Searching for new manufacturing technology involves a lot of resource time and money, and if done poorly, a lot of headaches, too! Think about the number of discovery calls and in-depth discussions and demos that your team will go through. It can quickly become overwhelming.

To help software searchers, our experts created a comprehensive manufacturing checklist which outlines the three phases of the search:

• What steps manufacturers need to take even before speaking with vendors such as defining your operational objectives, functionality and technology requirements
• How to evaluate products and vendors
• How to make the final decision 

It’s important to follow software search best practices to ensure that you don’t add unnecessary time to the project. Choosing the wrong vendor can cost your business. About 28% of software that has been installed in organizations across the U.S goes unused. This amounts to $30 billion in wasted IT dollars.

With over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, our Smart Factory experts have guided countless manufacturers through the search process. Many manufacturers come to us without knowing their specific operational challenges or requirements around their machine and IT connectivity which slows down the process. 

Manufacturing Checklist

Phase 1: What Steps Manufacturers Need to Take

Before even reaching out to vendors, you need to have a clear understanding of your needs. Here are the steps:

Define Your Operational Objectives: What do you expect from the smart factory software? Are you looking to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, or enhance product quality? Establish clear, measurable goals.

Identify Functionality Requirements: Determine what specific features you need in a software solution. This might include real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, data analytics, etc.
Outline Technology Requirements: Consider the technical aspects of the software. Will it integrate with your existing systems? Does it support the required protocols? Is it scalable for future growth?

Phase 2: How to Evaluate Products and Vendors

Once you’ve defined your needs, start evaluating different products and vendors.

Product Evaluation: Look at the features of each product. How well do they align with your needs? Do they offer a demo or trial period?

Vendor Evaluation: Assess the vendor’s reputation. Look at their track record, customer reviews, and how long they’ve been in business.

Cost Evaluation: Compare pricing models of different solutions. Consider both upfront costs and long-term value.

Phase 3: How to Make the Final Decision

Now it’s time to make a decision.

Narrow Down Your Options: Based on your evaluations, shortlist a few options that best fit your needs.

Request Proposals: Request detailed proposals from your shortlisted vendors. Make sure they include specifics about features, support, training, and pricing.
Make a Decision: Review all the information you’ve gathered, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the software solution that best meets your objectives, functionality, and technology requirements.

Factor in Return on Investment (ROI)

One of the most important factors to consider in your software investment is the level of profitability that the tool can offer. The checklist provides you with an interactive ROI calculator to get a clearer view of the potential software investment impact on operations. It factors in:

• Estimated yearly investment per vendor
• The number of scheduled weekly hours
• Burden rate/hour
• Number of machines in your facility 
• Target improvement percentage per vendor

A few Shoplogix Bonus Tips

• Evaluating too many can lead to information overload and hinder the search process by making it difficult to distinguish between the functionality, costs, and fit of each. Make sure you limit the number of vendors to 4-5.
• Waiting too long to involve decision-makers can hinder your software search process. Loop in appropriate stakeholders early on in the process to avoid duplicating work and sitting in on multiple demos and sales processes. 
• Once a vendor has been chosen, begin the implementation process as soon as possible to avoid delays.  Keep in mind that vendors also have their own schedules and available timeframes for implementation.

Smart Factory Software Search Requirements

Are you researching IIoT Smart Factory Solutions for your manufacturing operations? Save valuable resource time and make the right vendor selection the first time around with this comprehensive checklist! 

Jumpstart your software search! 

Selecting the right IIoT Smart Factory solution vendor comes down to knowing your specific operational challenges and objectives. We have created this comprehensive Smart Factory software requirements checklist that breaks down various requirements in the following areas:

• Easily define your operational objectives and key business, functionality, and technology requirements before speaking with vendors.
• Learn how to evaluate products and vendors.
• Making the decision – learn the steps needed to make the final decision! 

Download the fillable template to coordinate teams, get decision-makers on board with digital transformation, and find the best digital solution for your operations!

[Download Here]

About Shoplogix

Shoplogix is re-defining the manufacturing industry by making the Smart Factory platform the cornerstone of digital production performance transformation. By empowering manufacturers to visualize, integrate, and act on production performance in real-time, Shoplogix helps to uncover hidden shop floor potential and drive rapid time to value.

Choose Smart Manufacturing, choose Shoplogix.