Production MIS
The Production MIS is a robust system designed to streamline and manage all aspects of order tracking for a manufacturing and print on demand facility. Orders can be manually entered or automatically populated depending on the source, ensuring seamless integration across multiple channels. Once entered, orders are routed through a custom pipeline system, where custom quality control systems and manual product checks have been integrated into each department. For certain manufactured products, the system automates the loading process onto production equipment, reducing manual intervention. Operating as the central hub for all manufacturing activities, the Production MIS prioritizes automation, real-time data visibility, and efficient operations, ensuring a smooth workflow from order intake to final product delivery.
Overview
The Production MIS was developed to streamline and manage all aspects of order tracking for a print on demand and manufacturing facility. As the product manager for this project, I led the end-to-end development process, from identifying key business needs to overseeing implementation. The system integrates order management, production workflows, quality control, and real-time data tracking into a unified platform, ensuring improved operational efficiency and accuracy across departments.
Problem
Before the introduction of the Production MIS, the print shop and manufacturing center relied on a series of disconnected tools and manual processes to manage orders, track inventory, and ensure quality control. This fragmentation led to inefficiencies, delays, and errors, impacting the overall production flow. The company needed a centralized system to handle orders from intake to fulfillment, streamline quality checks, and automate workflows to meet growing demand and operational complexity.
My Role
As the Product Manager, I was responsible for defining the product vision, gathering requirements from cross-functional teams, and overseeing the entire product lifecycle. I worked closely with engineering, operations, and quality control teams to ensure the system would meet both technical specifications and business needs. I also facilitated communication between stakeholders, managed timelines, and drove prioritization decisions to ensure a successful launch.
Solution
The Production MIS consolidates various manufacturing processes into one integrated system that manages all orders efficiently. Key features of the system include:
- Order Tracking: The system allows orders to be automatically routed through the production pipeline, ensuring visibility and accountability at every stage.
- Custom Quality Control Checks: Each department is equipped with tailored quality control checkpoints, ensuring the highest standards are maintained throughout the production process.
- Automated Production Workflow: The system reduces manual intervention by automating the loading of certain manufactured products onto production equipment, improving speed and reducing human error.
- Real-Time Dashboard: Managers can access real-time data on order status, production efficiency, and potential bottlenecks, enabling timely decision-making and adjustments.
Challenges
One of the key challenges was coordinating across multiple teams to ensure the system was aligned with existing workflows. Balancing the need for automation with the requirement for customized quality checks also posed a challenge. Additionally, ensuring that the system could scale to accommodate both short-run and long-run production orders required careful planning.
Outcome
The Production MIS has successfully transformed the company's approach to order management, driving operational efficiency, reducing production delays, and enhancing the accuracy of order fulfillment. By centralizing all production-related data and automating key processes, the system has minimized human error and improved overall workflow visibility. Since the implementation of the system, the company has seen a marked improvement in production timelines and a reduction in order fulfillment errors.
