At SQUEAKS we provide manufacturing software
products and platforms for global manufacturing companies and industrial OEMs.
Our software products assist our customers in
achieving strategic business objectives for production efficiency, quality improvement, cost reduction, process control, along with team messaging and collaboration.
SQUEAKS gives you the power to personalizes the information your receive, making it easy to find the answers you want. With SQUEAKS, you receive only the information that is important to you!
Trust us with your communication platform like many other well-known companies have.
SQUEAKS is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
LEARN MORE
At SQUEAKS we provide manufacturing software
products and platforms for global manufacturing companies and industrial OEMs.
Our software products assist our customers in
achieving strategic business objectives for production efficiency, quality improvement, cost reduction, process control, along with team messaging and collaboration.
SQUEAKS gives you the power to personalizes the information your receive, making it easy to find the answers you want. With SQUEAKS, you receive only the information that is important to you!
Trust us with your communication platform like many other well-known companies have.
SQUEAKS is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
At SQUEAKS we provide manufacturing software
products and platforms for global manufacturing companies and industrial OEMs.
Our software products assist our customers in
achieving strategic business objectives for production efficiency, quality improvement, cost reduction, process control, along with team messaging and collaboration.
SQUEAKS gives you the power to personalizes the information your receive, making it easy to find the answers you want. With SQUEAKS, you receive only the information that is important to you!
Trust us with your communication platform like many other well-known companies have.
SQUEAKS is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
LEARN MORE
At SQUEAKS we provide manufacturing software
products and platforms for global manufacturing companies and industrial OEMs.
Our software products assist our customers in
achieving strategic business objectives for production efficiency, quality improvement, cost reduction, process control, along with team messaging and collaboration.
SQUEAKS gives you the power to personalizes the information your receive, making it easy to find the answers you want. With SQUEAKS, you receive only the information that is important to you!
Trust us with your communication platform like many other well-known companies have.
SQUEAKS is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
SQDC Boards
Digital Transformation of Paper-Based SQDC Boards
Safety, Quality, Delivery, and
Cost boards, or SQDC boards, are
commonly used as a tracking tool on the
plant floor to drive improvement in
these key areas of concern.
Challenges with Traditional SQDC Boards
Many of today’s SQDC Boards are still paper-based, which
presents several challenges, including:
Manual Entry and Updates
One of the primary limitations is
the necessity for manual updates.
This process can be timeconsuming and prone to errors,
leading to delays in information
availability and potential
inaccuracies.
Limited Real-Time Data
Paper-based boards lack real-time
updates, which hinders decisionmaking and responsiveness to
issues. The lack of immediate
updates means that teams may
be working with outdated
information.
Accessibility
Valuable information is hard
to access due to data silos and is
only visible to those physically
present at the board. This proximity limitation can restrict broader
collaboration and remote
access to critical data and experts.
Limited Content & Editing
Paper boards are static and only
display printed content, lacking
drill-down capabilities. They cannot share rich multimedia files such as videos, live streams, or web pages. Editing and
note-taking are manual
processes and cannot be directly
integrated with the source.
What to Expect from a
Digital SQDC Board
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:
Eliminate Wasted Time:
Digital eliminates wasted time finding, printing, posting and editing
information is more aligned with proven manufacturing principles of
eliminating waste. Digital boards lead to long-term cost savings by
reducing paper usage, printing costs, and manual labor.
Live Information:
Digital Visual Management boards offer real-time data, ensuring all
team members have access to the latest information. Edits made at the
production line or in the office appear instantly, enhancing decisionmaking and
responsiveness. This immediate data availability reduces delays, improves
operational efficiency, and is crucial for addressing
issues promptly.
Centralized Information –
Synchronized with Existing Sources:
Information can be organized and linked to existing locations, making
access and review seamless for team members. In addition, information
sources such as pre-production checklists, problem resolution
documents, etc. can be linked to messaging platforms for quicker
troubleshooting. The illustration below shows the variety of sources of
information that you can bring into a digital board.
Enhanced Accuracy & Reduced Errors:
Manual updates on paper-based boards are prone to human error,
which can lead to inaccuracies and miscommunication. Digital boards
automate data collection and updates, minimizing the risk of errors and
ensuring that information is accurate and reliable.
Customization & Flexibility:
Digital boards can be customized to mirror any paper system. They can
display different types of information based on the needs of the team or the specific
meeting. They offer flexibility in layout and content presentation. No-code
platforms allow team leaders to create boards in a drag and drop
fashion without the need for technical support.
Machine Connectivity:
Digital platforms can automatically update information using data
transport systems that move data directly from machines and sensors on the
factory floor, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors.
Cost Efficiency:
While the initial investment in digital boards may be higher, they
lead to long-term cost savings by reducing paper usage, printing costs, and
manual labor. The decreasing prices of smart TVs, mobile devices, and
interactive displays make digital platforms increasingly affordable.
Improved Accessibility:
Digital visual management boards can be accessed remotely,
allowing team members to view and interact with the data from anywhere.
This improved accessibility fosters better collaboration among teams,
including those working in different locations or remotely.
Enhanced Employee Engagement
and Empowerment:
Digital boards empower employees by providing them with
real-time data and interactive features that enable immediate action. This
empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, enhancing employee
engagement and motivation. Furthermore, digital boards can enhance training
and development programs, enabling employees to gain a clearer understanding of
how to perform their tasks more efficiently. Digital boards support interactive
features such as comments, annotations, and file sharing, which foster better
collaboration and communication during huddle meetings.
Integration with Other Software Platforms:
Digital visual management boards seamlessly integrate with
industry-standard collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, enhancing
visibility and collaboration. They also connect with various manufacturing software
systems, including HMI Systems, PowerApps, ERP, MES, and cloud-based solutions
like Microsoft Azure, PowerBI, SharePoint, Grafana, and Qlik. This integration
provides a holistic view of operations, facilitating comprehensive data
analysis and keeping everyone connected and aligned.
Visual and Interactive Elements:
Digital boards are as easy to use as paper. They incorporate charts,
graphs, and other visual elements that make data easier to understand
and analyze. Interactive elements like touchscreens enhance
engagement and participation.
Enhanced Security:
Digital boards can be secured with passwords and encryption,
ensuring that sensitive information is protected. Access controls can be
implemented to restrict viewing and editing rights.
These foundational features should be expected from
any digital SQDC board.
But at IGear, we go even further.
One-Source Core Capabilities
Our One-Source platform includes all the core capabilities listed above—
plus extended functionality that enhances the value of your digital boards:
Rich, Multi-Media Files and Web Applications:
With a digital platform, you are no longer limited to paper. This
allows you to integrate engaging and insightful content such as video files, streaming
videos, web pages, and other manufacturing software applications like HMI Systems,
MES, ERP, and Maintenance. These multimedia elements enhance
the effectiveness and utility of visual management boards, providing a more
comprehensive and interactive experience.
Microsoft Teams Add-On:
Enable mobile access to real-time data and visual management boards
with a simple add-on to Microsoft Teams. This allows team members to stay
connected and informed on the app they are on every day. Microsoft
Teams integration ensures that communication is
streamlined and centralized.
