Make-to-Stock (MTS) and production management software solutions
More than ever, business needs added value and efficiency through customized software solutions and new technologies. Logistics 4.0, through the digitalization of the supply chain, highlights the importance of digitalization and automation during the process of organizing production, warehousing and transport of goods. Industry 4.0 has also increasingly taken on a practical shape in the manufacturing sector. This complex concept points to the clear trend towards automation and data sharing in manufacturing technologies and processes, which includes, among others, the Internet of Things (IoT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), cloud computing and even artificial intelligence. In this context, the digitization of processes in plants, factories or workshops through software solutions with a view to streamlining mass production based on the MTS (Make-to-Stock) strategy seems to be gradually becoming standard practice.
What is MTS? What are its characteristics?
MTS is a strategy underlying mass production where products are manufactured according to forecast customer orders.
Unlike MTO (Make-to-Order) production, where manufacturers produce products exactly in the quantities required upon receipt of orders, MTS production is done in advance, in estimated quantities, and the deployment of warehouse optimization solutions as well an efficient stock management are strongly recommended.
Mass production is specific to companies producing general purpose items, mainly standardized products, manufactured and monitored on assembly lines using automation technologies. MTS strategy is based on repetitive flow production and results in mass production.
Under these conditions, it is necessary that aspects such as the management of raw material flows, the availability of machinery in the warehouses, the rational allocation of manpower, the optimization of the utilization of storage spaces for raw materials, WIPs and finished products, the sell-by date of items making up the stocks (if they are perishable products), the cash flow should be considered in production management.
Mass Production (MTS) management software solutions
Axes Software has created a suite of xTrack LMS (Logistics Management Suite) logistics applications tailored to the needs and requirements of customers in various industries. You can choose the right solutions for your business (xTrack MES, xTrack WMS, xTrack PMS, xTrack TMS and xTrack POD) and quickly have them connected through dedicated modules with various other applications (especially ERP) deployed in your manufacturing facilities.
xTrack TMS and xTrack POD solutions are systems managing transport and detailed tracking of deliveries. They can be used by manufacturing companies if they manage their own distribution network as well. And xTrack PMS can be used if the finished products are delivered in returnable packaging that the manufacturers need to track to minimize losses.
In order to scale your MTS business efficiently and avoid stock availability issues, we offer the xTrack MES solution. This application ensures planning, digitization of production flows and monitoring of technological processes.
xTrack MES incorporates the well-known functionalities of MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning), APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) and MES (Manufacturing Execution System), which gives it greater flexibility in implementation and allows it to meet the requirements of manufacturing customers.
The access to complex software solutions such as WMS (including xTrack WMS) integrated with xTrack MES allows for accurate data on stocks and the most efficient use of company resources. It’s well known that losses caused by mistakes in estimating mass-produced stock amounts required mean wasted investment in raw materials, inefficiently used labor and goods stuck in warehouses.
With the web-based version of xTrack WMS you can have real-time information about stocks and storage spaces. Through a WMS integration with xTrack MES, you can keep track of activities and raw material consumption due to the detailed traceability of available raw materials, WIPs and delivered finished products.
Managing activities in your production facility’s warehouses becomes safer and more efficient with WMS systems which give you access to modern technologies for coordinating important operations such as stocktaking, rapid picking of products from warehouses and organizing deliveries to customers.
These technologies are:
- Barcode scanning – technology used by mobile terminals or mobile computers commonly used in warehouses, through which data encrypted in barcodes is collected; the data is then used in the application to identify products and storage locations, manage inventory and ensure traceability.
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) – technology recommended to be used during the receiving of goods produced and sent to storage, for inventory checks and simultaneous delivery of multiple items;
- Pick by Light – innovative technology (LEDs signal the locations where workers should store items or locations they should take items from) recommended to complement barcode scanning;
- Pick by Voice (guidance and voice recognition system) – an effective solution in picking and sorting areas, with high volumes of products and varied stocks; it is used in addition to barcode scanning and brings added efficiency in confirming the carrying out of such activities in warehouses.
- Pick by Vision (useful information is transmitted via holograms on the lens of special glasses) – technology recommended for an efficient management of large stocks, where it is essential to quickly locate different types of goods and keep track of the available stocks for each item.
The software solutions designed to manage, streamline and optimize mass production processes and warehouse activities have become an integral part of the Internet of Things (IoT) in logistics and help you have control of operations carried out in manufacturing and warehousing facilities.
Benefit from the advantages provided by unified solutions designed to ensure an efficient data management in production environments and warehouses. Use an MES system that is adaptable to mass production requirements. Configure your workflows according to automatic planning and quickly change parameters when priorities need to be changed.
Learn more about the xTrack MES solution (and other Axes Software applications) and how it can help you manage your company’s production activities. Contact our consultants by filling out the form below!
