Production and Manufacturing
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Parts Lists.
An intranet can easily be used to create an online parts list or catalog, with complete text and graphics information about the part. Adding search capability gives employees the ability to quickly locate the correct part. Being online also means that it's simpler to update the list with new parts or take out obsolete parts.

Procedures and Processes Manuals.
An intranet saves the printing and distribution costs of hard copy procedures and processes manuals. Plus, its easier to update.

Service and Maintenance Manuals.
Highly detailed and voluminous documentation can be placed on the intranet to save printing costs and enhance the ability of employees to quickly find just the information they need.

Approval Processes.
On an intranet, the manufacturing approval process can be conducted electronically via email. Workflow sequences can be setup for specific processes. Besides making the process more efficient, this method also provides a detailed paper trail.

Vendor Information.
An intranet can serve as a repository for vendor information. The advantage here is that all information can be instantaneously and easily updated.

Database Integration.
Many companies have large manufacturing databases on mainframe and midrange computers. A browser can be an easy-to-use front end to access these databases.

Manufacturing Reports.
Using secure access procedures, manufacturing reports such as forecasts, booking, shipping and inventory information can be distributed to managers.

New Product Design and Development.
An intranet can be the ideal collaborative tool for employees to enhance the product design and development process. Combined with threaded discussion group software, an intranet allows geographically separated groups to efficiently share ideas on technology, specifications, illustrations, design criteria, etc.

Inventory Tracking.
Use the intranet to perform inventory receipts, issues, transfers and counts.

Order Status Tracking.
Easily check orders by item number, order number or customer number. Query results can include customer purchase order number, order number, order date, quantity ordered, quantity shipped, price, quantity back-ordered, and dollar amount back-ordered. Extend this application to allow customer access for checking their own orders.

Manufacturing Status Reports.
Use the intranet to efficiently distribute these status reports. Also, it easy to archive old status reports online so that they are always available for reference.