Audience

Manufacturing, assembly, military, automotive, healthcare, aviation, aerospace, mining, and many more.

About VKS

VKS is a digital work instruction software that makes it easy for companies to throw out paper work instructions and transform into a digital factory. Create digital work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) using pictures, videos, PDFs, annotations and more. Integrate in-process quality checklists to help reduce defects by up to 95%.

Standardize best practices and increase productivity by 20%. With real-time process control and built-in reports, you also get 100% guaranteed traceability. By switching to digital work instructions, you can capture tribal knowledge and eliminate the skills gap. You also benefit from increased communication on the shop floor and the subsequent improved accuracy of your operational decision-making.

Pricing

Pricing Details:
Based on module, business model, and users
Free Trial:
Free Trial available.

Integrations

API:
Yes, VKS offers API access

Ratings/Reviews - 1 User Review

Overall 5.0 / 5
ease 5.0 / 5
features 5.0 / 5
design 5.0 / 5
support 5.0 / 5

Company Information

Visual Knowledge Share
Founded: 2012
Canada, US, Germany, France, UK

Videos and Screen Captures

Product Details

Platforms Supported
Cloud
Windows
Mac
Linux
iPad
Android
Chromebook
On-Premises
Training
Documentation
Live Online
Webinars
In Person
Videos
Support
Phone Support
24/7 Live Support
Online

VKS Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can VKS help achieve or maintain ISO compliance?
Yes. VKS simplifies process compliance (like ISO, ITAR, or FDA guidelines) by providing automated version control, mandated approval workflows, electronic device history records (eDHR), and complete audit logs.
Q: How does VKS handle work instructions for employees who speak different languages?
VKS features AI-powered instant translation (supporting over 30 languages) and predictive text-sizing, allowing authors to build instructions once and seamlessly deploy them across a diverse global workforce.
Q: Does VKS leverage AI?
Yes. VKS leverages AI to auto-translate work instructions and instantly convert other instruction file types to VKS work instructions. VKS can also leverage other AI-powered systems like cobots and vision systems.
Q: Can VKS connect directly to smart tools and manufacturing hardware?
Yes, VKS can integrate directly with connected smart tools (like torque wrenches, pick-to-lights, vision systems, cobots, label printers, and more) to eliminate manual entry errors and ensure step-by-step quality control.
Q: Does VKS support barcode or serial number scanning?
Yes. Operators can use connected scanners to instantly pull up specific work instructions via barcode/QR codes and capture serial numbers or part numbers directly into digital smart forms.
Q: What kind of real-time data and KPIs does VKS offer?
VKS provides live dashboards tracking cycle times, operational efficiency, first-pass yield, and work order progress. It also generates statistical process control (SPC) charts based on form data.
Q: Does VKS offer on-premise hosting?
VKS provides flexible deployment models. Depending on your internal IT policies and regulatory compliance needs, you can choose between secure Cloud hosting or a local On-Premise installation.
Q: What kinds of users and organization types does VKS work with?
VKS works with these users and organization types: Mid Size Business, Small Business, Enterprise, Nonprofit, Government, and Startup.
Q: What languages does VKS support in their product?
VKS supports these languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
Q: What kind of support options does VKS offer?
VKS offers support via phone support, 24/7 live support, and online.
Q: What other applications or services does VKS integrate with?
VKS integrates with: AG5 Skills Intelligence, Airtable, AutoCAD, BarTender, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Epicor BisTrack, Epicor CMS, Epicor Advanced MES, Epicor CRM, Microsoft Excel, IBM Cloud SAP, IBM Managed Services for SAP Applications, IBM Maximo Application Suite, IFS Manufacturing, MachineMetrics, Microsoft Teams, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Okta, Oracle Analytics Cloud, Oracle APEX, Oracle API Management, Plex Quality Management System (QMS), Microsoft Power BI, and PTC FlexPLM and more.
Q: Does VKS have an API?
Yes, VKS has an API.
Q: Does VKS have a mobile app?
Yes, VKS has a mobile app for iPad and Android.
Q: What type of training does VKS provide?
VKS provides training in the form of documentation, live online, webinars, in person, and videos.
Q: Does VKS offer a free trial?
Yes, VKS offers a free trial.
Q: What pricing for support is available for VKS?
VKS offers support included with purchase.
Q: What pricing for training is available for VKS?
VKS offers training included with purchase.

VKS Product Features

Connected Worker

VKS connects frontline operators directly to enterprise software and shop-floor hardware without middleware. The platform interfaces seamlessly with smart torque tools, digital calipers, scales, vision systems, PLCs, cobots, pick-to-light bins, label printers, and more. Work instructions automatically push exact job parameters to connected equipment. Fastening steps validate torque in real time, prevent advancement if specifications are unmet, and lock tools when not on a tool step, delivering true Poka-Yoke error-proofing. Pick-to-light sensors and lights guide part selection, and machine cycle counts trigger automated QC checks. Connected Andon signaling updates physical station lights, while supervisors use real-time operations reports, work-order reports, and AI dashboards to monitor performance and dispatch help without operators leaving workstations.

