The term "Shopfloor App" refers to a digital application used directly in the production environment (the "shopfloor"). The goal is to make operational processes more transparent, efficient, and digitally controllable. Shopfloor apps collect, visualize, and communicate production-relevant information—often in real time. They replace analog tools such as whiteboards, paper forms, or manual shift handovers and enable modern, connected production control.
Shift and Task Management: Digital planning and assignment of tasks and shifts for shopfloor personnel.
Machine Data Collection (MDC): Automated recording and display of machine statuses, downtimes, and production volumes.
Real-Time Production KPIs: Visualization of key performance indicators such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), scrap rates, or cycle times.
Quality Data Capture: Recording and evaluation of quality checks directly at the production line or station.
Maintenance Management: Reporting of faults, management of maintenance intervals, and assignment of repair tasks.
Communication and Escalation: Structured problem reporting (e.g., Andon systems), comment functions, and feedback channels.
Material and Inventory Tracking: Feedback on material consumption, inventory status display, and replenishment requests.
Dashboards & Visual Boards: Overviews of production status, team performance, or shopfloor deviations.
A production manager accesses real-time data on machine performance and availability via a tablet.
Operators report quality deviations directly via the app during production and trigger a corrective workflow.
A shift supervisor plans and assigns tasks daily through the app, with digital feedback from staff.
Maintenance technicians receive alerts on upcoming maintenance via the app and document completed work on site.
A company uses a central shopfloor dashboard to compare key production figures across different locations.