Shift handover in production: How to ensure a flow of information

When one shift hands over to the next in manufacturing, the shift handover often determines how productive the day will be – or how many errors, downtimes, and reworks occur. Yet, it remains one of the most underestimated processes on the shop floor.

Many companies still struggle with handwritten shift logs, chaotic handover discussions, or a lack of standards. The result: critical information is lost, responsibilities become unclear, and operational excellence falls by the wayside.

In this article, we explain why a structured and digital shift handover in production is so important – and how you can elevate the flow of information between shifts to a new level with a modern Cloud MES like SYMESTIC.

Why Shift Handover in Production is So Critical

Shift handover is not just a conversation but a critical moment in every manufacturing operation. Because: what isn’t properly handed over leaves the next shift without a basis for decision-making.

A few examples:

• A reported issue isn’t documented → The machine is running again, but the root cause remains unresolved.

• Quality deviations aren’t communicated → The night shift continues producing defective parts.

• Orders were reprioritized → The next shift produces according to the old plan.

Failing to reliably pass on relevant information risks inefficient processes, quality issues, OEE losses, and rising costs.

Common Shift Handover Challenges

Many manufacturing companies face these challenges:

• Paper-Based Chaos: Handovers are recorded on paper or in Word documents – without centralized storage or access for others.

• Unstructured Content: Everyone notes something different. Sometimes it’s downtimes, sometimes issues, or just “everything OK.”

• Lack of Accountability: Who handed over what? What was actually communicated? No clarity.

• Data Gaps: Process data, machine data, or quality data are missing or not linked.

The result: The handover becomes a weak point in the production process – and no one knows exactly where the information loss occurred.

Best Practices for Shift Handover – Analog and Digital

Even without a digital solution, significant improvements can be achieved through standards:

• Handover Protocols with Mandatory Fields: Which machines were running? What issues occurred? Which orders are open?

• Checklists for Handover Discussions: Uniform structure, no forgotten topics.

• Allocate Time for Handover: No rushed handovers “on the go,” but a dedicated time window.

• Create Clarity: Who hands over to whom? What is relevant? How should it be documented?

However, analog methods quickly reach their limits. Especially with multiple lines, sites, or shift systems, the need for a digital solution becomes evident.

Digital Shift Handover with a Cloud MES

Modern MES systems like SYMESTIC enable fully digital shift handovers – integrated into the ongoing shop floor process. What this means in practice:

✅ Centralized Data Collection: Machine status, alerts, issues, order progress, quality deviations – all automatically available in real-time.
✅ Seamless Documentation: Who handed over what, when, to whom? Fully traceable, even for later analyses and audits.
✅ Structured Handover Forms: Mandatory fields, linked to real-time data, digital signatures possible.
✅ Context Instead of Notes: Not just “Machine XY had a problem,” but: when exactly, how long, and its impact on OEE.
✅ Mobile Use on the Shop Floor: Handover directly at the terminal, tablet, or touchscreen – intuitively operable.

Benefits of Digital Shift Handover with SYMESTIC

With SYMESTIC’s Cloud MES, you transition from paper-based chaos to digital excellence. The benefits for your production:

• No More Information Loss: All shift information in one place, complete and traceable.

• Faster Response Times: Critical information reaches the next shift immediately – not just at the daily meeting.

• Standardization Across All Sites: Uniform structure, even across multiple locations or lines.

• Audit-Proof Documentation: Seamless traceability for inquiries, complaints, or internal analyses.

• Seamless Integration: Shift handover as part of a comprehensive MES system – linked with alarm management, production KPIs, and quality data.

How to Digitize Your Shift Handover – Step by Step

Want to modernize your shift handover? The process is clearly structured:

1. Conduct a Current-State Analysis:
   How does shift handover work today? What is documented, and how? Where does information loss occur?

2. Define the Target State:
   Which information must be handed over? In what form, and with which data sources?

3. Choose an MES Solution:
   Opt for a cloud-based system like SYMESTIC that seamlessly integrates into your existing IT landscape.

4. Start a Pilot Phase:
   Begin with one area or line. Test functions and gather feedback.

5. Prepare for Scaling:
   After a successful pilot, additional lines, shifts, or sites can be connected.

Conclusion: Master Shift Handover, Win the Shop Floor

Shift handover is not a tedious obligation – it’s a key process for seamless production operations. Those who structure, standardize, and digitize it lay the foundation for operational excellence, stable processes, and higher productivity.

With SYMESTIC’s Cloud MES, you turn an information bottleneck into a strength – securing a decisive advantage on the shop floor.