T
Thick Antelope
Background
Our steel workshop environment is harsh on electronics. Sparks, sharp edges, and heavy steel make it risky for staff to carry phones or tablets, and small screens make it difficult to read all the job details.
While Factory is highly information-rich and the team appreciates having everything centralised, they need a way to work effectively without relying on fragile devices on the floor.
Proposed Solution
Add a feature to generate a customisable, printable PDF work order report from Factory.
The PDF will include only the information the user selects, and users will be able to save these selections as reusable templates.
This feature will be accessible only to Management (Admins and Power Users), not to floor staff.
Core Functionality
Selective Information Printing
Before printing, the user chooses what information to include:
Order Details – NMI job number, client details, delivery/installation address (each can be included or excluded).
Collaborate Content – Select which labels/folders appear, displayed exactly as they are in Factory.
Checklists – Select which checklists to include. These will display tick boxes for manual completion, showing what is already ticked in Factory.
Drawings – Embed shop drawings, installation drawings, and optionally concept drawings directly in the PDF.
Material Information – List all ordered items, with received items ticked off. Show ordered quantities, received quantities, and remaining quantities.
Scope & Important Notes – Option to include/exclude.
Single File Output
All selected information is compiled into one PDF file.
Drawings included in the file.
A3-sized pages for drawings to maintain clarity.
The rest of the report formatted for easy A4 printing.
Template Saving
Once a selection is made, the user can save it as a template.
Templates can be job-type specific (e.g., fabrication only, full install, automation jobs).
Templates can be reused with one click for similar jobs.
Admins and Power Users can create and share templates.
Bulk Printing
Ability to generate work orders for multiple jobs at once using a selected template.
Each job’s drawings should still print in A3 format.
All PDFs generated can be combined into one bulk download or provided as separate files.
Digital Access
Managers should have the option to view the same PDF digitally within Factory without printing, for quick reference.
Privacy Control
An option to hide sensitive information (e.g., client details) by default unless manually enabled in the template settings.
Branding & Marketing Advantage
Reports can feature the company’s logo prominently, with Factory’s logo also displayed in a less prominent position.
This provides Factory with passive marketing, as printed reports will be seen by clients and subcontractors on-site.
When others see how organised and professional these reports are, it can encourage them to sign up with Factory.
Benefits
Reduces reliance on fragile electronics in a harsh workshop environment.
Ensures only relevant information is given for each specific job type.
Saves setup time by allowing quick template reuse.
Keeps work organised, reducing mistakes and improving productivity.
Supports both paper-based and digital workflows.
Protects sensitive job information by restricting access to Management.
Gives Factory a subtle but effective marketing presence through on-site exposure.