How is Mobile App Development Reshaping the Manufacturing Industry?

Posted by Jennie Avila on August 25th, 2023

Mobile app development has become a staple for all business operations as we enter the world of digits. Among all the industrial sectors, manufacturing sectors have always been blamed for poor technology adoption.

And this trend seems to continue.

According to asurvey, only 21% of manufacturing companies consider themselves highly prepared for the challenges the new digital industrial revolution will bring.

Most companies still use the old legacy system to run their manufacturing business. Due to this, they have faced maintenance, security, and compatibility problems.

Thankfully with the advent of 2023, things are changing. Manufacturers have realized that the future lies in the hands of the generation who use apps for everything and emphasize custom software development solutions.

Why Mobile App Development?

While there are many technologies that can be used in the manufacturing sector, why have mobile applications been emphasized the most? Well, the answer is very simple:

• 18% of manufacturing companies are using it to manage their inventory.
• 23% of manufacturing companies are using it for running surveys.
•  36% of manufacturing companies use applications to view and create orders.
•  48% of manufacturing companies use inspection applications.

The cool part of using mobile applications is that people of all ages can use it. It also gives businesses paramount business exposure and boosts customer loyalty toward the brand.

Considering these numbers and factors, you will understand how importantmobile app development has become for the manufacturing industry.

How is Mobile App Development Reshaping the Manufacturing Industry?

Mobile app development is helping the manufacturing industry develop custom software to overcome operation, production, and management challenges.

Given below are different ways mobile app development is impacting the manufacturing sector.

Real-Time Monitoring and Control

Real-time monitoring and control is a crucial aspect of mobile app development in manufacturing. Mobile apps enable real-time monitoring of manufacturing operations, including machine performance, production rates, quality control, and inventory levels.

This gives managers and operators instant visibility into their processes' status, allowing them to identify and address issues promptly.

With real-time monitoring, mobile apps can alert users to anomalies or deviations from desired parameters. This allows for immediate issue detection, enabling quick response and minimizing the impact on production.

For example, if a machine malfunctions or a process deviates from the set parameters, notifications can be sent to relevant personnel, allowing them to take corrective actions promptly.

By analyzing real-time data, identifying bottlenecks, and monitoring key performance indicators, manufacturers can identify areas for improvement and implement changes with the right custom software development solutions. This can further optimize their processes and increase productivity.

Inventory Management Made Easy

Mobile app development lets you track your inventory in real-time, providing up-to-date information on stock levels, locations, and movements. This gives you accurate inventory visibility at any moment, eliminating the need for manual or periodic stock checks.

Many inventory management apps chose custom software development solutions and now have built-in barcode and QR code scanning functionality. This allows you to quickly and accurately scan product codes to update inventory records, perform stock counts, and manage stock movements.

With mobile apps, you can access your inventory management system from anywhere, anytime, using a smartphone or tablet. This flexibility helps you manage your inventory on the go, whether on the shop floor, in the warehouse, or when attending meetings outside the office.

Supply Chain Visibility

Before the age of mobile apps, it took a lot of work to tell where the product was in the supply chain. However, now with the help of custom software development solutions, the manufacturing industry can get real-time updates on the status and location of goods throughout the supply chain.

Manufacturers can track the movement of raw materials, components, and finished products at each stage of the supply chain, from suppliers to customers. This real-time tracking ensures visibility and enables proactive decision-making.

Manufacturers can share information, exchange documents, and communicate with suppliers, logistics providers, and customers in real time. This improves coordination, enhances responsiveness, and reduces communication gaps within the supply chain.

Moreover, it also helps generate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs), such as order cycle time, on-time delivery rates, and inventory turnover.

Streamlining the Quality Check Process

Mobile apps enable real-time data collection during various stages of the manufacturing process. Quality control inspectors and workers can use mobile devices to record measurements, perform inspections, and document quality-related information directly into the app. This eliminates manual paperwork, reduces errors, and ensures data is captured accurately and promptly.

Inspectors can access these checklists on mobile devices, follow step-by-step instructions, and capture relevant data and observations.

Furthermore, mobile apps allow for efficient defect tracking and reporting. Workers can use the app to document and report defects, providing detailed descriptions, photographs, and other relevant information.

This information is instantly available to quality control teams, enabling them to analyze and address issues promptly. Mobile apps streamline the defect resolution process and improve overall product quality.

You can integrate with existingquality management systems (QMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems if you need more. This integration ensures seamless data flow and enables centralized management of quality control processes.

Improved Customer Engagement

Today customers want everything at their fingertips. When we say fingertips, we mean it literally. In 2023, every business will have its software in some form or another on the customer’s smartphone. Whenever a customer needs something from the company, they simply need to open the mobile app.

Customers can access product information, place orders, track shipments, and receive personalized smartphone or tablet notifications. This convenience enhances the overall customer experience and fosters customer loyalty.

Mobile apps provide a platform to showcase detailed information about the product and services, enabling customers to track their orders in real time.

Furthermore, mobile apps can be personalized to incorporate loyalty programs and rewards systems to incentivize customer engagement and repeat purchases.

Overall, mobile app development empowers manufacturers to engage with customers on a personalized and convenient level.

Here’s What We Think!

Digital transformations have greatly impacted the industrial sector and how it will perform in the future. Mobile app development, in particular, can positively impact the manufacturing industry.

From minimizing waste generation and packaging of the products to managing the hurdles and challenges in supply chain management, custom software development solutions can automate and streamline the workflow.