Top 12 Apps to Improve Workflow in Sheet Metal Processing Manufacturing

Streamlining Sheet Metal Workflows with Mobile Tools

As a leading Ukrainian manufacturer of fencing profiles, façade systems, and sealing profiles, Mehbud understands the importance of efficiency in sheet metal processing manufacturing workflows. In today’s competitive market, even companies with advanced equipment and experienced staff benefit from digital assistance. Mobile factory tools and lightweight applications are transforming how fabrication shops operate – from the design office to the shop floor. By using specialized apps for tasks like CAD viewing, machine monitoring, production tracking, and inventory management, manufacturers can eliminate paperwork, reduce errors, and keep teams in sync in real time.

Real-world example: SodaStream’s factory implemented a mobile workforce app to digitize safety and operations reporting. The result was a 70% increase in safety reports submitted within a few months (SodaStream chose Connecteam as its all-in-one employee App) – a clear sign that mobile apps can boost communication and proactivity. This is just one case showing how embracing digital tools can improve productivity, cut down on mistakes, and enhance collaboration on the shop floor. Below, we highlight 12 of the best mobile apps and tools (including some Chrome-accessible and desktop-lightweight solutions) that can simplify the workflow in sheet metal processing manufacturing environments.

Apps to Improve Workflow in Sheet Metal Processing Manufacturing

Here are 12 recommended fabrication shop apps and tools, each with a brief description of features, supported platforms, and how they support sheet metal fabrication workflows:

