Job shops have to perform multiple tasks with limited resources. Scheduling and tracking is an important function in job shops, which reportedly have thousands of items that have been listed as lost or neglected. Each lost item has heavy costs associated with it, which makes tracking all the more important.

Tracking software enables companies to track all items and identify their costs. This software works real-time to track and record each and every transaction within the process, ensuring accountability for all the resources that are used in the job shop. Everything in the job shop can be tracked, from the labor and resources used for the job, to the status of the job, and the status of the shipment.

Job shop tracking software uses advanced technologies like RFID, barcodes, shop floor terminals and web-based reporting. Using this, the management can track the exact costs of the labor and the materials, as the workers enter data into the system. The entire module is automatically updated as and when changes are made in the data. Using this, management can immediately track any backlogs, any inefficiencies or missing links in the process. Not only the resources, but also costs are also simultaneously updated. This helps management update scheduling and take on other jobs, based on the level of inventory being used. Job shop tracking software also enables customers to know the status of their job works, real time. It fosters better accounting control. Generally, tracking software is integrated with scheduling tools for better management. Other advanced features include: generation of custom reports, merging of tracked items, filter and sorting of tracked items, schedule requests and reminders, email programs, generation of requests, sorting of requests and suggestion of changes for the tracked items.

There is several job shop tracking software programs available. An ideal tool should be efficient, cost effective, flexible, easy to integrate into existing systems, easy to upgrade and easy to maintain. Software prices start around $100, and vary depending upon the features. Demos can also be downloaded for free for a limited trial period.