Power Apps in Manufacturing
​Manufacturing is a complex industry that involves a multitude of processes and workflows, which can be difficult to manage without the right tools. Power Apps is a low-code solution that enables organizations to create custom applications to automate and streamline their operations
In this case study, we will explore how Alif, a Power Apps service Provider with 13 years of experience, helped a US-based manufacturer implement Power Apps to improve their production process, reduce errors, and increase efficiency.
The client is a medium-sized manufacturer in the USA that specializes in producing custom metal components for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and defense. They have been in business for over 30 years and have a team of over 100 employees. The company's production process involves several stages, including design, fabrication, finishing, and inspection.
Client Background
Client Challenges
Before implementing Power Apps, the client faced several challenges that impacted their production process. These challenges included:
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Manual data entry: The client relied on paper-based forms and manual data entry, which was time-consuming and prone to errors.
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Inefficient workflows: The client's production process involved several handoffs between different departments, which often caused delays and errors.
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Lack of visibility: The client had limited visibility into the status of their production process, which made it difficult to identify bottlenecks and optimize their workflow.
Client Requirements
The client required a solution that would enable them to:
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Automate their production process and eliminate manual data entry.
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Streamline their workflows and reduce delays and errors.
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Improve visibility into their production process and identify bottlenecks.
Solution Overview
Alif proposed a solution that involved developing a custom Power App that would automate the client's production process and provide them with real-time visibility into their workflow. The solution included the following components:
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Design App: Alif developed a Power App that enabled the client to create custom designs for their metal components. The app allowed the client to select from a range of templates and input specific design parameters.
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Fabrication App: Alif developed a Power App that automated the client's fabrication process. The app integrated with the client's existing equipment, enabling them to input design specifications and receive real-time updates on the progress of their orders.
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Finishing App: Alif developed a Power App that automated the client's finishing process. The app enabled the client to input finishing specifications and receive real-time updates on the status of their orders.
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Inspection App: Alif developed a Power App that automated the client's inspection process. The app enabled the client to input inspection criteria and receive real-time updates on the status of their orders.
Solution :Design and Principle
Low code development
Alif used the Power Apps platform to develop the solution, which enabled them to rapidly create and deploy custom applications without writing extensive code.
Integration with existing systems
Alif integrated the Power Apps with the client's existing equipment and systems, enabling them to leverage their existing investments.
User-centric design
Alif designed the Power Apps with the end-user in mind, creating a user-friendly interface that enabled the client to easily input and retrieve data.
Outcome
The implementation of Power Apps had a significant impact on the client's operations, enabling them to:
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Automate their production process and eliminate manual data entry.
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Streamline their workflows and reduce delays and errors.
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Improve visibility into their production process and identify bottlenecks.
The client reported a 30% reduction in production time and a 20% increase in production capacity, which resulted in a substantial increase in revenue. The Power Apps solution also enabled the client to improve their customer satisfaction by reducing errors and delivering orders faster.
The client was also impressed with the flexibility of the solution, which enabled them to add new components as their needs evolved. The client's employees found the Power Apps easy to use and appreciated the user-centric design.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the implementation of Power Apps enabled a US-based manufacturer to automate and streamline their production process, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. The solution developed by Alif was designed to be modular and scalable, enabling the client to add new components as their needs evolved. The client reported significant improvements in production time, capacity, and revenue, as well as improved customer satisfaction. The Power Apps solution also enabled the client to improve their visibility into their production process, identifying bottlenecks and optimizing their workflow.