1. AutoCAD Mobile – A powerful CAD viewer and editor for smartphones and tablets. AutoCAD Mobile (available on Android and iOS) lets engineers and technicians open DWG drawings on the go, review 2D fabrication drawings or 3D models, and even make minor edits or markups. This app is essentially a CAD viewer for metal fabrication drawings that syncs with your AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT on desktop. In a sheet metal shop, workers can pull up part drawings or layout plans right at a laser cutter or brake press, ensuring they have the latest design revisions at hand. Key features include offline access (download drawings to the device), layer management, measurement tools, and cloud storage integration (Autodesk Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.). By using a mobile CAD viewer, Mehbud’s metal fabrication team (or any fabrication crew) can avoid misreading paper prints and quickly clarify design details on the shop floor, reducing errors and saving time.
2. SolidWorks eDrawings – This is a lightweight CAD viewer from Dassault Systèmes that complements SolidWorks and other CAD software. eDrawings is available as a desktop application and as a mobile app (Android/iOS). It allows users to view 2D drawings (DWG/DXF) and 3D models (SolidWorks parts/assemblies and common formats like STEP) with ease. For sheet metal manufacturers, eDrawings is handy for sharing detailed part drawings or assembly layouts with the fabrication team without installing full CAD software on every machine. On a tablet, a technician can rotate a 3D model of a sheet metal part to understand bending sequences or zoom into a 2D flat pattern to check dimensions. It supports markups and cross-section views, and even an AR mode on mobile to visualize parts at scale. Using eDrawings as a CAD viewer for metal fabrication ensures that everyone from the design office to the shop floor speaks the same language visually, which speeds up design reviews and prevents fabrication mistakes due to misinterpretation.
3. Onshape (Mobile CAD) – Onshape is a cloud-based CAD solution that works via web browser and mobile apps, known for its real-time collaboration features. Unlike traditional CAD, Onshape requires no heavy installations – even a lightweight laptop or a tablet with internet can run complex 3D models. This means engineers can open and edit sheet metal designs on an iPad or Android tablet, and shop floor personnel can view the latest version of a model or drawing live. Changes made in Onshape are instantly accessible to all authorized users. In a sheet metal processing context, if a client requests a quick design change or if there’s a need to adjust a bracket size, the engineer can modify the 3D model from anywhere and the updated drawing is immediately available to the fabrication team. Onshape’s mobile app allows commenting and viewing of version history, which supports agile workflows and tight design-to-fabrication integration. For companies aiming to be fully paperless, a tool like Onshape helps connect design and manufacturing teams seamlessly on the cloud.
4. MachineMetrics – An Industrial IoT and machine monitoring app tailored for manufacturing equipment. MachineMetrics connects to CNC machines, laser cutters, press brakes, and other shop equipment to collect real-time data on machine status, performance, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). The platform provides a dashboard (accessible on desktop or mobile) where production managers can see which machines are running, which are idle, and if any alerts or downtimes have occurred. The mobile aspect means supervisors or maintenance engineers receive instant notifications on their phone if a machine goes down or if a job completes. In a sheet metal fabrication shop, this allows quick response – for example, if a CNC punching machine stops due to a tool issue, the app can alert the technician to fix it immediately, minimizing downtime. By analyzing data, MachineMetrics can also highlight patterns (like frequent stoppages or slow cycle times), helping improve processes. Adopting such machine monitoring tools has been shown to increase machine utilization and throughput; by catching issues early and keeping an eye on OEE trends, some manufacturers have significantly boosted productivity. In short, MachineMetrics gives a mobile factory tool for the team to maintain lean operations and ensure no machine sits idle unknowingly.
5. Autodesk Prodsmart – A mobile-first Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for small-to-medium factories and workshops. Prodsmart (by Autodesk) helps digitize production tracking: workers can use smartphones or tablets to log their tasks, report production quantities, scan barcodes on work orders, and record completion of each step in real time. Meanwhile, managers get a live overview of the production status via a cloud dashboard. In a sheet metal processing scenario, imagine each batch or job traveler having a QR code; as a fabrication step (cutting, bending, welding, etc.) is finished, the operator scans the code and updates the quantity completed or time taken. Prodsmart aggregates all this, so you can see if a job is ahead or behind schedule, track worker performance, and trace any quality issues back to a specific step or operator. It also handles inventory tracking and time clock functions. By replacing paper checklists and manual data entry with Prodsmart’s mobile app, companies can eliminate delays in data collection and gain up-to-the-minute production KPIs. The result is a more responsive production management – if a certain process is a bottleneck, you’ll spot it immediately, and if a team finishes a task, the next team is instantly notified through the system. For sheet metal fabrication shops striving for transparency and efficiency on the shop floor, Prodsmart provides an accessible, cloud-based solution.
6. Tulip – Tulip is an award-winning no-code platform for building custom manufacturing apps. It’s not a single-purpose app, but rather a toolkit that lets industrial engineers or supervisors create apps tailored to their process (without needing software developers). Tulip apps typically run on tablets or industrial touchscreens placed at workstations. In a sheet metal plant, Tulip could be used to set up interactive work instructions for assembling a metal facade system, complete with photos or videos of each step and fields for operators to input measurements or check off tasks. It can also integrate with sensors or machines; for example, a Tulip app could display a form to record a quality check and automatically pull in the part’s ID via a barcode scan and machine parameters via an IoT connection. Lightweight desktop software or browser access allows managers to drag-and-drop to create these apps and then deploy them to the floor. By using Tulip, manufacturers have reported reduced training time (because new workers can follow on-screen guides) and fewer errors, since the app can prevent moving to the next step until the current one is correctly completed. Additionally, data from these apps (like how long each step takes, or which errors occur frequently) is collected for analysis. This continuous improvement loop makes Tulip a valuable addition to the sheet metal workflow, especially for complex assemblies or processes that benefit from standardization and real-time guidance.
7. Connecteam – An all-in-one mobile app for workforce management and internal communication, particularly useful for factories and other non-desk work environments. Connecteam’s features include a time clock (workers can clock in/out via phone with GPS location), shift scheduling, task assignments with checklists, chat channels, employee training modules, and more – all accessible through a simple smartphone interface. For sheet metal fabrication companies like Mehbud, Connecteam can streamline how supervisors coordinate with teams on the shop floor. For instance, a production manager can broadcast an update or a safety alert to all employees via the app’s news feed, ensuring everyone gets the message instantly (far more effective than pinned paper memos). Tasks can be assigned to individuals or groups (e.g. “Complete maintenance on Laser Cutter #2”) with due dates, and workers can update the task status or attach a photo upon completion. Connecteam also allows digitizing forms – say, a daily machine inspection checklist that an operator fills out on their phone, which then automatically logs a report. This kind of tool greatly improves communication and accountability. In fact, in the SodaStream case mentioned earlier, using a mobile app like Connecteam led to over a 70% increase in safety observation reports submitted (SodaStream chose Connecteam as its all-in-one employee App), because it became so easy for employees to report issues with just a few taps. By engaging the workforce through a familiar mobile interface, companies can boost collaboration and ensure important information (from production updates to HR announcements) reaches everyone. High adoption rates are common – in SodaStream’s case, 93% of employees were using their app at least twice a week (SodaStream chose Connecteam as its all-in-one employee App). This level of engagement can foster a connected, informed team, which ultimately contributes to productivity and a stronger safety culture.
