Smart manufacturing is commonplace in many production environments, and the way it helps businesses continues to evolve. One application includes integration into quality control processes. But while manufacturers have more data than ever before, accessing and using that data to improve product quality can be a major challenge, especially for companies running on IBM i systems.
That’s where RPG APIs come in. These modern tools help manufacturers streamline quality checks, automate data sharing, and support continuous improvement. With the right strategy and the right tools, like Kato Integrations’ RPG API Express, you can take your quality control processes to the next level.
Even the best production teams can run into trouble when their quality control systems don’t deliver the insights they need. Common challenges include:
Data silos – Legacy machines, inspection tools, and ERP systems often don’t share data well.
Manual entry – Quality checks are still recorded by hand in many plants.
Slow reporting – Weekly or monthly reports make it hard to respond quickly to problems.
Lack of traceability – Without real-time data, it’s difficult to track when and where defects occur.
For example, imagine a metal part manufacturer that gets complaints about inconsistent hole diameters. Without a way to collect inspection data in real time, it’s nearly impossible to tell if the issue happened on one machine, during one shift, or from a specific batch of material.
RPG APIs are application programming interfaces written in the RPGLE language, which is commonly used on IBM i platforms. In simple terms, they’re bridges between your system and the outside world.
Instead of requiring users to manually pull reports or re-enter data into spreadsheets, RPG APIs automatically share data across your systems, making your shop floor smarter, faster, and more connected.
These APIs are especially valuable for manufacturers who want the benefits of modern software without abandoning their reliable IBM i systems.
One of the most valuable capabilities of RPG APIs in a manufacturing environment is their ability to collect and integrate real-time data from the shop floor. This includes everything from dimensional inspection results and barcode scans to machine sensor readings and pass/fail quality tests. Instead of relying on manual entry or delayed uploads, RPG APIs automate the process, sending this data directly into your ERP, MES, or dedicated quality control systems as it’s collected. This live stream of information ensures immediate visibility and faster reaction times when quality issues arise.
RPG APIs can also play a key role in standardizing and automating quality control procedures. For example, manufacturers can use APIs to trigger specific inspections automatically after certain operations are completed, such as a machining process or assembly step. If an inspection fails or a reading is out of tolerance, the system can automatically flag the part for rework or quarantine. With RPG APIs in place, it’s easier to enforce consistent inspection routines across all shifts, lines, and facilities—removing variability and reducing the chances of oversight.
Another major advantage of RPG APIs is their ability to break down the communication barriers between legacy systems and modern platforms. Whether you’re using an IBM i-based ERP, a third-party cloud-based dashboard, or a quality analytics platform, APIs can serve as a reliable bridge. They make it possible to share real-time key performance indicators (KPIs) with managers, engineers, and executives, and to send automated alerts when defects or deviations are detected. Instead of working in silos, your systems become part of a unified, connected network that supports faster and more informed decision-making.
Continuous improvement is a core principle of smart manufacturing, and RPG APIs directly support that goal. With real-time and historical data flowing through your systems, it becomes much easier to spot defect trends early, analyze root causes, and track the effectiveness of corrective actions. Quality teams can monitor performance over time and make evidence-based changes to processes, materials, or equipment. Instead of reacting to problems after they escalate, manufacturers can proactively improve quality and prevent issues before they impact customers.
RPGLE APIs provide manufacturers with live access to quality data. That means no more waiting on batch reports or spreadsheets. With instant visibility into inspection results, deviations, and defect trends, teams can identify issues the moment they happen and take corrective action quickly. This real-time capability allows quality assurance teams to be proactive instead of reactive, which is essential in a fast-paced production environment.
Manual quality checks and data entry often lead to inconsistencies, delays, and human error. RPG APIs help automate these processes by triggering inspections, recording results, and sharing outcomes without user intervention. By streamlining repetitive tasks, manufacturers can ensure that quality control steps are followed consistently while freeing up staff for more value-added work.
Whether you’re preparing for a customer audit or conducting an internal investigation, traceability is critical. RPG APIs enhance traceability by linking quality control records directly to specific products, batches, work orders, or time periods. This level of detail ensures that manufacturers can trace issues back to their source and demonstrate compliance with industry or customer requirements.
Fewer ErrorsManual data entry is a common source of quality failures. By using RPG APIs to pull data directly from inspection equipment and shop floor systems, manufacturers can eliminate transcription errors and reduce the chances of incorrect reporting. The result is a more accurate and trustworthy quality control process that supports better decision-making.
In manufacturing, speed matters. RPG APIs shorten the time between identifying a defect and taking corrective action. When quality data is accessible in real time, production supervisors and engineers can respond immediately—whether it’s halting a machine, initiating a rework order, or adjusting a process. This agility helps reduce scrap, minimize downtime, and protect your reputation for quality.
If you want a powerful, flexible solution for smart manufacturing and quality control, Kato Integrations’ RPG API Express is a great tool. Here’s why manufacturers trust it:
It’s designed for IBM i—you get modern functionality without disrupting your current platform.
It allows you to create complex web services using 100% native RPGLE, simplifying data access and system integration.
It can rev up application development with code generators, utilities, and a wide range of powerful tools.
It’s built with developers in mind—real integration problems, solved with real tools.
It helps you get started fast and grow over time, supporting both short-term wins and long-term improvements.
Smart manufacturing is about more than automation—it’s about using data to make better decisions. And that starts with better quality control.
RPG APIs bring your systems together, streamline your processes, and give your team the insights they need to improve every product you ship. With solutions like Kato Integrations’ RPG API Express, your path to smarter, more efficient manufacturing is already within reach.