Insight Works is celebrating the 14th anniversary of its flagship product, Shop Floor Insight, a Manufacturing Execution System application for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Launched on June 1, 2010, the application has evolved from its initial release for Microsoft NAV to become what the company describes as an essential MES solution for manufacturers using the Business Central platform.
The application is designed to enhance production management through advanced barcode technology, focusing on accurate time capture and employee time management using scanners, touchscreens, and mobile devices. Its integration with Dynamics 365 Business Central provides manufacturers with real-time insights, flexible configurations, and security features. Brian Neufeld, Director of Marketing at Insight Works, stated the company is thrilled to celebrate 14 years of Shop Floor Insight, calling it a testament to their commitment to providing innovative solutions for the manufacturing industry.
Shop Floor Insight has established itself as the highest-rated MES app on Microsoft's AppSource marketplace, earning trust across the manufacturing sector. The application's comprehensive time and attendance management system streamlines employee tracking with capabilities including mobile tracking, overtime calculations, and exception-based approvals. The system utilizes barcodes and touch screens to simplify labor time tracking while improving user experience.
Mobile device compatibility allows employees to capture time and attendance data using smartphones and tablets, providing flexibility for on-the-go operations. Quality and process monitoring features enable manufacturers to capture operational data and manage quality assurance processes, helping identify root causes of issues and improve profit margins. Real-time reporting and analysis provide instant insights into job progression, costing, payroll analysis, and customizable reporting options.
Flexible configuration and integration features offer adaptable payroll rules, multi-level approvals, and seamless integration with payroll providers and other systems. Enhanced security and authentication measures include facial recognition, employee badges, and photo capture to ensure accurate tracking and increased security within manufacturing environments. As manufacturing continues to evolve in an increasingly digital landscape, tools like Shop Floor Insight play a crucial role in helping businesses stay competitive through data-driven decision-making and streamlined operations.
The 14-year journey of Shop Floor Insight reflects broader trends in manufacturing technology adoption and the growing importance of integrated, real-time data management in production environments. The application's longevity underscores the manufacturing sector's ongoing need for solutions that optimize production processes, improve accuracy, and achieve higher quality control standards. As Insight Works continues to innovate and adapt its flagship product, the manufacturing industry can anticipate further advancements in production management tools that address evolving challenges and opportunities.
