Tips for Designing Software for Manufacturers

When a manufacturer needs custom software, they need a truly unique solution that supports their operations at a high level. Sometimes they can get by using pre-made, existing solutions, but even in that situation, they’ll still require customization.

If you’re developing software for a manufacturer, here are some tips for meeting their needs.

Understand what your client needs

Naturally, you’ll ask each client what they want and need before moving ahead with any project, but it’s also important to read between the lines. For instance, you may notice an opportunity to help a client in an area that isn’t in their direct awareness.

There are two types of needs: those which are known and articulated, and those which are either unknown or forgotten. Manufacturers don’t have time to mess around and will take the easiest solution to a problem in order to keep their business flowing. This often results in taking on extra costs related to issues easily solved with custom software.

For example, manufacturers often use custom milling services to get a powder exactly the size they need. However, some manufacturers already have the equipment required for milling, but gave up because it was too complicated. If that’s the situation, and you can create software to manage the process onsite, you could save your client some money.

Prioritize intuitive navigation

If the software application you’re developing will be used by shop employees, it’s crucial to prioritize the user experience, specifically the navigation. Rather than creating navigation menus based on nothing more than what looks good, consider the user’s point of view and determine the menu structure from there. For example, if you’ve never worked in manufacturing, you may not know what’s most important, and should therefore be accessible in one click.

Map out workflows

To create helpful navigation that supports a smooth workflow, talk to your client’s employees and find out what they do on a daily basis. If you can get a walkthrough of their daily job, you’ll have a better idea regarding what options and tools they need access to most frequently.

Remember that user experience isn’t just a matter of organizing menus and navigation items so they look good and are easily accessible. It’s also about organizing the hierarchy of links and options so they make sense to the end user.

Use colors that can be visible in dim lighting

Manufacturing employees will be using devices with your software application in all sorts of lighting conditions, including dim light. This is a common problem, even with popular devices like the Apple Watch.

While most electronic devices have a backlit screen and employees can typically increase the brightness, there’s no guarantee that will be enough. For instance, your software might be installed on old machines that have lost some brightness, or they could be installed on devices that don’t display full color.

Design for the potential of dim lighting, and find out ahead of time what specific devices your application will be installed on before designing the colors. Certain background colors will appear too dark without a full color screen.

Plan for real-time data collection and analysis

Your client will likely expect your application to collect and analyze data in real time. Find out what data your client wants to collect, and integrate the proper protocols. For example, if they want to use sensors to monitor machines, integrate those protocols into the software.

Where critical measurements are concerned, establish a backup collection method just in case the initial collection fails. You’ll also need to set up data collection for quality control purposes.

Create comprehensive documentation

Every software application has nuances that make it not-so-easy to use out of the box. No matter how intuitive an application is, there will always be plenty to learn.

Before handing off any application, create extensive documentation that covers every use case and error you can possibly list. Video tutorials will be more useful since most people don’t want to read long text and prefer being shown what to do in a video.

Create effective software for long-term success

Developing software for a manufacturer is no small feat. It requires a lot of time, planning, and expertise to create effective solutions that account for both technical and practical needs. The key to success lies in developing a solution that meets your client’s current needs, but can also be adapted to future requirements. By prioritizing the user experience and accounting for workflows, you’ll create software that provides lasting value to your clients.