There are many labor tracking methods, but certain methods offer more value than other options.
Manufacturers use a variety of labor tracking processes to keep track of the labor involved in their production operations. The benefits of labor tracking for manufacturers are numerous, including increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, and greater competitiveness. By harnessing the power of labor tracking tools, manufacturers can improve their operations and stay ahead of the competition.
These labor tracking systems typically involve various degrees of manual reporting and monitoring, or the employment of automation tools like Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) that can help manufacturers quickly collect and analyze labor data.
One popular labor tracking method is the use of time clocks or timecards. These systems are used to track when employees start and stop working, as well as break times. While most simple timecard processes only record when a worker arrives and departs the shop floor, paper labor tracking cards can be used to go into more detail on what the worker does per shift.
Employees or supervisors would then record their times manually to a job. The data is collated later for analysis. This information can then be used to generate labor reports that show how much time was spent on each task or production line.
Another labor tracking method is the use of production logs. These logs typically contain detailed information about every step of the manufacturing process, including labor data such as the amount of time spent on each step and labor costs per unit. The labor data is typically estimated based on machine times or production amounts. This information can be used to identify inefficiencies in production and make changes accordingly.
Yet another labor tracking method is the use of automated labor tracking software like the capabilities found in MES like MV2. This software collects data from various manufacturing systems, such as sensors that track machine usage or labor management systems that log labor hours and costs. Automated systems are the most precise and data rich of the group. They also reduce the amount of human labor that needs to be devoted to the process. The automatically collected data can then be analyzed in real-time to identify areas where labor may be over or underutilized, helping manufacturers make more informed decisions about labor resources. The data can also be connected to other inputs and viewed from a historical perspective to more deeply analyze where labor is being consumed.
What data do companies record when they track labor for production processes?
There are many different types of labor data that can be tracked and calculated by manufacturing companies. Some common examples include labor costs per unit, labor utilization rates, and labor productivity metrics. These labor data are typically collected through time clocks, production logs, or automated labor tracking software, which can then be analyzed to identify areas where labor resources may be under or overused.
Overall, labor tracking is an essential component of modern manufacturing operations. By collecting and analyzing labor data, manufacturers can make more informed decisions about their resources and improve the efficiency and profitability of their production processes. As a result, labor tracking has become an important tool for companies looking to stay competitive in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
Whether they use time clocks, production logs, or automated labor tracking software, manufacturers rely on labor tracking systems to ensure that their operations are running as efficiently as possible. By understanding where labor is being used and how it affects production, manufacturers can make changes to improve efficiency and reduce costs. And ultimately, this can help them remain competitive in a highly competitive market.
If your firm is exploring how to get better visibility on labor usage, contact us today. Our highly experienced consultants can step through how much richer and more precise your labor tracking data could be with our MV2 manufacturing execution system.