Using Microsoft Teams to Align the Factory Floor and Leadership
- donkorfhage
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 6
Manufacturing Call For App
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 belowgoal — SQUEAKS can:
Automatically send targeted alerts to the appropriate Teams channelsor 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
• Acknowledge or respond to alerts
• View messages and updates relevant to their role or area
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.
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.
