Microsoft wants to make Teams appealing to manufacturers. The company is updating Microsoft 365  productivity app with walkie-talkie features and integrated scheduling software features. 

The software giant has introduced an app that allows manufacturers to do their job in Teams. This app is another effort to include a collaborative system for assembly line workers. 

Microsoft has made a slew of updates including Teams walkie-talkie compatibility with more mobile devices, scheduling software integration to Teams, and expansion in Microsoft Teams tools. 

This app lets organizations create check-ins and maintenance requests forms in Teams. It also includes basic forms and there’s an option for custom build forms as well. These forms also contain multiple-choice and open-ended question features. Users can also add a file, image, or video for as well. 

Microsoft also demonstrated that Managers could create and distribute checklists among employees. So, they can provide real-time updates while filling out the forms during tasks. 

Another feature Microsoft added is that organizations can incorporate Teams’ Approvals tools with their own. Approvals allow users to submit and approve proposals, projects, and report files in Teams. The integration feature will add improved functionality to Microsoft power apps. 

Teams can also be integrated to scheduling software Workforce Management from another software company. This integration allows users to view schedules and request time off within Microsoft Teams. 

With the capability of sharing updates, managing schedules, and giving approvals there is no doubt that teams will become a better tool for manufacturers. These abilities show the evolution of Teams from video conferencing app to hub of work for organizations. Similarly, the walkie-talkie feature allows users to communicate to specified users in Teams; by pressing a dedicated button. 

I think Teams can play a vital role in manufacturing. It can accelerate training time and connect users to experts for support. There are many collaboration tools for manufacturers and frontline workers. However, Microsoft Teams’ integration to Workforce Management gives it an edge. As Teams has plenty of other collaborative tools including scheduling software.