"Extended workbench functions" refer to the outsourcing of certain production and manufacturing processes to external service providers or other locations to use resources more efficiently and reduce costs. This can include parts of the manufacturing chain as well as complete production steps. These functions are particularly relevant in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Typical functions of software in the area of "extended workbench functions" include:
Order Management: Managing and coordinating orders assigned to external service providers. This includes planning, assigning, and tracking orders, as well as communicating with external partners.
Production Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of outsourced production processes to ensure quality and time requirements are met. This can be supported by sensors and IoT technologies.
Supply Chain Management: Integrating and optimizing the entire supply chain, including external production sites, to ensure seamless collaboration. This includes planning and managing delivery schedules, inventory, and transportation routes.
Quality Control: Implementing quality control mechanisms and processes to ensure that outsourced products meet the specified standards. This can be done through regular inspections, audits, and test reports.
Cost Management: Tracking and analyzing costs associated with outsourced production to ensure cost efficiency. This includes budgeting, cost tracking, and analysis.