Running a small factory comes with its own unique set of challenges - tight budgets, small teams, and the constant need to stay competitive. In the world of manufacturing, time is money. That’s why having the right tools in place to streamline your processes is so important. Recently, I tried the SMDH Process Time Tracker App. I wanted to find out if it’s worth trying for a small factory. Spoiler alert: It just might be a game-changer.
The Basics: What Does It Do?
The SMDH Process Time Tracker App is designed to give manufacturers a clear view of their production workflow, tracking everything from process times and progress to worker timesheets and workstation problems. What sets this app apart for small factories? It’s 100% free.
But, free doesn’t always mean good. So I dug in to see if it really could help a small factory.
Top Reasons Why It’s Perfect for Small Factories
1. Track Process Times and Eliminate Bottlenecks
One of the biggest pain points for small factories is time management. You’re likely working with fewer resources and need to maximise every second. The SMDH Process Time Tracker lets you monitor exactly how long each stage of production takes, which means you can quickly identify and address any bottlenecks. For example, if one workstation is taking too long, you can take action - whether that’s redistributing work or fixing underlying issues.
2. Stay on Top of Progress - From Anywhere
In a small factory, it’s often the case that the owner or manager wears many hats. You might be in the office, on the floor, or even out meeting clients. With this app’s web-based dashboard, you can always check your production status, no matter where you are. Whether you're looking at the number of units completed or the overall progress of an order, you’ll always be in the loop.
3. Easily Manage Worker Timesheets
If you’ve been manually tracking your workers’ hours, you know how time-consuming and prone to error that can be. This app automates the process, allowing you to log each worker’s hours, see how much time they’re spending on tasks, and avoid payroll mistakes. In a small factory, every penny counts, and this feature helps ensure you’re not overpaying or underpaying your team.
4. Fix Problems Before They Get Expensive
Another feature that’s a huge win for small factories is the ability to log workstation problems. If there’s an issue with a machine or a part of your production line, workers can flag it in real-time. This means you can address problems right away, avoiding costly repairs or extended downtime. For a small operation, avoiding downtime is critical.
5. Free. Yes, Free.
Small factories don’t always have the budget for expensive software systems. But this app offers all its features for free. No subscription fees, no hidden costs - just a genuinely useful tool for tracking production, managing time, and improving efficiency. It’s rare to find something this valuable without a price tag.
Does It Have Any Downsides for Small Factories?
While the app ticks most of the boxes, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. For instance:
- It doesn’t do predictive maintenance
- You’ll have to spend time setting up the system for your factory (SMDH can help with that)
- You’ll have to train your staff to use the system
- You will need WiFi in your factory and you will need some low-cost android devices
The Final Verdict: Should Your Small Factory Give It a Go?
Absolutely. If you’re running a small factory and want to improve your operations without spending money, the SMDH Process Time Tracker App is definitely worth trying. It’s packed with essential features that help you keep an eye on production times, track worker hours, and ensure problems are caught early - all in a way that’s easy to use.
For small factories looking to increase efficiency, cut down on wasted time, and stay competitive, this free tool could be exactly what you need, and if it doesn’t tick all the boxes, you’ll have a much better idea of what you need in the future.
Apply here for the FREE SMDH Process Time Tracker App