In the dynamic world of manufacturing, small factories often find themselves at a critical juncture. The drive for efficiency, cost reduction, and superior product quality is relentless, yet traditional, often manual, shop floor management methods struggle to keep pace. Imagine a manufacturing environment where every machine, every worker, and every material movement is tracked, understood, and optimized in real-time. This isn’t a distant future for large corporations; it’s an achievable reality for small factories today, thanks to the transformative power of Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories. This article will delve deep into how cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are becoming the linchpin for small manufacturers looking to modernize their operations, gain unparalleled visibility, and secure a competitive edge.
The journey towards operational excellence in a small factory often begins with a critical look at the shop floor. This is where raw materials transform into finished goods, where value is added, and where bottlenecks can either stifle growth or unlock immense potential. For too long, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been led to believe that advanced solutions like ERP are only within the reach of larger organizations with vast IT budgets and dedicated teams. However, the advent of cloud technology has democratized access to powerful software, making sophisticated shop floor control systems not just affordable, but essential for the survival and prosperity of smaller manufacturing outfits. We’re talking about a paradigm shift that enables small factories to operate with the agility, insight, and control previously reserved for industry giants.
Understanding Shop Floor Control in Small Manufacturing Environments
Before we dive into the “how” of cloud ERP, let’s establish a clear understanding of what shop floor control (SFC) truly entails, especially within the context of a small manufacturing environment. At its core, SFC is the system responsible for managing and tracking all activities on the production floor from the moment an order is released until the product is complete and ready for shipment. This includes everything from routing and scheduling jobs to monitoring machine performance, tracking labor utilization, managing work-in-progress (WIP) inventory, and ensuring quality checks are performed at every critical stage. It’s the nerve center of your production, designed to keep operations running smoothly, efficiently, and according to plan.
For small factories, the efficacy of SFC is often directly tied to their ability to compete. Unlike larger manufacturers who can absorb minor inefficiencies or delays, small players operate on tighter margins and often with more specialized products or services. A single delay, a mismanaged batch, or an unexpected machine breakdown can have disproportionate impacts, affecting delivery times, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the bottom line. Effective SFC, therefore, isn’t just about managing processes; it’s about minimizing waste, maximizing throughput, and maintaining a reputation for reliability and quality. Without a robust system for shop floor control, small factories risk falling behind, trapped in a reactive cycle of problem-solving rather than proactive optimization.
Common Challenges in Small Factory Production Management
Small factories, despite their agility and often close-knit teams, face a unique set of challenges in their production management, which makes Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories a pressing need. Many still rely on a patchwork of manual processes, spreadsheets, and fragmented legacy systems to manage their operations. This approach, while seemingly cost-effective in the short term, quickly becomes a significant bottleneck to growth and efficiency. The lack of integrated systems means critical information often resides in silos, leading to delays, errors, and an inability to make informed decisions quickly. Imagine trying to coordinate a complex assembly line with information scattered across multiple clipboards and individual computers; the potential for miscommunication and oversight is immense.
One of the most pervasive issues is the lack of real-time visibility into shop floor activities. Without a centralized system, factory managers struggle to answer fundamental questions: What’s the current status of Job X? Is Machine Y running at capacity? How much raw material do we have left for Order Z? This data black hole prevents proactive problem-solving and forces management into a constant state of firefighting. Moreover, manual data entry is prone to human error, leading to inaccurate inventory counts, incorrect production figures, and faulty quality records. These inaccuracies cascade through the entire operation, impacting everything from procurement and scheduling to costing and customer billing. The cumulative effect of these challenges can seriously undermine a small factory’s competitive position and hinder its potential for scaling operations.
Unveiling the Power of Cloud ERP for Discrete Manufacturing
So, what exactly is Cloud ERP, and how does it specifically cater to the needs of small factories, particularly those involved in discrete manufacturing? Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are integrated software solutions designed to manage all core business processes, from finance and human resources to sales, purchasing, and manufacturing. The “Cloud” aspect simply means that the software and its data are hosted on remote servers and accessed via the internet, rather than being installed and maintained on your local computers. This fundamental shift eliminates the need for significant upfront IT infrastructure investments, dedicated IT staff, and complex maintenance, making advanced software accessible to businesses of all sizes.
