Paperless
Manufacturing

Streamline your manufacturing with ANT PAPERLESS. Digitize forms, improve communication, and access data securely from anywhere, creating a more efficient and sustainable operation.

Paperless Production in the Era of Industry 4.0

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, embracing digital transformation is no longer optional but a necessity for survival and growth. One of the most impactful areas of this transformation is the transition to paperless manufacturing. By eliminating paper-based processes, manufacturers can streamline operations, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Paperless is responsible for digital guidance of operator – starting from displaying activities (list to-do) for production, changeovers with dedicated documentation (image, document, movie) for each step of production. Any paper form can be transferred to the system thanks to Factory Forms and all step for production are being kept as Electronic Batch Records. 

Paperless - what does it mean and why is it important to implement paperless manufacturing?

Paperless production means eliminating the standard form of documentation in favor of its digital counterpart. Electronic archives, signatures and correspondence are replacing tons of paper files. Eliminating paper in production processes is now not just a popular measure, but a necessity.

Paperless policy in environmental protection

Environmental aspects have had a huge impact on the widespread promotion of paperless policies. The cost of paper production is high, and the sourcing of this material is not indifferent to the environment. According to reports prepared by world-class experts, the felling of trees and the carbon footprint caused by misuse of resources contribute to climate change. We are also increasingly experiencing problems with the availability of paper – it happens that resources are very limited in emergency situations. At the same time, as part of environmental measures, plastic packaging is being eliminated from the market in favor of paper packaging, so it is worth reducing paper consumption where it is feasible – for example, in the company’s documentation workflow.

Paperless policy essential to company growth

Paperless production brings tangible benefits to companies in the form of increased productivity and process quality. Digital transformation is one of the key ways to realize the concept of Industry 4.0. Reducing paper documentation and moving it to a digitized form allows to increase efficiency and the quality of communication and processes, as well as to build a competitive position in the market. Indeed, current trends in the economy point to a reduction in printing in favor of digital transformation.

Why ANT Paperless Manufacturing?

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Seamless Integration with ANT MES/MOM Systems

Automated validation​The paperless system is fully integrated with ANT's Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM). This integration provides real-time machine data endpoints, ensures traceability with material scanning and validation, and harmonizes with your existing production operations for a unified and efficient workflow.

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Custom Forms Creation Using Low-Code Applications

Build and deploy any forms you need using a low-code application platform. This empowers your team to create custom forms without extensive programming knowledge, enabling quicker adaptation and implementation of new processes or data collection methods.

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Flexible Workflow Management with BPM Tool

Leverage the Business Process Management (BPM) tool to design and customize workflows that fit your specific operational requirements. This flexibility allows you to adapt quickly to changing production needs and optimize processes for enhanced performance and productivity.

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End-to-End Provider of Digital Factory Solutions

ANT is your one-stop solution for digital transformation in manufacturing. Offering consultancy, software development, implementation services, machine connectivity, and ongoing support, ANT provides comprehensive solutions tailored to your factory's needs. This end-to-end approach ensures seamless integration and simplifies the process of transitioning to a paperless system.

MES system screen in the factory
Operator Panels on the shop floor can significantly lower errors and keep the manufacturing process under control. - Photo from Recaro

CLIENT STORY
How Recaro implemented paperless system to reduce paper on the shop floor?

RECARO Aircraft Seating, headquartered in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, specializes in the assembly of aircraft seats and operates under stringent regulatory requirements that mandate secure and long-term storage of detailed production documents. Facing the challenge of managing thousands of pages of physical paperwork per assembly, RECARO sought to optimize their processes by implementing the ANT paperless system. This digital solution transformed their assembly line by providing operators with instant access to technical drawings and necessary documents on any device, eliminating the need for physical copies. The shift to a paperless system not only streamlined documentation but also enhanced data quality through automation, improved internal communication, and increased transparency by tracking responsibility for each production order.

The Benefits of Paperless Manufacturing

Increased Efficiency

Paperless systems eliminate the time-consuming tasks of printing, filing, and retrieving documents. This results in faster decision-making, improved workflow, and overall efficiency gains.

Enhanced Accuracy

Digital records are less prone to errors and inconsistencies compared to paper documents. This reduces the risk of costly mistakes and improves data integrity.

Improved Collaboration

Cloud-based paperless systems facilitate real-time collaboration among teams, regardless of their physical location. This fosters better communication and knowledge sharing.

Sustainability

Paperless manufacturing reduces the environmental impact by minimizing paper consumption and waste. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the manufacturing industry.

Cost Reduction

By eliminating the need for paper, printers, scanners, and storage space, manufacturers can significantly reduce operational costs.

Improved Data Security

Paperless systems often incorporate robust security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to protect sensitive information. This reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, safeguarding your business's valuable assets.

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green factory

ESG Excellence in Manufacturing

A paperless system is essential to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals in modern manufacturing. By eliminating paper-based processes, manufacturers can significantly reduce their environmental impact, including paper waste and carbon emissions. Paperless operations enable more efficient resource management, improving energy efficiency and supporting compliance with environmental regulations.

Combined with an Energy Management System (EMS), a paperless system provides real-time monitoring and control of utilities, helping factories optimise processes, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall sustainability, making it a key driver for ESG excellence in the manufacturing sector.

Paperless as BPM class tool orchestrating activities
in ANT MES

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Process

Standardize, automate, and digitize business processes. Map customer activities directly into process models, integrating with other systems and services as needed, and collect and connect business data through process flows. Designed in Process Modeler.

Forms

Describe the actions available and the consequences of activities in different contexts, such as handling operations in MES system, taking data from devices or human system mediation. Designed in Forms Builder.

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Decisions

Comprehensive set of digital tools to help model dynamic and complex scenarios that respond to business needs (decision tables, formulas, loops).

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Process Reports

Reporting of activities performed by specific users within defined processes (audit trial)

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Output Reports

Set of business reports (batch reports) based on data collected during processes (e.g. EBR, quality data)

Are you ready to start you paperless journey?

TIPS:

  • Start small: When introducing a paperless system, it’s often best to begin on a small scale and gradually expand over time. Create Pilot program to see benefits in small scale first.
  • Involve your employees: Make sure your employees are engaged and understand the benefits of the paperless system to ensure its success.
  • Be patient: Implementing a paperless system takes time and effort, so remain patient and focus on making continuous improvements.
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System Presentation


Contact with our Expert

Patrycja Miklińska Industrial Software Expert

Patrycja Miklińska

Industrial Software Expert

LinkedIn

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  • 60-minute online meeting with a dedicated specialist presenting a top system from an industry similar to yours
  • Live modeling of your production process
  • budget quotation after the meeting

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Paperless production is a concept that emerged in the early 2000s and has since been adopted by many companies. It is a system where all documents are stored electronically, and there is no need for physical copies of any document. This eliminates the need for paper, ink, and other supplies required to produce physical copies of documents. 

The benefits of paperless production are clear: it can reduce costs, improve data integrity and quality, increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. 

The paperless production process is more environmentally friendly than conventional manufacturing. It uses less resources and has a smaller carbon footprint. 

– Paperless manufacturing is cheaper and more efficient. It reduces the need for raw materials and energy consumption. 

– Paperless manufacturing can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% which will have a significant impact on the environment. 

– Paperless manufacturing can lead to less waste which will save space in landfills and reduce pollution caused by incineration.