If you work in the manufacturing or engineering industries, document management isn’t just an administrative task — it can be a critical part of quality control, compliance, safety, and project management.
With strict regulations, multiple stakeholders, and the movement of materials, businesses in these industries require systems that not only store information but also streamline document management. That’s where Aviary, our powerful document management system (DMS), comes in.
Tailored for Control, Compliance and Coordination
Unlike some sectors, such as the legal profession, where specialist case management software is commonly used, manufacturing and engineering businesses often lack an off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all solution for document control. They need something flexible, robust, and workflow-driven. Our DMS, Aviary, provides exactly that.
The system incorporates all the core functionality of a globally trusted document management platform, but is tailored by Chaffinch Document for UK-based firms. It is ideal for businesses and industries where compliance and coordination matter — from ISO 9001 quality standards to safety documentation, contracts, blueprints, and technical manuals.
The Key Benefits for Manufacturing & Engineering Businesses Are:
Powerful Workflow Automation
Aviary’s built-in workflow tools make it easy to set up and manage document approval processes — for example:
- Ensuring that every version of a design drawing is signed off on before production
- Quality inspection checklists are in the appropriate departments
- Automating alerts for review deadlines or compliance renewals
This can help businesses manage their time and workflow processes effectively, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
Version Control & Audit Trails
In manufacturing and engineering industries, details matter – version control is crucial, staying on top of changes is vital — whether it’s CAD files, compliance documents or technical procedures. Aviary will show you:
- Who changed what and when
- What the previous version looked like
- Who approved the latest revision
And when it comes to audits, everything is logged, making the process easy and as stress-free as possible.
Role-Based Access & Permission Control
Aviary gives you granular control over who can view, edit, approve, or delete documents. Whether you’re managing internal teams or sharing documents with third-party contractors, suppliers, or clients, you can set permissions down to the folder or file level.
This protects intellectual property, maintains data security, and supports DPA/GDPR compliance.
Remote Access for On-Site & Off-Site Teams
Engineers and production teams aren’t always desk-based and can often be on-site with suppliers or clients, which makes Aviary ideal, as it’s cloud-based. It means your teams can:
- View and sign documents from a tablet on the shop floor
- Upload photos or reports from a mobile device while they’re on-site
- Access project documentation from any location
Easy Integration & Scalability
Whether you’re a small engineering company or a large-scale manufacturer, Aviary grows with you. With simple integration options (via APIs and Microsoft ecosystem compatibility), Aviary slots into your existing IT environment with minimal disruption.
And as your business scales or diversifies, you can add users, expand storage, and refine workflows.
Why a DMS Should be Prioritised
Many engineering and manufacturing firms still rely on shared drives, paper records, or outdated systems. However, in a world where regulation is crucial, it can benefit engineering and manufacturing firms.
Aviary helps forward-thinking firms:
- Improve operational efficiency
- Reduce risk
- Standardise quality processes
- Increase visibility and control
Ready to Bring Control to Your Documentation?
If you’re ready to explore how Aviary can support your manufacturing and engineering operations, talk to Chaffinch today. We’ll help you configure the system to meet your specific needs so you can spend less time managing paperwork and more time delivering the results your business deserves.
To find out how we can help you, please email: [email protected] or call 0333 320 8627.