GBMS SFC uses automatic data collection equipment to track the quantity and status of products as they move through operations in the manufacturing process. The system replaces much of the manual and keyboard record-keeping process and allows precise, up-to-the-minute information on every work order, lot, and part, at each stage of production.

Once the Work Order has been issued to the shop floor, an optional ID label/tag can be printed. This label is used throughout the manufacturing process to capture status information. Serial and lot-controlled items can have that information included on the ID label. Test results, failure codes, and repair information can also be captured in this module. The system can direct routing of goods based on failure codes, where each failure code can be assigned to a specific repair workstation.

The SFC module allows for automatic movement of items from one operation to the next, or the option to enforce discrete movement between operations. The latter method increases the visibility of queue times between operations and enhances the ability to physically locate an item on the shop floor.

Detailed sub-assembly information, such as serial or lot numbers, can be attached to the upper assembly for a complete history of a “finished goods as-built” configuration. In addition, user-defined prompts can be added during the configuration process to capture serial or lot-specific information. When used in conjunction with the Sales module, the system can track the manufactured item all the way to when it was sold and to which customer.

SFC’s Sub-Contracting feature allows Purchase Orders to be generated directly from a Work Order, in order to track services that are out-sourced to sub-contract vendors. Sub-Contract items can then be shipped to a sub-contractor by the shop floor, with ability to print all the related shipping documents and labels. Shipments to, and receipts from, the sub-contractor are captured in detail and saved in history tables. A report allows the reconciliation of these two numbers for open balances that constitute inventory at the vendor site.

At the end of the manufacturing process, a finished goods label, including graphics and serial/lot information, can be printed. Companies can define a custom label design for each product to fit its particular physical size and information requirements.