Over the last decade, the world has changed dramatically for manufacturers. But so, too, has technology, with development of a host of new tools for streamlining operations, automating tasks and saving on costs. 

As manufacturers look to adopt new technologies, those that enable oversight into cross-functional operations can offer high impact and value. However, according to a recent Gartner study, identifying the right tool — one that’s both compatible with existing systems and offers sufficient functionality — can be a significant challenge. 

Production management software is an example of modern-day technology that can aid manufacturers in making processes smoother, more efficient and more controlled. Today, there are a number of new software systems, especially those that are cloud-based, that offer features that are vital for manufacturers to achieve holistic control over their business processes. 

Production management software can help ensure that production balances quality, quantity, timing and cost. Business leaders can then engage in real-time operations planning and inventory tracking to mitigate the risks of manual production management, such as low inventory levels.

The application can also help businesses adopt lean inventory practices. Holding less inventory increases the value of a company’s stock by identifying and eliminating waste through the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. This is critical for meeting sustainability goals and increasing brand value for customers. 

Digitizing and optimizing operations with production management software allows business owners to more efficiently monitor and manage the status of their manufacturing and inventory levels. By automating key processes, they can schedule production and engage in real-time reporting, traceability and quality assurance.

In browsing various technology options, companies need to choose one that integrates easily with other tools, such as applications for e-commerce, accounting and shipping. An all-in-one platform — one that manages production while seamlessly integrating with existing applications —can help ensure that processes run uninterrupted. In addition, the time previously spent on manual production management can be used to meet other business objectives, such as enhancing customer loyalty and worker retention.

By automating production management, businesses can reduce human error and more quickly address any issues that may arise, such as quality control and customer-service inquiries. They can also engage in real-time planning, by analyzing current inventory levels and revenue, to determine whether there’s a need to change suppliers, improve customer service, or make other decisions that will impact business operations.

From expedited delivery times to increased order fulfillment, production management software helps businesses remain competitive. It creates a foundation for future growth and scalability — which is especially important with the growing popularity of next-generation technology tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. With the ability to balance real-time tracking with planning and forecasting, manufacturers can future-proof their operations, and protect their revenue for years to come. 

Taago Kilter is senior product manager at Katana Cloud Inventory.