shop labor reporting and data collection

[yassine]

I am trying to find a simple way to collect labor on typical 4 operation processes for every job we issue. I am only interested in total labor per job and dont need per operation figures. we use ERP and the system can generate a bar code label for each job; is there a bar code application that can allow employees to scan that bar code then clock in and to a time clock system which will automatically collect the data for later reporting and analysis.Also if this idea is not feasable what wd be the best way to collect labor ? move a labor ticket with the router and have employees fill it out as it get its way through the manufacturing process.? Any help is appreciated. thank you.

 

[BillPSU]

What type of a shop are you? Is it a job shop or a captive shop? What will be your use of the data collected?

I've worked at a plant where they used nesting on a plasma punch and later on a laser. On many occasions they produced 20 different parts on one sheet of material. the next sheet would have a different nest and a different mix of parts. How could time be proken out for 20 different job packets?

How long are your typical operations? Are they measured in minutes, seconds or hours.

Labor reporting by job is generally a cost added activity and should be avoided if possible. In a job shop it usually cannot be avoided. Time cards is usually the first approach to monitoring time with either a manual write in the job number and a clock in and a clock off. Time cards are then keyed in and labor assigned. An automated time card system is usually the next enhancement.

Cellular and lean usually causes reporting to be limited to the number of parts completed by an area and all the actual time reported to the area and standard hours earned compared to actual used. Some time card system is again used.

 

[griffengm]

yassine,
Yes there are software packages to do what you seek. The magazine, Modern Machine Shop, carries advertizing for several every month and I thing they are on the web also.
I agree with Bill that you need a more clearly defined goal than presented in your initial post.

Griffy

 

[snubengr]

Where are you located? I know of a shop using a customized version of a commercially available shop management program that, among other things, produces travellers and quality plans with each process bar-coded. It also produces employee ID tags which are bar coded. When a machinist/labourer/QC person starts a job they scan in the job and their ID, then they scan out after completion. It has been in use for a couple of years. The advantages are many, drawbacks few. Up-to-the-second manufacturing information, very accurate job costing, complete info about location and remaining work on each piece on the floor, all in a job shop, small run environment. After a couple years of use they also have reliable history to draw on so the quoting has become very accurate as well. Recently, ownership has also been using the program remotely to monitor the day-to-day workings of the shop from their vacation homes. Sounds more Big Brother than it actually is.

If you are nearby you may want to check it out. I know that they have talked about selling the software, but software and marketing are definitely not core competencies of this group, so I suspect it will remain as is unless they had some impetus to actually start to move forward.

 

[TheEngineerBoy]

Hello,

We have laborers fill out a time ticket noting the time spent making a part at each stage of its manufacturing process. The problem with this system is that you are relying on the workers honesty. We consistantly have parts have recorded labor of twice or more what makes sense and others the mysteriously get made with no labor what so ever.

Steve