For small factories engaged in discrete manufacturing – the production of distinct, countable items like electronics, machinery, or furniture – Cloud ERP offers a tailored suite of functionalities. These systems are built to handle bill of materials (BOM), routings, work orders, production scheduling, and inventory management with precision. Unlike process manufacturing which deals with liquids, gases, or powders, discrete manufacturing requires meticulous tracking of individual components and assemblies. A Cloud ERP system provides this granular control, allowing small factories to manage complex product configurations, track serialized items, and maintain detailed production histories for compliance and quality assurance. It’s about bringing order, automation, and intelligence to every discrete step of the manufacturing process, making advanced management tools available without the traditional barriers.
The Synergy: Integrating Cloud ERP for Real-time Manufacturing Data
The true power of Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories lies in the seamless integration it provides, especially in delivering real-time manufacturing data. Imagine a scenario where every machine, every workstation, and every operator is connected to a central nervous system – the Cloud ERP. As production progresses, data streams continuously from the shop floor directly into the ERP system. This includes machine uptime/downtime, production counts, cycle times, quality control checks, labor hours, and material consumption. This isn’t just data for data’s sake; it’s actionable intelligence that transforms reactive decision-making into proactive strategic planning.
This integration eliminates the painful, time-consuming, and error-prone process of manual data collection and entry. Instead of waiting for daily or weekly reports that are already outdated, managers can access live dashboards and reports that reflect the current state of production. If a machine breaks down, or a bottleneck emerges, the system alerts relevant personnel instantly, allowing for rapid intervention. This real-time pulse of the factory floor allows small manufacturers to identify inefficiencies as they happen, adjust schedules on the fly, and reallocate resources to keep production on track. It’s the difference between driving blind and having a GPS with live traffic updates, enabling small factories to navigate the complexities of production with unprecedented clarity and control.
Enhanced Visibility and Transparency Across the Production Floor
One of the most immediate and profound benefits for small factories adopting Cloud ERP for shop floor control is the dramatic increase in visibility and transparency. Before Cloud ERP, many small factories operated with significant blind spots. Managers might know that production is generally on schedule, but lack the granular detail to identify specific delays, underperforming machines, or potential material shortages until they become critical problems. Cloud ERP pulls back the curtain, providing a comprehensive, 360-degree view of every aspect of the production floor, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
This enhanced visibility means managers can monitor the status of every work order, track the progress of individual components, and understand the utilization of each machine and workstation. They can see exactly where a job is in its lifecycle, how long it’s spent at each stage, and what the remaining time is. This level of detail empowers small factory owners and managers to move beyond guesswork and operate with data-driven confidence. It also fosters a culture of accountability, as performance metrics for machines and labor become clear and measurable. Transparency extends to inventory, quality, and maintenance, ensuring that all stakeholders have a consistent and accurate picture of operations. This newfound clarity is a cornerstone for continuous improvement and strategic growth, allowing small manufacturers to pinpoint inefficiencies and opportunities with precision.
Streamlining Workflows and Automating Repetitive Tasks
The journey towards Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories inherently involves streamlining workflows and automating a multitude of repetitive tasks that traditionally consume valuable time and resources. Small factories often struggle under the weight of manual processes – paper-based work orders, handwritten logs, manual inventory counts, and endless data re-entry into disparate systems. These tasks are not only tedious but also highly susceptible to human error, leading to delays, rework, and wasted materials. Cloud ERP steps in as a powerful orchestrator, transforming fragmented processes into cohesive, automated workflows.
Consider the journey of a work order: from its creation, through material allocation, production steps, quality checks, and ultimately to completion. In a manual environment, each stage might involve separate approvals, physical document hand-offs, and duplicate data entry. A Cloud ERP system automates this entire lifecycle. Work orders are generated digitally, materials are automatically allocated based on the bill of materials, and production steps are routed electronically to the correct workstations. Data from machine sensors or operator inputs is captured directly, updating progress in real-time. This automation significantly reduces administrative overhead, frees up skilled labor for more value-added activities, and ensures that processes are consistently followed, minimizing deviations and improving overall efficiency. The time saved and errors prevented translate directly into tangible cost savings and increased productivity for the small factory.
