Document generation automation for manufacturers

A manufacturer's document set

Travellers with the right revision

A traveller generated from the works order prints the routing, materials, the drawing revision in force and spaces or barcodes for operators to record each operation. Because it is generated at release, it always carries the current revision rather than one copied from an earlier job. If a revision changes after release, the system can flag open works orders still carrying the old one.

Barcodes on travellers make shop-floor recording quicker and more accurate.

Certificates from records, not memory

A certificate of conformity states that goods meet the order's requirements, often referencing batch numbers, material certificates and inspection results. Generate it from those records so it can only say what the records support, and stop generation if an inspection is missing or failed. Where your products need formal declarations under product regulations, the wording, signatory and supporting technical files remain the responsibility of the business and its advisers; generation keeps them consistent and complete.

Checks before release

Example: certificates with every delivery

One product record, many datasheets

Datasheets for customers, distributors and the website can all be generated from one approved product record, in different layouts if needed. When the specification changes, every datasheet updates together, with the new revision and date. Distributors receive the new version automatically rather than finding out later.

Keeping what was issued

Store every issued certificate and datasheet version with the order or product, so you can show exactly what a customer received. Customers and auditors may ask years later, and records should be kept for as long as your quality system and contracts require.

Where to start

Start with the document produced most often or with the highest risk of error, frequently certificates or travellers. Make sure the underlying records are captured reliably first; a generated certificate is only as good as the inspection data behind it.

Packing lists and shipping documents

Packing lists generated from what was actually packed, with quantities, batch numbers, carton counts and weights, help customers check deliveries and help carriers handle them. For exports, the same packed data can feed commercial invoices and other shipping paperwork, though the requirements for each destination should be confirmed with your freight forwarder or adviser. Generating everything from one packing record avoids quantities differing between documents.

Print labels from the same data so cartons match the list.

Customer-specific requirements

Some customers specify what their certificates must include, or the format of their labels. Record those requirements against the customer, and let generation apply them automatically, so nobody has to remember which customer wants which layout.

Authorised signatories

Record who may sign each type of certificate, and require their approval in the system before generation completes. The certificate then shows a real, authorised person rather than a pasted signature image anyone could use.