# Understanding Manufacturing Analytics

Data-driven insights help optimize your manufacturing operations.

## Analytics Dashboard Overview

Access your analytics from **Manufacturer Dashboard** > **Analytics**

## Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

### Production Metrics:
| Metric | What It Measures |
|--------|------------------|
| Total units produced | Output volume |
| Production efficiency rate | Resource utilization |
| Capacity utilization % | How much capacity is used |
| On-time delivery rate | Reliability |
| Quality defect rate | Product quality |

### Financial Metrics:
| Metric | What It Measures |
|--------|------------------|
| Revenue by period | Sales performance |
| Average order value | Deal size |
| Revenue by product category | Product performance |
| Profit margins | Profitability |
| Cost per unit trends | Efficiency gains |

### Customer Metrics:
| Metric | What It Measures |
|--------|------------------|
| Number of active buyers | Customer base |
| Repeat customer rate | Loyalty |
| Customer acquisition rate | Growth |
| Customer satisfaction scores | Quality perception |
| Response time to RFQs | Responsiveness |

### Operational Metrics:
| Metric | What It Measures |
|--------|------------------|
| Average lead time | Speed |
| Order fulfillment rate | Completion |
| Return/rejection rate | Quality issues |
| Machine downtime | Equipment reliability |
| Labor productivity | Workforce efficiency |

## Production Reports

### Daily Production Report:
- Units completed
- Items in WIP (work in progress)
- Quality check results
- Machine utilization
- Labor hours

### Weekly/Monthly Reports:
- Production vs. target comparison
- Efficiency trends
- Quality trends
- Cost analysis
- Problem areas identification

## Demand Forecasting

### Using Historical Data:
- Analyze order patterns
- Identify seasonal trends
- Predict future demand
- Plan capacity accordingly

### Forecast Benefits:
- Optimize inventory levels
- Plan workforce needs
- Schedule maintenance
- Negotiate better material prices
- Reduce rush orders

## Analytics Export

### Export Options:
- **CSV**: For spreadsheet analysis
- **PDF**: For presentations
- **API access**: Gold plan only
- **Scheduled email reports**: Automated delivery

### Custom Date Ranges:
- Today/Yesterday
- This week/Last week
- This month/Last month
- Custom date range
- Year-over-year comparison

## Benchmarking

Compare your metrics against:
- Industry averages
- Similar manufacturers
- Your historical performance
- Plan targets
- Competitor performance (if available)

## Using Analytics for Improvement

### Identify Trends:
- Declining efficiency?
- Increasing defect rates?
- Changing customer preferences?
- Seasonal patterns?

### Take Action:
- Address bottlenecks
- Improve processes
- Retrain staff
- Upgrade equipment
- Adjust pricing
- Focus on profitable products

### Set Goals:
Use analytics to set realistic improvement targets based on historical data.

## Analytics by Plan

| Feature | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
|---------|--------|--------|------|
| Basic reports | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advanced analytics | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom reports | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Real-time dashboard | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Sales forecasting | ❌ | ❌ | AI-powered |
| Export formats | CSV | CSV, PDF | All + API |