8. QR Inventory – A mobile barcode/QR code scanning application for tracking inventory and materials in real time. In a sheet metal manufacturing context, QR Inventory can be used to manage raw materials (sheets, coils, hardware) and finished product stock. Employees use the QR Inventory app on their Android or iOS device to scan QR code labels on items whenever they are received, moved, or used in production. For example, when a new steel sheet bundle arrives, the warehouse clerk scans it to add to inventory; if a sheet is issued to a laser cutting job, the operator scans it out, deducting it from stock and possibly assigning it to a job number. This live tracking means inventory data is always up to date in the cloud, and managers can check stock levels or locate materials instantly via the app or web dashboard. The benefit of such a system is accuracy and speed – barcode scanning virtually eliminates human error in data entry. In fact, the accuracy rate of barcode scanning is extremely high, with error rates as low as 1 in 3,000,000 characters, versus about 1 in 300 for manual keyboard entry (Barcode profitability analysis: Barcode Efficiency: A Pathway to Increased Profits – FasterCapital). By replacing paper logs or Excel sheets with QR code scans, mistakes like typing the wrong part number or quantity are avoided (Barcode profitability analysis: Barcode Efficiency: A Pathway to Increased Profits – FasterCapital). Additionally, QR Inventory can save time during inventory audits and cycle counts, since scanning items is much faster than manual tallying. Workers can also use the app to look up item details (location, quantity on hand, etc.) on the spot by scanning, which improves workflow when preparing kits for production or checking if a part is available. Overall, a tool like QR Inventory brings warehouse-level efficiency to the factory floor without the need for expensive specialized scanners – employees simply use the mobile devices they already have.
9. Sortly – Another user-friendly inventory management app that is popular for small businesses and workshops, including fabrication shops. Sortly offers a visual way to catalog inventory with photos and organizes items into folders (e.g. categorize by raw materials, fasteners, finished products, tools, etc.). It supports QR code and barcode scanning as well, allowing quick check-in/check-out of items with a smartphone camera. In a sheet metal fabrication setting, Sortly could be used to keep track of tools (like press brake dies, welding equipment, etc.) and consumables (bolts, paint, gaskets) in addition to raw stock. Each item entry can have custom fields (like location, supplier, or equipment compatibility) and you can set minimum quantity alerts so you get notified to reorder when stock is low. The mobile app makes it easy for any team member to update the inventory in real time – for instance, if a worker takes the last of the 5mm rivets from storage, they can scan the bin’s QR code and mark it as emptied, triggering a notification that more need to be ordered. Using mobile factory tools like Sortly for inventory ensures that material shortages (a common cause of downtime) are minimized because inventory data is transparent and accessible. It also speeds up routine tasks: scanning an item is much faster than writing in a logbook. In fact, barcode scanning can be up to 20 times faster than manual data entry (Barcode profitability analysis: Barcode Efficiency: A Pathway to Increased Profits – FasterCapital). That means a stock count that might take an hour by hand could be done in a few minutes with a mobile app. By saving time and preventing errors, Sortly and similar fabrication shop apps keep production running smoothly – which is crucial when tight project deadlines depend on having the right materials at the right time.
10. NC Viewer (Web-Based G-Code Viewer) – This is a lightweight browser application (no installation required) for CNC programmers and machinists to visualize G-code toolpaths. NC Viewer (accessible on any device via web browser) lets you load your CNC program and then simulates the tool path in 2D or 3D, showing movements, cutter locations, and potential issues like rapid moves or collisions. While it’s not a mobile app you download, it can be opened in Chrome or any mobile browser, making it very handy as a quick-check tool. Consider a sheet metal shop programming CNC laser cutters or turret punch presses – before running a new NC program on the machine, the programmer or operator can copy the G-code into NC Viewer on a tablet or laptop to ensure the cutting path is correct and within the sheet boundaries. If something looks off (e.g., a part is out of bounds or a tool path is missing), they catch it virtually, rather than wasting material on a bad run. NC Viewer supports standard G-code and is free to use. It’s especially useful for smaller fabrication shops that might not have full-featured CAM simulation software at every machine. Because it’s browser-based, even a cheap Chromebook or an existing office PC can use it as a lightweight desktop software solution for verification of CNC files. Using tools like NC Viewer helps simplify the CNC file management workflow – you can double-check any NC file received from an email or cloud storage without needing to go to the programming station, thus adding an extra layer of error prevention in the manufacturing process.
11. Sheet Metal Calculator Apps – There are several niche mobile apps and online tools that provide calculators for sheet metal fabrication tasks. These apps are typically lightweight and focused on specific calculations that shop technicians and engineers often need. For example, bend allowance/bend deduction calculators let you input the material thickness, bend radius, bend angle, and tooling info to compute the correct bend allowance or flat pattern length for a bent part. This is incredibly useful for avoiding trial-and-error when programming a press brake – the app essentially automates the math based on standard formulas or even custom k-factors. Other calculators might compute the weight of a sheet metal part given its volume and material (helpful for estimating material costs and handling requirements) or calculate the tonnage required for a certain bend (so you ensure the press brake capacity is not exceeded). There are also unit conversion tools (for converting gauge to thickness in mm, or converting between inch and metric units) and sheet metal layout calculators for things like developing patterns for cones or transitions. Many of these tools are available as free or low-cost apps on Android and iOS, or as web apps. By having these fabrication shop apps on a mobile device, engineers and fabricators can get quick answers on the shop floor – for instance, an operator can double-check that a 90° bend in 3mm aluminum will need ~5.5mm of bend allowance, or a designer can calculate that a batch of steel panels will weigh 120 kg total. This immediate access to accurate calculations helps in planning and reduces the risk of errors due to incorrect assumptions or mental math. Over time, using such calculator apps can improve the quality and consistency of sheet metal parts, complementing the precision of modern fabrication equipment with accurate upfront planning.
12. HaasConnect and Machine OEM Apps – Modern equipment manufacturers often provide their own connectivity apps or services to help customers monitor machines remotely. A good example is HaasConnect (offered by Haas Automation for their CNC machines). HaasConnect allows machine owners to receive real-time notifications via email or text (which can be viewed on a smartphone) whenever a machine finishes a job, alarms out, or triggers a specified condition. By linking the machine’s controller to the internet securely, it essentially extends machine monitoring to your pocket without needing a separate IIoT platform. Many other OEMs have similar solutions: Mazak has SmartBox/IIoT integrations, Okuma offers the THINC API and apps, and DMG MORI has CELOS with remote monitoring features. While these are not generic apps (they are specific to the brand’s machines), they are worth mentioning as lightweight solutions provided at the machine level. If your sheet metal shop uses equipment from these forward-thinking brands, you can often activate their built-in mobile alerts or dashboard applications to keep an eye on production. For instance, if Mehbud installs a new CNC machining center for making fence components, the machine’s companion app could alert the team lead when a machining cycle is completed, so they can promptly start the next operation or swap material. These OEM apps typically don’t require much setup beyond an internet connection and registration with the manufacturer’s portal, making them an easy win for improving workflow. They ensure that even when managers are away from the factory floor, they remain connected to critical events – a simple but effective way to reduce reaction times and avoid prolonged downtimes.
    

