January 2013 - Northern Ireland’s Whale® has gained
new efficiencies with the implementation of Visual Factory.net software and
touchscreen displays from Open Business Solutions. The new paperless technology
enhances the pump manufacturer’s Infor XA ERP system by providing up-to-date,
accurate onscreen instructions to operatives on the shop-floor.
The web-based software provides full maintenance and control
of operating procedures and work instructions. It allows instant component
changes and when introducing new products, it simplifies the set-up of new
procedures and instructions. It is also possible to replicate relevant assembly
instructions and components from similar products rather than starting a new
procedure and work instruction from scratch.
“We are saving time and labour, which in turn has enabled us
to recoup the cost of our investment. The combination of Visual Factory with our
Infor XA ERP software provides us with powerful tools for our type of
manufacturing and it’s an approach I’d recommend to other manufacturing and
engineering companies,” says Michael Brennan, Project Manager, Whale.
The system has improved the speed and accuracy of production
as it displays full visual, systematic work instructions to the shop-floor
personnel, which also improves productivity. Any changes to the products are
advised instantly to the operators on their workstation touchscreens. This
innovative way of working supports the company’s strict manufacturing standards
and enables staff to focus on their work and not worry about changes in
production and associated documentation, which has improved throughout.
Another advantage of the touchscreen-based system is the
ability to show customers and other visitors that Whale has stringent operating
procedures. This demonstrates Whale’s high level of control over its
manufacturing processes and that it adheres to its procedures with clear and
exacting visual instructions for its workforce.
Visual Factory.net imports engineering data directly from the
ERP system to create very detailed work instructions. These are much more
detailed than the previous paper-based instructions and so improve accuracy and
quality. Because the system is visual, shop-floor staff simply follow the
instructions, recording that they have completed each stage on the touchscreen.
This provides full visibility of the manufacturing line allowing management to
monitor progress for all orders.
Whale® has led the way since the 1940s with groundbreaking
pump design through to recent innovation leaps in intelligent control electronic
pump systems and gas / electric heating systems for water and space in
recreational vehicles. Whale is a well-known brand owned by Munster Simms
Engineering Ltd with a reputation built on decades of high quality design
expertise.
For more information
contact
Kathryn Howarth, Group Marketing
Manager, Open Business Solutions (a member of the Anisa Group of companies): kathryn.howarth@anisagroup.com,
tel: +44 (0)151 448 2972
About Open Business
Solutions
Open Business Solutions is the
Master Affiliate for Infor XA and Infor XS ERP systems. Open Business Solutions
has more than 40 years’ experience of working with manufacturing, companies to
successfully implement systems that enable them to improve operational
efficiency, grow their business and remain competitive.
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