Intelligent Production Scheduling Software for SMEs
One of the most challenging aspects of shop floor control for small factories is intelligent production scheduling. Balancing customer demand, material availability, machine capacity, and labor resources is a complex puzzle, often solved with rudimentary tools or gut feelings. This typically results in suboptimal schedules, late deliveries, excessive idle time, or rushed production leading to quality issues. Cloud ERP systems, however, incorporate advanced production scheduling software specifically designed to tackle these complexities, making Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories a much more manageable task.
These intelligent scheduling modules take into account a multitude of factors in real-time. They can analyze current work-in-progress, machine availability, operator skill sets, material arrival times, and customer delivery dates to generate optimized production schedules. If an unexpected event occurs, such as a machine breakdown or a sudden rush order, the system can dynamically adjust the schedule, suggesting alternative routings or rescheduling subsequent jobs to minimize disruption. This dynamic capability is invaluable for small factories that often need to be highly flexible and responsive to market changes. By moving away from static, rigid schedules, small manufacturers can significantly improve on-time delivery rates, reduce lead times, and make the most efficient use of their valuable resources, directly impacting customer satisfaction and profitability.
Revolutionizing Inventory Optimization for Small Factories
Inventory management is a perpetual tightrope walk for small factories. Too much inventory ties up capital, increases holding costs, and risks obsolescence. Too little, and you face stockouts, production delays, and lost sales. Achieving optimal inventory levels without robust tools is akin to guessing in the dark. This is where Cloud ERP systems offer a revolution in inventory optimization for small factories, making it a cornerstone of effective shop floor control. By integrating inventory data directly with production schedules, sales orders, and procurement, ERP provides an end-to-end view that was previously impossible.
Cloud ERP tracks every item in inventory, from raw materials to finished goods, across all locations, in real-time. It automatically updates stock levels as materials are consumed in production or products are shipped. More importantly, it uses historical data, sales forecasts, and production plans to generate intelligent reorder points and quantities. This proactive approach ensures that materials are ordered just-in-time (JIT) where feasible, minimizing carrying costs while preventing stockouts. It also helps identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory, allowing for timely action. For small factories, this precise control over inventory frees up valuable working capital, reduces waste, and streamlines the entire supply chain, making the shop floor operate with lean efficiency and significantly contributing to overall financial health.
Bolstering Quality Control and Compliance within Production
For any manufacturing operation, but especially for small factories striving for reputation and growth, quality control and compliance are non-negotiable. Substandard products lead to customer dissatisfaction, costly returns, rework, and potential damage to brand image. Manual quality checks, often recorded on paper, are prone to oversight, difficult to audit, and offer little in the way of historical trend analysis. Cloud ERP systems provide a robust framework for bolstering quality control and compliance, embedding these critical functions directly into the shop floor control process.
With Cloud ERP, quality checks can be integrated at specific points within the production routing. Operators can record inspection results directly into the system, often via mobile devices, along with photos or notes. Non-conformance issues can trigger immediate alerts and initiate corrective action workflows, ensuring that defects are addressed swiftly and systematically. The system maintains a complete audit trail of all quality data, providing invaluable traceability for every product manufactured. This is particularly crucial for small factories operating in regulated industries where adherence to standards (e.g., ISO, FDA) is mandatory. The ability to easily access historical quality data allows for root cause analysis, continuous process improvement, and provides undeniable proof of compliance during audits, shielding small manufacturers from potential penalties and enhancing their market credibility.
Reducing Manual Errors and Operational Costs
One of the most tangible and immediate impacts of Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories is the significant reduction in manual errors and the subsequent decrease in operational costs. Errors are an inevitable part of any human-centric process, but in a manufacturing setting, they can be incredibly expensive. Miskeyed quantities, incorrect part numbers, forgotten steps in a process, or misread instructions can all lead to scrap, rework, production delays, and ultimately, lost revenue. Cloud ERP directly addresses these pain points by standardizing processes and automating data capture.
