Vibe Coding for Manufacturing

I ran an experiment: Could I build a complete Warehouse Management System in 24 hours?

The goal wasn't just a prototype. It had to be a real, functional WMS with all the trimmings:

• Live inventory tracking

• Pick list creation and management

• Bin location management

• Aged inventory reporting

• Barcode scanning capabilities

• API endpoints for ERP integration

• A mobile-first, touch-friendly interface

• Proper user logins with different roles and permissions

24 hours later, it existed. It worked. Here's a sneak peek:

So, does this mean your Continuous Improvement lead can now spin up their own enterprise-grade apps over a weekend using some no-code tool?

Let's be brutally honest: No. Not even close.

To get this done, I still had to write code. I had to architect a database, design a secure API, debug issues when they inevitably cropped up, and create a UI that wasn't a complete nightmare to use on a tablet.

This wasn't just a random burst of coding. It followed a rigorous, structured process. We started with a detailed specification, just as we would with any client, breaking the entire system down into a comprehensive set of user stories and non-functional requirements. From there, we moved into a detailed design phase, meticulously planning the right data structures, mapping out every user flow within the app, and defining the UI parameters.

Only then did we create a detailed implementation plan. Before a single feature was built, I ensured we had a full suite of failing tests ready. These tests acted as a guide for the AI-assisted development process; work wasn't considered complete until every test passed, all tasks were done, and the original spec was fully met. This is why you can't just turn anyone loose with Cursor and expect to get software you can actually use on the shop floor. It's a complex discipline that requires a deep understanding of software patterns and engineering principles.

The "vibe coding" revolution and the power of modern tools are real. They are making software development faster than ever. But they haven't eliminated the need for deep engineering expertise. The technology isn't yet at a point where your Lean Specialist, brilliant as they are at process improvement, can build solutions that are robust, secure, and reliable enough for the factory floor.

And in manufacturing, quality is non-negotiable. You can't "vibe" your way around security vulnerabilities or build a critical system on a foundation of hope.

This is the exact gap we built FactoryPulse to fill.

Whilst building our off the shelf offering, we've harnessed the incredible speed of "vibe coding" by building our own application generation engine. It abstracts away the complex, non-negotiable foundations—things like authentication, permissions, and security protocols. This allows us to focus on the part that matters to you: the specific workflow, the user interface, and the business logic that will solve your unique problem.

It's how we combine the velocity of "vibe coding" with the discipline of enterprise engineering. It’s how we can turn around a custom-fit manufacturing application, like the WMS in my experiment, in under 10 days.

The future isn't about every factory becoming a software company. It's about finding a partner who can act like your in-house development team, without the crippling overhead.

Vibe coding is the future, but you still need an experienced pilot in the cockpit. We're ready when you are. Get in touch

Related Resources:

• Manufacturing Software Guide - How to choose integrated solutions over digital duct tape
• Visual Management Software - Real-time visibility across operations
• Lean Manufacturing Tools - Systematic approach to operational excellence
• Digital Factory Solutions - Comprehensive digital transformation strategies
• 5-Minute Lean Digital Health Audit - Assess your current digital maturity