The Benefits of a Steel Tracking System: From Shop to Site
Why should you use a steel tracking system? Steel fabrications can consist of hundreds of assemblies and machined components. Steel manufacturers face field and in-house administrative challenges keeping track of these items.
Along the production line, blind spots along can lead to quality issues or material waste. Also, lack of visibility can increase production time and labor costs.
Plus, without tracking components, fabricators risk losing profit. Frequent field-to-shop inquiries use resources to verify delivery of components to the site.
But technology solutions provide real opportunity for improvement. Visibility from the manufacturing facility to the job site can bring benefits for structural steel manufacturers.
What Is a Steel Tracking System?
A steel tracking system is a technology solution designed to monitor and manage the movement and status of steel components throughout the manufacturing and construction process. By using tools like barcoding or RFID technology, it provides real-time visibility into inventory, enhances quality control, and streamlines communication between the shop and job site, ultimately improving efficiency and reducing waste.
13 Steel Tracking System Benefits
1. Visibility to Quality & Status
With Work-In-Progress (WIP) tracking, each product in the manufacturing process goes through a similar data collection process. Managers can trace specific data, from lots and serial numbers, to manufacturing status.
2. Error-Proof Data
Tracking steel manufactured components at the job site requires a unique solution. An integrated software solution automates manual data entry functions and reduces errors. Through either barcoding or RFID technology, it captures accurate data at each point in the process. Plus, it automatically validates the data against the system of record.
3. Real-Time Part Tracking
Whether in the office or in the field, all data is accessible on mobile platforms as well as desktop. This allows delivery verification or status reports of components still on the shop floor.
4. Improved Inventory Control
A steel tracking system empowers you to manage your inventory like a pro! With real-time updates, you’ll avoid overstocking or running low on essential components, helping you save money and keep production flowing smoothly.
5. Enhanced Job Site Coordination
Tracking components from the shop to the job site means you can coordinate deliveries more effectively. This way, materials arrive right when you need them, reducing downtime and keeping your projects on track.
6. More Accountability
With a steel tracking system, everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. By keeping a record of who handled each part of the process, you foster a sense of ownership that helps your team shine and improve overall productivity.
7. Reduced Material Waste
Accurate tracking helps you minimize material waste and ensure that the right components are used at the right time. This means less stress about excess material and more focus on creating amazing results.
8. Faster Production Times
With real-time tracking and automated data, you can speed up production by reducing bottlenecks and eliminating delays. This keeps your projects moving forward and maximizes your team’s efficiency.
9. Streamlined Compliance Reporting
Compliance doesn’t have to be a headache! Tracking systems automatically capture and organize essential data, making it a breeze to generate reports and maintain certifications. You can focus on what you do best, without the added stress of paperwork.
10. Better Risk Management
With real-time visibility into every stage of production, you’re in a great position to manage risks proactively. Spotting issues early means you can tackle them before they escalate, saving you from costly delays or rework.
11. Improved Customer Satisfaction
With precise tracking and timely deliveries, you’ll meet and exceed your customers’ expectations. This builds their confidence in you and strengthens those all-important long-term relationships.
12. Cost-Effective Operations
By reducing manual tasks, cutting down on rework, and optimizing resource use, steel tracking systems help lower your operational costs. You can focus on producing high-quality work while knowing that your resources are being used wisely.
13. Simple Integration with Existing Systems
Your steel tracking system can easily connect with your other tools, like ERP or project management software. This creates a seamless flow of information across your teams, enhances communication, and improves your workflow.
Leverage the Benefits of a Steel Tracking Systems with CAI Software
Visibility to material location at the job site offers a value-added service to customers. With the right steel tracking system, errors and paperwork end, and projects go from shop to site without costly re-runs.
Do you need to automate data entry, track work-in-progress, and improve traceability? Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about our software for structural steel manufacturing.