Production management software must be capable of analyzing the data of a structure of your size, and then managing its various production processes.  

• That the solution's interface is compatible with other software (ERP, CMMS, LIMS, etc.). Production management software must integrate seamlessly with your existing information system, so as to retrieve the maximum amount of data.  
• The capabilities of your service provider (production control software supplier). Your supplier's internal structure should also be taken into account, as this is a source of advantages. For example, while a large group necessarily carries more weight, a structure on a human scale will be more flexible.  

• The type of support offered with the production control software. Is it national or international, with a direct telephone number or simply an Internet portal? This is an essential question, to help you avoid getting stuck and wasting time - especially during start-up or software update periods.  

Think about it!  

To make the right choice for your current and future needs, it's best to carry out a benchmark.This will enable you to compare the different production control software packages on the market objectively and on the basis of common criteria. To do this, create a comparison table by objective, talk to the sales representatives and ideally the customers of each chosen solution, and ask for a demo and a personalized mock-up. This will give you a concrete idea of what your production management software will do for you.  

Step 2 to validate your choice: define non-feature criteria  

They're essential, yet they're not linked to the functionalities promoted by production control software suppliers. They are these 5 criteria:  

1. The possibility of customized development  

2. Human accompaniment and responsive support  

3. Knowledge of the quarries  

4. Long-term projection capacity to guarantee steady growth  

5. A proactive sales team to support you, suggest and present innovative features that will be useful to you.  

Want to start with a CAPM system? Here are 3 solutions for the industrial sector

Complete ERP software for industry | Open-Prod La GPAO proposée par Open-prod.com  

It has been designed for industrial companies. Parameterizable and scalable, it puts all your production at your disposal via an ultra-ergonomic interface. With just a few clicks, you can simulate, modify, drag-and-drop and validate your work orders. All while keeping track of your resources' workload. An interface within everyone's reach!  

Assets

• More than 180 modules, among 16 functionalities, to meet the needs and evolutions of the industrial sector.  
• Up to 800 users.  
• Open source software developed in France.  
• Real-time activity monitoring thanks to detailed analysis of technical data.  

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Sylob ERP  

It's a CAPM solution that adapts to industrial production lines to optimize their productivity, efficiency and quality.  

 Assets

• Its business and personnel management modules are tailored to the needs of the industrial sector.  

• Modules for managing quality, procurement and maintenance are also included.  

‍Bémol

Poor support in taking over the solution; very cumbersome and infrequent updates, maintenance to cease in 2025.  

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Clipper ERP GPAO from Clip Industrie  

It synchronizes and rationalizes data, while automating tasks. A genuine performance monitoring and decision-making tool.  

Assets

• While all functions are aimed at managing production, additional modules are available to manage everything to do with sales, maintenance, quality and the supply chain.  
• Pre-configured for most industrial processes.  
• Rapid deployment.  
• Knowledge of industry issues (30 years in business).  

Flat

The solution is openly geared towards certain trades (machining, boiler making, bar turning and sheet metal cutting). The functionalities - which are geared towards these trades in advance - require some adaptation for quarries.  

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Choosing the right production control software - the one that will enable you to save time and increase profitability - requires a meticulous comparison of functionalities. But that's not all... As you'll have gathered, it's also a question of how well your teams can get to grips with the software, and of the system's ability to evolve in line with changes in your market and your own needs. In this respect, the choice of service provider must be carefully considered. As for the training and support of your teams, this must be a priority. The key to optimal adoption rates!  

By bringing together three products from Synaxe (DuneProduction, Effidata, Lattitude), you get a CAPM solution perfectly adapted to the needs and expectations of quarries in terms of production planning and optimization. Want to find out more? Click here: Synaxe - Solutions

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