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First Factory Setup ​

Use this guide when setting up a new factory for the first time. It follows the order that usually creates the cleanest data: configure the site, add the production hierarchy, define formats, create checks, invite users, then validate the first shift.

1. Create The Factory ​

In the portal, go to Settings -> Factories and select New factory. This creates the factory and opens its Setup tab.

From the factory's Settings tab, set:

  • Factory name.
  • Timezone. This controls due times, grace periods, shift boundaries, and reporting dates.
  • Default check grace period. This becomes the default for new checks.
  • Shift configuration. This is used for shift-start checks and shift-based reporting.

Set the timezone before creating schedules so checks are due in the expected local time.

2. Add Lines, Groups, And Machines ​

On the factory's Setup tab, add production Lines, unordered Groups, and their machines. Use a Group when the machines do not operate in a fixed sequence.

Use names operators recognise from the floor. If a machine or line is no longer used later, archive it instead of deleting it so historical results stay meaningful.

3. Define Formats ​

Add line formats for products or configurations that apply to the whole line. Add machine formats when target values vary by machine setup.

Groups do not have line formats or format-change checks.

Formats are used by:

  • Format-specific centreline targets.
  • On Format Change check schedules.
  • Historical reporting around what was running when a check was completed.

4. Create Initial Checks ​

Go to Operations -> Checks -> Definitions and create checks for each machine.

Start with a small, high-value set:

  • Critical safety or quality CIL checks.
  • Centreline checks with clear target values.
  • Manually triggered checks that operators should start only when needed.
  • Checks that should run at shift start or after format changes.

After creating checks, review the production-line machine sequence and the check order on each machine so the mobile workflow matches the physical route operators take. Group machines do not have a sequence.

5. Invite The Team ​

Go to Settings -> People.

Recommended initial roles:

  • Owners: 1-2 people with full administrative responsibility.
  • Admins: people who maintain factory setup and team access.
  • Managers: supervisors who create checks, resolve actions, and manage daily operations.
  • Operators: people who complete checks on mobile.

If the factory uses shared devices, enable kiosk mode with the Continual team, then create kiosk users and enroll devices from Settings -> Devices.

6. Validate On The Floor ​

Before going fully live:

  1. Select the factory in the mobile app.
  2. Confirm the correct Lines, Groups, and machines appear.
  3. Confirm Groups appear without an imposed machine order.
  4. Change a line format and confirm any format-change checks appear.
  5. Trigger and complete a manual check if the factory uses them.
  6. Complete a centreline check with a passing value.
  7. Complete or fail a CIL check and verify the resulting action.
  8. Review Operations -> Checks -> Activity.
  9. Review Analytics -> Insights the next day once enough data exists.

7. Start Reporting ​

After the first few shifts, review:

  • Missed and skipped checks in Operations -> Checks -> Activity.
  • Completion, compliance, and timeliness in Analytics -> Insights.
  • Open actions in Operations -> Actions.
  • Production output in Operations -> Output.

Use the first week to tune schedules, grace periods, sequence order, and reference media.

Expected Result ​

The factory has an accurate hierarchy and timezone, operators can see and complete due work, failed checks create actions, and Managers can review activity and trends in the portal.