Transitioning from paper-based or PDF instructions to digital work instructions revolutionizes your workflow. But before implementing this technology, be sure to understand the answers to the top questions our customers ask when getting started.
Let’s address the top 10 questions to guide your informed decisions about digital work instructions:
1.) What are Digital Work Instructions?
Digital work instructions are electronic digital guides for building and repairing industrial manufacturing equipment. They also include quality manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that provide skilled workers with visualizations and real-time context to guide workers through completing a task. Digital work instructions should work on computers, mobile devices, and wearables utilizing text, multimedia elements, and even augmented reality (AR) to provide step-by-step instructions for improved clarity and efficiency.
2.) What are the advantages of embracing digital work instructions?
Digital work instructions offer a multitude of benefits that improve training, workflows, and machine uptime.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Access instructions anytime, anywhere.
- Increased Accuracy: Reduce errors with real-time guidance and version control.
- Improved Efficiency: Boost productivity through faster task completion.
- Comprehensive Training: Enhance onboarding and upskilling initiatives.
3.) What are the top use cases for digital work instructions?
Digital work instructions aren’t limited to a specific domain or single use case. They are applicable across various sectors and portions of the product life cycle.
- Training Skilled Workers: Onboard, train, and ramp up your skilled workers to productivity faster.
- Manufacturing & Assembly: Streamline production processes and train skilled workers.
- Maintenance & Service: Improve service quality and efficiency by enabling workers in the field with mobile instructions that improve machine uptime.
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4.) How do you author digital work instructions?
Digital work instruction software should enable quick and easy authoring. Subject matter experts, trainers, or even team members can create work instructions in several ways, including using artificial intelligence (AI) to digitalize PDF files, drag-and-drop features to build workflows, and importing CAD assembly files to incorporate 2D or 3D visualizations into training. The right software solution gives you the single source of truth for all of your workflows to ensure the latest training and processes are in place and scaleable.
5.) What are my cost considerations?
The cost depends on your chosen software and the complexity of your needs. Open-source options exist, while paid solutions offer flexible subscription models that give you scalability. Evaluate the long-term ROI, incorporating increased productivity, reduced errors, and improved employee satisfaction to help you build the business case (Do you want help building a business case? Get in touch with us!)
6.) Can workers access work instructions in the field?
Choosing a digital work instructions software that enables access to workers on various devices, including tablets, smartphones, or wearables, is a must! Specific solutions utilize augmented or virtual reality to provide beneficial tools in the field. Choosing a solution that enables offline work is a nice touch for those workers in the field with less than ideal wifi coverage.
7.) Can I conduct responsible performance tracking?
While some digital work instruction software solutions offer tracking features, they prioritize ethical considerations. Consider utilizing periodic tracking for training and process improvement, not individual micromanaging. If you want to elevate training excellence, be sure to choose a tool that supports periodic reviews and support analytics to make recommendations for improvement.
8.) How can I ensure proprietary data security?
Choose digital work institution software with robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information. Your product and associated data are key to your innovation and competitive edge. Be sure to choose a solution with security measures and access restrictions for authorized personnel only.
9.) How can I ensure process updates and revisions are easy?
Digitality shines in its flexibility by providing as a single source of truth for all product and process training. Updates can be instantly pushed to all devices, guaranteeing everyone possesses the latest information.
10.) How can I get started with digital work instructions?
If you have made it this far, you are heading down the right path. Our customers experience the biggest benefits by starting small. Choose a simple task and list step-by-step instructions for assembly and repair. Imagine what workflow works best for you and your team, and gather feedback from your most trusted team members if you want to learn more about digital work instructions and how CDS helps manufacturers create visuals. Immersive learning experiences: Get in touch with us today for a demo.
Remember to encourage continuous feedback from your team throughout the digital work instructions implementation process. Their insights will contribute to creating effective and user-friendly work instructions, ultimately fostering a thriving digital workplace.
Addressing these crucial questions can help you make an informed decision about implementing digital work instructions and reap the benefits of continuing down your digital transformation path.
