The Information Blind Spot
Precision Components Inc. struggled with data silos across their aerospace manufacturing operations. Critical production decisions were delayed by hours as managers manually gathered information from disconnected ERP, MES, and shop floor systems, resulting in missed delivery commitments and reactive problem-solving.
The Challenge: Information Fragmentation
As a supplier to major aerospace OEMs, Precision Components faced increasing pressure for on-time delivery and quality excellence. However, their information systems were creating barriers to effective decision-making rather than enabling it.
System Disconnection Issues
ERP, MES, and quality systems operating independently
Managers spending 2+ hours daily collecting information
Issues discovered hours after occurrence
Operational Impact
12% of orders shipped late due to visibility gaps
Suboptimal scheduling due to incomplete information
Reactive communication about potential delays
Solution Architecture: Unified Dashboard Platform
The solution involved creating a comprehensive dashboard ecosystem that aggregated data from all systems into role-specific views, enabling real-time decision-making at every level of the organization.
Executive Dashboard
High-level KPIs, delivery performance, and financial metrics for strategic oversight
Operations Dashboard
Production schedule, resource utilization, and quality metrics for daily management
Shop Floor Dashboard
Real-time production status, work instructions, and quality alerts for operators
Technology Integration Framework
| System Layer | Data Sources | Integration Method | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERP System | Orders, inventory, financials | REST API integration | 15-minute intervals |
| MES Platform | Production status, labor tracking | Database replication | Real-time |
| Shop Floor Systems | Machine status, quality data | OPC-UA protocols | 1-second intervals |
| Quality Systems | Inspection results, NCRs | File-based integration | Event-driven |
Implementation Results
Key Success Factors
Technical Excellence
Microservices-based platform supporting future expansion
Automated validation and cleansing ensuring reliable insights
Sub-second response times for critical production data
User Adoption
Customized views matching specific job responsibilities
Mobile-responsive design requiring minimal training
Gradual deployment building user confidence and adoption