Manufacturing Execution

VKS is an operator-centric Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed by manufacturers to unite enterprise planning and shop-floor execution. It syncs bidirectionally with ERP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, and Infor) to push and pull work orders, BOMs, and revisions. Jobs can be scheduled by priority and launched instantly via 1D/QR barcode scanning. During production, VKS tracks cycle times, completed units, and scrap, while automatically predicting remaining completion time based on live operator efficiency. Connected tools, PLCs, and machines automate data collection and validate parameters against specifications. If work goes out of tolerance, automated rules halt progress and alert supervisors. All production data forms electronic Device History Records (eDHR), providing 100% digital traceability.

Quality Control Supported
Traceability Supported
Document Management Not Supported
Forecasting Not Supported
Quote Management Not Supported
Resource Management Not Supported
Supplier Management Not Supported
Supply Chain Management Not Supported

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

VKS transforms standard operating procedures into standardized digital workflows, safeguarding institutional knowledge against turnover and retirements. The platform provides strict version control with full revision histories, audit trails, and mandatory approval groups before procedural changes go live. Guidebook templates allow engineering teams to mass-update hundreds of procedures and forms simultaneously. Smart Forms and checklists capture mandatory safety sign-offs, PPE checks, and inspection results at critical control gates. Cloud SaaS and on-premises options support enterprise IT requirements, featuring Single Sign-On (SSO), Active Directory/LDAP integration, and role-based permissions to ensure only qualified workers execute specific SOPs.

Work Instructions

VKS replaces static paper binders and PDFs with interactive, digital work instructions built for shop-floor clarity. Authors build guidebooks using an intuitive drag-and-drop editor to incorporate high-resolution photos, callouts, videos, GIFs, CAD drawings, and BOM links. AI-powered translation instantly converts procedures into 30+ languages, while AI migration services quickly convert legacy files into digital guidebooks. Workstations launch instructions via barcode scans or ERP links. Operators navigate using touchscreens, keyboards, foot pedals, or automated advance triggered by tool and sensor signals. Tailored step logic guides machine setup, cyclical assembly, and offers an Expert Mode that streamlines views for experienced workers while preserving comprehensive guidance for new hires.

Content Management System Supported
Drag and Drop Supported
Dynamic Tags Supported
Employee Feedback Supported
Guide Approval Workflows Supported
Media Editor Supported
Rich Text Editor Supported
SSO (SAML) Supported
Translations Supported
User Management Supported
Version Control Supported
Branding & Style Sheets Not Supported
Multi-Brand Publishing Not Supported

VKS Additional Categories

Continuous Improvement

VKS delivers the actionable shop-floor transparency needed to drive continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing. By enforcing standardized visual guidance, VKS helps operations reduce defects and raise productivity. Operators can submit real-time feedback and defect photos, ensuring frontline best practices continuously refine production processes. The system captures real-time cycle times, takt times, setup durations, and labor efficiency across all work centers. This execution data feeds directly into Business Intelligence tools like Power BI to generate SPC charts, First Pass Yield trends, Defect Pareto distributions, and more. In-depth digital logs pinpoint root causes down to specific steps, timestamps, and tool data.

VKS Verified User Reviews

Write a Review
  • David B.
    Regional Manager
    Used the software for: 1-2 Years
    Frequency of Use: Daily
    User Role: User
    Company Size: 26 - 99
    Design 5 out of 5 stars
    Ease 5 out of 5 stars
    Features 5 out of 5 stars
    Pricing 5 out of 5 stars
    Support 5 out of 5 stars
    Probability You Would Recommend? 10 out of 10

    "Easy to use work instruction software"

    5 out of 5 stars Posted 2023-03-07

    Pros: Improved productivity: VKS enables workers to quickly access and understand visual work instructions, which helps to streamline workflows and increase productivity.

    Consistent quality: With VKS, businesses can create standardized work instructions that ensure consistent quality across their operations.

    Better communication: VKS makes it easier for teams to communicate and collaborate on tasks, which can lead to improved efficiency and fewer errors.

    Reduced training time: By using VKS to create and share visual work instructions, businesses can reduce the time it takes to train new employees.

    Enhanced safety: VKS can be used to create safety instructions and procedures, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

    Cons: Compared to what we saw in the marketing VKS hasn't really had any negatives that aren't associated with other software platforms. The uptime has been nearly perfect and the 24/7 support has really helped us keep our workforce productive.

    Overall: The platform is user-friendly, and the team at VKS has been incredibly helpful in getting us up and running. We were able to reduce our training time for new employees, and the enhanced safety features have given us peace of mind knowing that our workers are following proper safety procedures.

    Although there was a bit of a learning curve when implementing the software, it has been well worth it. The benefits of using VKS far outweigh any initial challenges we faced. Overall, I highly recommend VKS to any business looking to improve their workflows and increase productivity.

    Read More...
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