By digitizing work orders, bills of materials, and routings, Cloud ERP eliminates the ambiguity and inconsistencies of paper-based systems. Data is entered once at the source and then flows seamlessly across the entire system, preventing transcription errors. Automated alerts and validations ensure that operators follow the correct sequence of operations and use the right materials. Real-time data capture from machines and smart sensors further reduces manual input, replacing human judgment with precise, consistent data. The accumulated effect of fewer errors is substantial: less scrap material, reduced rework hours, shorter production cycles, and improved on-time delivery. These efficiencies translate directly into lower operational costs, allowing small factories to operate more profitably and allocate resources to growth-oriented initiatives rather than rectifying preventable mistakes.
Future-Proofing and Scalability for Growing Manufacturers
Small factories often have ambitious growth plans, but traditional systems can quickly become bottlenecks, stifling scalability and making future-proofing a daunting prospect. The beauty of Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories lies in its inherent scalability and ability to adapt to evolving business needs. Unlike on-premise software that requires significant hardware upgrades and IT investment with every expansion, cloud solutions are designed to grow with your business without disruptive overhauls.
As a small factory expands its product lines, increases production volume, or opens new facilities, the Cloud ERP system can easily accommodate these changes. Cloud providers handle the underlying infrastructure, allowing you to simply scale up your user licenses, data storage, or functionality as needed, often with just a few clicks. This agility means small manufacturers can seize new opportunities without worrying about their IT systems holding them back. Moreover, cloud ERP systems are continually updated and enhanced by the vendor, meaning your factory always has access to the latest features, security patches, and technological advancements without needing to manage complex software updates internally. This provides an invaluable level of future-proofing, ensuring that your investment today remains relevant and powerful for years to come, positioning your small factory for sustainable long-term growth and competitiveness.
Robust Data Security and Reliability in the Cloud
One of the initial concerns many small factories have when considering cloud solutions is data security and reliability. The idea of business-critical information residing “somewhere else” can be unsettling. However, for Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories, the security advantages of reputable cloud providers far outweigh those typically achievable by small, in-house IT setups. Cloud ERP vendors invest heavily in state-of-the-art security infrastructure, robust protocols, and expert personnel that would be cost-prohibitive for most small businesses to replicate on their own.
These providers employ multiple layers of physical and digital security, including advanced encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. Data centers are typically geographically redundant, meaning your data is backed up across multiple locations to ensure business continuity even in the event of a localized disaster. Furthermore, professional cloud ERP vendors adhere to stringent industry compliance standards (like ISO 27001) and often offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing uptime and data availability. For small factories, this translates into peace of mind. Your critical production data, customer information, and financial records are often more secure and reliably available in the cloud than they would be on a single server located in your factory, vulnerable to local power outages, hardware failures, or cyber threats without dedicated expertise.
Empowering Your Workforce and Fostering Collaboration
The success of Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories isn’t just about machines and data; it’s profoundly about people. A well-implemented Cloud ERP system can significantly empower your workforce and foster a culture of collaboration and ownership. Traditional shop floor environments often leave operators feeling disconnected from the larger picture, focused solely on their immediate task without understanding its impact on the overall production process or the end customer. Cloud ERP changes this dynamic by providing greater transparency and access to information for everyone.
Operators can access digital work instructions, engineering drawings, and quality specifications directly from terminals or mobile devices at their workstations, ensuring they always have the most current information. They can log their activities, report issues, and provide feedback directly into the system, feeling more engaged in the process. Supervisors gain better tools to manage their teams, assign tasks efficiently, and monitor individual and team performance, facilitating constructive feedback and coaching. Furthermore, by automating mundane tasks and reducing errors, the ERP system frees up employees to focus on more complex, problem-solving, and value-added activities, increasing job satisfaction and allowing them to develop new skills. This collaborative environment, fueled by shared, real-time data, enhances communication between departments – from sales and engineering to production and shipping – breaking down silos and uniting the workforce toward common production goals.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Cloud ERP for SFC
Implementing a Cloud ERP system for shop floor control might seem like a daunting task for a small factory, but with a structured approach, it’s a highly achievable and rewarding endeavor. The key is careful planning, clear communication, and a phased rollout. This isn’t just an IT project; it’s a business transformation.
