Evolving How Teams Request Assistance in Modern Manufacturing

Manufacturing Call For App

In a typical manufacturing plant, team members “call for” assistance hundreds of times each day—whether to alert a supervisor, request maintenance support, or ask for additional parts to avoid production delays. These requests are critical to keep operations running smoothly, yet they’re often delayed or missed due to outdated and inefficient communication methods.

The Problem with Traditional “Call For” Methods

Historically, these urgent requests have been communicated using:

While these tools have served their purpose, they are limited by:​

Proximity:

Only team members nearby can see or hear the request. 

Noise:

Audible alerts add to an already loud environment. 

Open-loop communication:

There’s no guarantee that the message is received—or acted upon.

As a result, valuable time is lost. Independent studies conducted by world-class manufacturers have shown that average response times to these requests can take up to three minutes per event.

Given the limitations of paper-based boards, it's important to define the goals of transitioning to a digital solution. Here are a few key expectations that every digital SQDC board should meet:

: Faster Response, Greater Accountability

SQUEAKS introduces a modern, closed-loop communication system that significantly reduces response times and ensures that no request goes unanswered. These same studies found that using SQUEAKS cuts the average response time in half—from

three minutes to just 90 seconds—directly impacting productivity and the bottom line.

SQUEAKS improves communication by:

• Digitizing “call for” messages:

  Team members can request help directly from a smart watch or mobile device.

• Targeting the right person:

  Alerts are sent to the appropriate individual or team, eliminating unnecessary noise and confusion. 

  
  

• Ensuring follow-through:

  If a request isn’t acknowledged within a set time, SQUEAKS automatically escalates the alert, increasing visibility and urgency

• Tracking performance:

  All actions are recorded, providing a digital audit trail and workflow reports that drive accountability.

  
  
  
  

Seamless Integration with Legacy Systems 

Rather than replacing your existing systems, SQUEAKS acts as a layer on top, extending the visibility of legacy devices like stack lights and call stations to desktops and mobile devices, bridging the gap between traditional and modern operations. 

As your digital journey progresses, you can unlock more capabilities within the SQUEAKS platform—at your own pace. All without disrupting your existing workflows. 

Visibility from the Line to Leadership 

SQUEAKS makes communication visual and accessible—alerts are not only sent to wearables and mobile devices but are also displayed on digital production boards and ANDON screens. This provides real-time awareness of open “call for” actions across the plant, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. 

A Smarter Way to Stay Connected 

SQUEAKS helps manufacturers close the communication loop, improve responsiveness, and empower team members at every level. By turning every “call for” action into a digitally managed event—with ownership, escalation, and tracking—SQUEAKS transforms the way teams collaborate on the floor. 

The result?

Better communication, faster resolution, and a more efficient, productive workforce.

BACK TO ARTICLES