Boosting Productivity with Digital Workflow Tools

Embracing these mobile and cloud-based tools can significantly improve day-to-day operations in sheet metal processing. By digitizing everything from design reviews to inventory counts, fabrication companies reduce paperwork and free up their staff to focus on value-added work. Small inefficiencies – a misplaced paper drawing, a missed communication, a mis-keyed number – can snowball into delays or defects. The apps above tackle those pain points: a CAD viewer ensures everyone builds to the correct revision, a machine monitor catches problems early, a time-tracking or task app keeps workers on schedule, and a scanning system all but eliminates inventory errors. Notably, many of these solutions don’t require heavy IT infrastructure – they are cloud or mobile-based, lightweight to deploy, and often pay for themselves through time saved and mistakes avoided.

For a sheet metal manufacturer like Mehbud, which prides itself on modern production and high-quality outputs, leveraging digital tools goes hand-in-hand with its commitment to innovation. Our factory already utilizes modern CNC equipment and automated processes, but coupling that with real-time data and mobile accessibility amplifies our efficiency. By implementing a combination of these apps, Mehbud’s team can seamlessly coordinate from the design office to the fabrication floor to the yard where finished metal fences and facades are delivered. The result is faster turnaround, fewer errors, and better communication with our clients and within our team.

In conclusion, whether you run a large fabrication plant or a small metal workshop, exploring these mobile factory tools is a smart move. Start with one or two areas that need improvement – for example, try a mobile CAD viewer for your next project kickoff, or use a free inventory app to track consumables – and expand from there. The productivity gains (often double-digit improvements in efficiency or error reduction) (SodaStream chose Connecteam as its all-in-one employee App) (Barcode profitability analysis: Barcode Efficiency: A Pathway to Increased Profits – FasterCapital) and the ease of access to information make it clear that digital workflows are the future of manufacturing. By adopting the right apps to simplify workflow, sheet metal processors can increase their agility, improve quality, and stay competitive in the era of Industry 4.0. The tools are out there and many are quite accessible – it’s time to put them to work on the shop floor.

Sources:

• SodaStream manufacturing app case – Connecteam Blog (SodaStream chose Connecteam as its all-in-one employee App) (SodaStream chose Connecteam as its all-in-one employee App)
• Barcode scanning accuracy vs. manual entry (Barcode profitability analysis: Barcode Efficiency: A Pathway to Increased Profits – FasterCapital)
• Barcode scanning speed improvement