WIP (Work-in-Progress) tracking monitors materials and components in real time as they move through each production stage, giving operations full visibility of status and location.
Definition
WIP tracking is the real-time monitoring of materials and components as they move through each stage of the production process, from raw material release through to finished goods. MES systems track location, status, quantity, and process history at every step. This gives operations teams visibility of what's on the floor, where it's held up, and whether it's in spec.
What this means when you're hiring
WIP tracking is one of the foundational capabilities of any MES implementation. In job descriptions it often appears as 'production tracking' or 'shop floor visibility' , same concept, different labels. Candidates who've configured WIP workflows in platforms like Siemens Opcenter or Critical Manufacturing understand how material data flows connect to work orders, quality holds, and genealogy records.
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