Industrial manufacturing is a complex industry with many moving parts, and production facilities can be a challenging environment to navigate. The demand for precision and accuracy to ensure the quality of the final products is always high. Even the slightest misstep can lead to defects or malfunctions, underscoring the importance of meticulous management by a diverse team of skilled professionals.

To support these teams in their goal of operational excellence, it is essential to find a software solution that takes the guesswork out of operations and allows users to quickly use the system in a meaningful way.

This blog explores the fundamental importance of simplicity, intuitiveness, and collaboration when choosing operational performance management (OPM) software. Whether you’re a C-level executive seeking high-level overviews or a department manager diving into granular details, here are a few key features to be on the lookout for:

User-Friendly Interface

The first and most crucial aspect of OPM software is its user interface. It should be simple, intuitive, and designed with the end-user in mind. A well-crafted interface ensures that employees across all levels can easily navigate the software without extensive training, reducing the learning curve and increasing overall adoption rates.

Customizable Dashboards

One size doesn’t fit all. Manufacturing covers a broad spectrum of industries, including pulp and paper, mining and metals, food and beverage, oil and gas, and chemical factories. Every plant and facility has its own unique requirements, so the ability to tailor your dashboards to suit the various roles and responsibilities is critical.

For example, a production manager may have a dashboard that focuses on real-time production metrics, while a quality control manager might prioritize data related to product quality and compliance. It’s like having a tool that speaks your language—making you more efficient in your decision-making.

Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

Compatibility and integration with your existing systems (such as SCADA, ERP, MES and Historian), are an important part of selecting an OPM platform. This ensures that data can flow seamlessly between various parts of the manufacturing process and employees are more likely to adapt and feel confident using new software if it integrates with the tools and systems they already use.

Collaborative Workflows

Breaking down communication barriers and fostering teamwork by collaborating in real-time eliminates silos and confusion. Features like shared analytics views and comment threads contribute to a culture of collective problem-solving. This not only enhances overall efficiency but also fosters a sense of connection and shared responsibility among team members.

Scalability

OPM software should be scalable to accommodate the changing needs of the manufacturing environment. Whether a facility is expanding or undergoing changes in production scale, the OPM software should be able to seamlessly adapt to an increase in the amount of work, data, or users efficiently, without causing delays or performance issues. 

Mobile Accessibility

The ability to access operational data on the go is a game-changer. Look for OPM software that offers a responsive interface that adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions, as well as the ability to monitor real-time data and receive alerts on their mobile devices. This allows key stakeholders to stay connected and make decisions even when they’re away from their desks.

Summary

When selecting an OPM solution, the interface should feel like a well-designed roadmap, helping you navigate your operational data without the need for a manual. The result? Your teams spend less time figuring out the software and more time focusing on what matters to your business.

Our solution, Ekho OPM, does just that.

At Ekhosoft, we understand that the real value of any tool lies in how easily teams can embrace and use it in a meaningful and collaborative way. This simplicity reduces the learning curve, allowing organizations to focus on leveraging their data rather than wrestling with the software. By keeping things simple without sacrificing functionality, Ekho OPM empowers you to realize the full potential of your operational data.

Curious about how Ekho OPM can help your team navigate complex operational data in a more meaningful and straightforward way? Get the product sheet or book a demo.