(1888PressRelease)
June 07, 2008 - According to Evan Miller, CEO of Hertzler Systems, “We provided the company with a means to track each machine by the minute, recording setup times, maintenance and run time. This information was captured automatically in a database, along with detailed information from the machine operator. With this information stored in a central database, the company created a multi-level Pareto chart to help determine how many non-value-added minutes were spent on various activities such as fixing electrical problems or making adjustments. While this may not seem like a direct supply chain issue, it is.”
It helped the company determine the most significant factors influencing non-value-added time; they discovered a significant amount of down time was involved in adjusting the machines which lead to collecting variable SPC (statistical process control) data on each machine. The data revealed that operators had been over-adjusting their equipment, a time-consuming and expensive process. Over a six month period the department went from a seven-day work week to a five-day work week, saving the company over $100,000 in overtime wages. The company also increased its output by more than 25%, while minimizing defects and scrap. By increasing productivity on existing equipment the company was able to avoid purchasing additional equipment by thus saving millions of dollars that would have been spent.
The entire feature article, The Ever Changing Supply Chain Dynamic, appeared in the May 2008 issue of The Machinist, and was authored by manufacturing journalist, Thomas R. Cutler; it can be read on the Hertzler Systems website.
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.
Hertzler Systems has been a leader in Statistical Process Control and Six Sigma for over twenty years, and includes a diverse customer base in service, transactional and manufacturing environments; clients include BAE Systems, Crown Audio, IDEX Corporation, McCormick & Company, Inc., Hormel Foods Corporation, Titleist & Footjoy, and TaylorMade-Adidas Golf Worldwide. The company's software and services enable clients to collect and analyze data; building a robust data infrastructure for making data-driven decisions. These capabilities help clients to reduce costs, cycle time and errors, and increase profitability.
Hertzler Systems Inc.
www.hertzler.com
Adrienne DePew
Communications Manager
info ( @ ) hertzler dot com
800.958.2709
