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Using Microsoft Teams
to Align the Factory Floor
and Leadership

In today’s manufacturing environment, effective communication is more important than ever. While many organizations already use Microsoft Teams in office settings, extending that same level of collaboration and connectivity to the plant floor has often been a challenge. IGear is helping bridge that gap.

The Gap Between Office and Operations

Plant floor employees often work away from desks, without easy access to email or traditional messaging tools. This disconnect can slow response times, delay issue resolution, and reduce alignment between team members. Microsoft Teams offers powerful communication capabilities—but only if it can reach the people who need it most.

Connecting the Frontline with Microsoft Teams

IGear helps bring Microsoft Teams into operational spaces by integrating it with real-time alerts, KPIs, and issue tracking directly on the plant floor. Whether employees are using shared devices, mobile phones, or digital signage, the goal is the same: deliver relevant, actionable information where and when it’s needed.

What Information Becomes Available in Teams

With IGear’s integration, the following plant floor data becomes accessible in Microsoft Teams:

Faults and downtime events

 

Team member calls for help or support

 

Metrics that drop below target thresholds

 

Key performance indicators (KPIs) and machine status

 

Training materials and how-to guides

 

Shift reports and plant documents

 

Escalation alerts and task assignments

This information is delivered directly within the Teams platform, helping ensure that critical updates are no longer siloed or delayed.

How IGear Makes This Happen

IGear’s critical event management platform, SQUEAKS, acts as a communication bridge between your plant floor and Microsoft Teams. By connecting to data sources such as PLCs, SCADA systems, HMIs, and other production software, SQUEAKS collects and evaluates real-time information across your operation.

When certain conditions are met—like a line going down or a KPI falling below
goal 
— SQUEAKS can:

  • Automatically send targeted alerts to the appropriate Teams channels
    or individuals

     

  • Display important metrics on shared displays and mobile devices
     

  • Report events and issues for team discussion within Teams
     

Operators and team members can also interact directly through the SQUEAKS bot in Teams:

​  •   Request information such as current production rates or help documents

Current Production Rates or Help Documents

Current Production Rates or Help Documents

​  •   Acknowledge or respond to alerts

Acknowledge or respond to alerts

Acknowledge or respond to alerts

​  •   View messages and updates relevant to their role or area​

View Messages and Updates

View Messages and Updates

Key Benefits of Teams on the Plant Floor

Faster Response Times: Issues raised through Teams-integrated alerts or visual dashboards get immediate attention from supervisors and support teams.

Increased Visibility: Everyone—from line operators to plant managers—can stay informed of key events, equipment status, and performance metrics without leaving the floor.

Improved Collaboration: Teams channels become a shared space for reviewing recurring issues, discussing performance, or escalating problems in real time.

Empowered Frontline Workers: Operators can contribute to conversations, raise concerns, or share successes, helping close the loop between frontline activity and leadership decision-making.

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No New Apps to Learn

The integration is designed to work within the Microsoft Teams platform your organization already uses—no extra tools or downloads required. IGear ensures that alerts, metrics, and documentation from your plant floor reach the right people through a familiar, accessible environment.

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ARTICLES
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Ready To Improve Productivity & Increase Profitability?

 

We’re ready to assist.
Feel free to contact us by phone, email or via our social-media channels.

Contact Us Today.

8016 Vine Crest Avenue    Louisville, KY 40222
 sales@igear.com
Office: 502.423.0999
Toll Free (USA/Canada): 1.800.407.0458
International: 1.813.882.5809

© 2025 IGear, LLC 

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