First, Define Your Goals and Requirements: What specific pain points are you trying to solve? What improvements do you expect to see in shop floor control, inventory, scheduling, or quality? Involve key stakeholders from various departments to gather a comprehensive list of needs. Second, Select the Right Vendor and Solution: This is critical. Look for ERP vendors with a proven track record in manufacturing, especially for small factories and discrete manufacturing. Consider their industry expertise, support options, pricing model, and the solution’s specific functionalities for SFC. Don’t be swayed by features you don’t need; focus on core capabilities. Third, Data Preparation and Migration: Cleanse and prepare your existing data (customer lists, supplier information, product catalogs, bills of materials, inventory counts). This often underestimated step is vital for the success of your new system. Fourth, Configuration and Customization: Work with your vendor to configure the ERP to match your specific workflows and business processes. While extensive customization should generally be avoided for cloud solutions, some tailoring will be necessary. Fifth, Training and Change Management: This is paramount. Train your team thoroughly, providing hands-on practice. Address concerns and communicate the benefits to foster adoption. A robust change management strategy will help overcome resistance and ensure a smooth transition. Finally, Phased Rollout and Go-Live: Consider a phased approach, perhaps starting with one module or one production line, before rolling out across the entire factory. This allows for adjustments and minimizes disruption. Post-implementation, continuous monitoring, and optimization are essential to fully realize the benefits of your new system.
Choosing the Right Cloud ERP Solution for Your Small Factory
Selecting the ideal Cloud ERP solution is a pivotal decision for small factories committed to Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories. The market is flooded with options, and while many promise comprehensive features, not all are created equal, especially when catering to the specific nuances of small-scale manufacturing. Your choice will significantly influence the ease of implementation, the speed of adoption, and the long-term return on investment. It’s not just about software; it’s about finding a strategic partner.
Start by evaluating vendors based on their industry focus. Does the ERP provider specifically cater to discrete manufacturing or general manufacturing, and do they understand the scale and challenges of small businesses? Look for solutions that offer robust modules for shop floor control, including production scheduling, work order management, real-time data collection, and quality management built into their core offering, rather than as costly add-ons. Consider the user interface; it should be intuitive and easy for your shop floor personnel to learn and use, minimizing training time and resistance. Furthermore, investigate the vendor’s customer support and training resources. Will they provide dedicated assistance during implementation and ongoing support? Understand their pricing model – is it subscription-based, per-user, or feature-based? Ensure it aligns with your budget and growth projections. Finally, don’t overlook integration capabilities. The chosen ERP should seamlessly integrate with other essential tools you might use, such as accounting software, CAD systems, or e-commerce platforms, to create a truly unified business ecosystem. Thorough research, demos, and reference checks with other small manufacturers are invaluable steps in making an informed decision that will empower your factory for years to come.
Overcoming Implementation Challenges for Small Manufacturers
Even with a well-planned strategy, small manufacturers might encounter hurdles during the implementation of Cloud ERP for shop floor control. Acknowledging and preparing for these challenges can significantly smooth the transition and ensure a successful outcome. One common challenge is resistance to change from employees accustomed to old ways of working. People naturally fear the unknown, and new systems can seem overwhelming. Overcoming this requires proactive change management, clear communication about the benefits, involving employees in the process from the start, and providing ample training and support. Emphasize how the new system will make their jobs easier, not harder.
Another potential hurdle is data migration. Small factories often have fragmented data across spreadsheets, legacy systems, and even physical documents. Cleaning, standardizing, and migrating this data into the new ERP can be time-consuming and complex. Allocate sufficient resources and time for this critical step, and consider utilizing data migration tools or expert assistance provided by your ERP vendor or a consultant. Furthermore, budget constraints can be a concern. While Cloud ERP reduces upfront hardware costs, there are still subscription fees, implementation services, and potential training costs. Ensure a realistic budget is established from the outset, factoring in all associated expenses. Finally, managing the implementation project itself can be challenging for small teams with limited dedicated project management experience. Appoint a clear project leader, establish a realistic timeline, and maintain regular communication with your vendor to keep the project on track. By anticipating these challenges and addressing them proactively, small factories can navigate the implementation process more effectively and quickly begin to reap the rewards of Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories.
