Managing Complexity with Automated Tool Management

March 25th, 2010

manThe Issue

Using world class engineering skills to deliver top quality components for clients is central to the culture at Numac Engineering. One result of this is that they have an ever increasing tooling database. Selection of the correct tool for any given job is essential.

Historically, cutting tools were stored in “bins” and it was up to the machinist to select the correct tool for any given job.

As part of their “Lean” manufacturing initiative significant opportunities for improvements in both quality & efficiency were identified in this area.

The Solution

Andrew McLaren managing director of Numac Engineering recalls “The driver for the project was addressing inefficiencies identified as part of our Lean Programme. We were keen to make improvements, but were only willing to take action if we could be sure it would also positively reinforce our quality first culture”.

Following extensive research into best practice, the result was a significant investment in a Venda 365 automated tool management system, and the development of systematic tool management procedures. The system, which delivers the correct cutting tool for a specific task based on a barcode system, has enabled Numac to reduce costs and increase efficiency, whilst at the same time consolidating their already enviable reputation for quality.

The Benefits

“Another great aspect of this project was that it was chosen by machinists on the shop floor following a “Lean” Workshop. We are always keen to ensure that our management processes fully involve employees from all areas of the organisation, so it was gratifying to be able to implement a project, driven by the shop floor, that moved us forward in areas of efficiency & quality,” adds McLaren.

“Given that many of our products are used in harsh environments on critical applications where failure can be catastrophic, quality has to be second to none. Furthermore, the fact that Numac often manufacture using expensive, exotic alloys means it is essential that we get it right first time as mistakes can be very costly.

“Our investment in the automated tool delivery system has ensured that we can continue to deliver high quality components to our customers at very competitive prices.”

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Flexible Arrangements – Maximises Supply Chain Efficiency

November 30th, 2009

Using world class engineering skills to deliver top quality components for clients is central to the culture at Numac Engineering.

Numac also focus on developing a lean and flexible manufacturing process, and for one customer this allowed them to cut costs by outsourcing the uncertainties in their supply chain.

The customer (a major player in the hydraulics industry) needed to be able to guarantee the supply of components without the need to tool up internally for every eventuality. They also needed to do this without any compromise to the quality and efficiency of their supply chain.

Offering the customer the facility to buy a fixed number of hours on NUMAC Machines, rather than the more normal sub contract arrangement to supply a number of components at a fixed unit price, delivered this flexibility. Guaranteeing capacity as and when it was needed.

So how does it work?

On a weekly basis the customer buys a set number of hours from Numac.

On a daily basis, Numac visits the customer to collect any required work. This is then processed within 48hrs and returned to the customer.

It’s that simple!

The benefit to the customer

The result is that the customer knows that any components needing machining will be available as finished items within 48 hrs, irrespective of their own internal capacity.

Furthermore the number of hours required can be forecast & bought as needed at short notice.

 “Although this in not the way we have worked in the past, it meets the customers needs better than traditional sub contract arrangements, and thus we are happy to oblige” explained Andy McLaren at Numac. “Our skill is in delivering high quality components efficiently & cost effectively. We are happy to apply this skill in the manner most suited to an individual customer requirement.”

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Investment in the Tricorn MRP System

November 4th, 2009

As a hi-tech engineering company, Numac are continually striving to enhance their levels of quality & efficiency.

Given that many of our products are used in harsh environments on critical applications where failure can be catastrophic, our quality has to be second to none.

Maintaining this quality, and still being able to offer a competitive service, means that our production management must be state of the art.

With this in mind, we have now invested in an upgraded production planning system from Tricorn.

Because the new system handles the process from enquiry to delivery, it offers significant benefits throughout the process:

screengrab-quotes

  • Faster quotations, reducing the decision time on component sourcing
  • Accurate costings from client CAD, drawing direct from production history
  • Streamlined production & administration, reducing lead times & costs
  • Integration across the organisation from quotation to invoicing, reducing duplicated effort & improving availability of information through the company.

The result is significantly enhanced process management, further enhancing quality, and reducing lead times & improving cost effectiveness.

“This significant investment will allow Numac to continue to grow, whilst at the same time maintaining its unrivalled quality, and continuing to enhance the value that it adds to our customers processes”

 

Andrew McLaren

MD Numac Engineering Ltd

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