Hertzler Systems SPC Leader Profiled Best-in-Class Characteristics in AutomationMedia.com
Submitted by: TR Cutler, Inc.
2008-12-28 00:03:05
Hertzler Systems SPC Leader Profiled Best-in-Class Characteristics in AutomationMedia.com
(OPENPRESS) December 28, 2008 -- Best-in-Class manufacturers are 1.8 times more likely than Average performers to leverage real-time data for production release and control and use real-time data to optimize production and respond to process deviations. Manufacturers who have access to real-time data and use that data to control and release product to shipping are able to convert Work in Process (WIP) to inventory or receivables much more quickly. If problems occur, real-time data allows for real-time responses.
Best-in-Class impacts are defined in a recent AutomationMedia.com article authored by leading manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler. According to Cutler, "Installing software by itself will not transform a business. A company seeking Best-in-Class status must align these technology solutions with strategy and culture to transform a business. The right system with the right implementation strategy can have a powerful impact on the ability to move to Best-in-Class."
Evan Miller, President of SPC (statistical process control) Hertzler Systems, recently sponsored an Aberdeen Group benchmark report titled Event Driven Manufacturing Intelligence - Creating Closed Loop Performance Management. Miller wanted to differentiate Best-in-Class (BIC) performers from Average or Laggard performers.
To derive these data, the percentages of BIC performers who practiced specific behaviors were divided by the percentage of Average performers using the same behavior; this measurement provided "Impact."
Miller asserts that the common theme among the top four or five high impact differentiators between Average and Best-in-Class performances is real-time data. "Best-in-Class performers are twice as likely to have continuous improvement teams. Real-time responses have far-reaching implications for everything from material control to inventory turns…from cash to customer satisfaction."
Plant Floor Exceptions: Monitor in Real-Time
A Hertzler customer was required by their customer to quarantine any finished goods that had been produced since the last good inspection whenever a process deviation was identified. Prior to implementing the GainSeeker Suite, the customer performed all inspections manually and, because of the workload, was only able to get to each production line once per shift. This meant that if a deviation was identified, the manufacturer was required to quarantine an entire shifts-worth of production and then manually inspect every unit made during that period. This resulted in significant bottlenecks for inspection staff and tied up finished goods in WIP until they could be inspected and released. Since automating the process of the data collection and alarming, the manufacturer was able to increase the frequency of inspection by four times (with no increase in staff) so that the process deviations were identified within two hours. This reduced the inspection bottleneck and increased throughput to inventory, providing a significant and permanent boost to profitability.
Hertzler Systems (www.hertzler.com) provides seamless, accurate data acquisition solutions that drive business transformation. The company provides the leading real-time data acquisition and analytics software, the GainSeeker Suite. This powerful and flexible system is best used by lean and progressive companies. Gainseeker Suite allows companies to connect with devices and other information systems, collecting data and alarming key personnel when problems arise; this technology allows organizations to analyze data for root cause problems, converting data into knowledge. The complete article may be read at http://www.automationmedia.com/TRCutler.asp?ID=%2063.
Hertzler Systems Inc.
www.hertzler.com
Adrienne DePew
Communications Manager
info@hertzler.com
800.958.2709
Contact Info
TR Cutler, Inc.
Phone: 954-682-6200
Website: http://www.trcutlerinc.com
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