Measuring ROI and Success Metrics of Your Cloud ERP Investment
For any significant investment, especially in technology, small factories need to clearly understand the return on investment (ROI) and how to measure the success of their Cloud ERP implementation. Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories is not just about adopting new software; it’s about achieving measurable improvements in efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) before, during, and after implementation is crucial for demonstrating tangible value.
Start by defining baseline metrics. What are your current on-time delivery rates, production cycle times, scrap rates, inventory turnover, labor utilization, and customer complaint volumes? Once the Cloud ERP is operational, track these same metrics regularly. You should expect to see improvements across the board. For example, reduced production lead times directly impact customer satisfaction and cash flow. Lower scrap and rework rates mean significant cost savings. Improved inventory accuracy and turnover free up working capital. Increased machine utilization indicates better scheduling and fewer bottlenecks. Quantify these improvements in monetary terms. Furthermore, consider less tangible but equally important benefits like improved data accuracy, enhanced decision-making capabilities, better compliance adherence, and increased employee morale. Regular review meetings with your team and analysis of the ERP’s reporting features will allow you to continually assess performance, identify areas for further optimization, and demonstrate the ongoing value that your Cloud ERP system brings to your small factory’s shop floor control and overall business operations.
The Future of Manufacturing: Small Factories and Cloud ERP
The landscape of manufacturing is continually evolving, driven by technological advancements such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and advanced analytics. For small factories, staying competitive in this rapidly changing environment requires foresight and adaptability. Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories is not just a solution for today’s problems; it’s a foundational step towards embracing the future of manufacturing. Cloud ERP acts as the central nervous system that can integrate and leverage these emerging technologies, allowing small manufacturers to participate in the Industry 4.0 revolution without overwhelming capital expenditure.
Imagine connecting your machines via IoT sensors directly to your Cloud ERP. This would provide even richer, more granular real-time data, enabling predictive maintenance, dynamic capacity planning, and even AI-driven optimization of production parameters. Your ERP system can then use this data to identify trends, forecast demands with greater accuracy, and even suggest improvements to your production processes. For small factories, this means not just surviving but thriving in a competitive global market. The flexibility, scalability, and continuous updates inherent in cloud solutions ensure that as new technologies emerge, your manufacturing operation is positioned to adopt them seamlessly, rather than being bogged down by outdated, rigid systems. Cloud ERP empowers small manufacturers to be agile, innovative, and ready for whatever the future of production holds, transforming them from traditional workshops into smart, connected factories capable of competing with the best.
Conclusion: Your Pathway to Optimized Production and Growth
In conclusion, the journey to Optimizing Shop Floor Control with Cloud ERP for Small Factories is no longer an optional luxury but a strategic imperative for sustained growth and competitiveness. We’ve explored how small factories, often hampered by manual processes, data silos, and a lack of real-time visibility, can overcome these challenges by adopting cloud-based ERP solutions. From streamlining workflows and enabling intelligent production scheduling to revolutionizing inventory management and bolstering quality control, Cloud ERP provides a comprehensive toolkit for transforming your shop floor.
By embracing this technology, small manufacturers gain unprecedented control, efficiency, and insight into their operations, leading to significant reductions in errors and costs, while simultaneously empowering their workforce and ensuring robust data security. More importantly, investing in Cloud ERP future-proofs your business, providing the scalability and technological agility needed to adapt to evolving market demands and embrace the innovations of Industry 4.0. The time for small factories to step into the future of manufacturing is now. By strategically implementing a Cloud ERP solution, you’re not just buying software; you’re investing in a powerful platform that will drive productivity, enhance profitability, and secure a brighter, more efficient future for your entire operation. Take the leap, gain the clarity, and unlock the full potential of your small factory today.