Manufacturers, both discreet and process, have a unique advantage they can employ. KPI (key performance indicator) software specifically designed for them, which takes into account both business metrics as well as production data and can be delivered on-demand. Basic KPIs, like overall equipement effectiveness, open orders, quality tracking, WIP, labor usage and others help provide the operational level metrics necessary for higher level KPIs, like overall production efficiency of a department, plant or division and comparative analytics for products, plants, divisions, companies.

Performance measurement software provides users with the ability to visualize and analyze KPIs (key performance indicators). It delivers the power of visualization based on actual metrics directly into the hands of decision makers.

By combining business, operational and production performance KPIs, even when the data is from disparate systems, users are provided with near real-time, actionable metrics and KPIs for optimal decision making in the manufacturing environment. Users can even be sent alerts via e-mail when KPIs which have been designated as their responsibility reach pre-defined alarm levels.

The question is how can manufacturers leverage this new technology to further enable the organization to make timelier and better informed decisions? Defining the company strategy, identifying KPIs and assigning ownership of KPIs now become the most difficult parts of this endeavor.

One of the biggest advantages of a KPI software system is the ability it gives corporate entities to compare the performance of various products, plants, divisions and even companies within the corporation. The software makes it possible for team members to see where the money makers are as well as the marginal or no profit items. Disparate products or facilities can be standardized within the software to allow for comparison.

KPIs can also be aggregated, and weighted, so that they are accounted for and prioritized within the software system. Data from multiple sources already in place within the corporation, such as ERP, CRM, MES and other databases and spread sheets can be incorporated into the system.