A system includes wireless access points operable to communicate with a communication network and electronic tracking devices that each include an electronic-ink display. The electronic tracking devices are operable to communicate wirelessly with the wireless access points. The system also includes manufacturing system operator computer systems operable to communicate with the communication network. The system further includes a server operable to execute instructions to update at least one entry in a manufacturing system database based on receiving an operation notification from one of the manufacturing system operator computer systems. The server can transmit a display update for the electronic-ink display of an identified electronic tracking device through at least one of the wireless access points based on determining that the operation notification includes a transition from a current manufacturing process step to a next manufacturing process step.