By now virtually all businesses have discovered the value of mobile devices to their daily operations – and manufacturing is no exception. Manufacturing-related apps for smart phones and tablets continue to proliferate for iPhones, iPads, Android-based and Windows-based devices. Here are just a few manufacturing apps that have recently come to our attention.

Gosiger Mobile Service App, (iTunes App Store, Android Market) this custom app from Gosiger allows customers to request Gosiger's premium service 24/7 remotely, watch training videos, ask questions, take photos of their machine, keep track of machine specifications, and keep up-to-date on current news and events all from the convenience of their mobile device.

AutoCAD WS by Autodesk Inc. lets user view, edit and share AutoCAD® drawings on your mobile devices. You can open the files directly from an email and then revise, make notes, and secure approvals on the spot. Many features make it easy to use including the ability to print via HP ePrint & Share.

Manufacturing Material Inspection mobile app is available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and Windows. It includes a barcode scanning option that enables capture of serial numbers. By entering appropriate data into the app when taking inventory or accepting material shipments, you create real-time documentation including photos.

Manufacturing Job Application with Tip Sheet is one of a series of apps from ComplyRight available at www.gocanvas.com. The app was created by attorneys to comply with federal hiring laws and you can get a version that also complies with your specific State regulations. It provides a list of acceptable and unacceptable questions to ask candidates and includes interviewing and screening advice.

Lean App, available from the Apple App Store  calculates Kanbans and takes times, plus has a built-in stopwatch. The App Store also features Lean Brain Boosters, Lean Six Sigma Mobile Lite, LeanKit:Kanban and other productivity apps.

Mobile Repair Manager, also from the Apple APP Store, is designed for those companies who send service technicians into the field. It keeps track of service activities in real time so you always know the status of a repair, or maintenance order. Also provides a graphical backlog order report.

Please bear in mind that Gosiger, Inc. is not endorsing any of these apps, but simply making you aware of them. Every business has unique requirements and an app that is perfect for one company may not be right for another. The good news is that most apps are quite inexpensive and many are free, so there’s not much risk in trying an app.