Viewed as the key to efficiency savings and smarter decision making, data is an invaluable tool for manufacturers looking to strengthen their business model and improve operational productivity. However, an obsession with capturing every metric possible - without thinking about the bigger picture, may lead to too much data, creating unnecessary complication and confusion. Here’s some key points to consider when reviewing your data, to ensure you are making the most of this valuable asset.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
A comprehensive guide for SMEs wanting to find out about Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IOT)
If you think artificial intelligence, machine-to-machine learning and automated robots sound like something from a sci-fi film, then you’re probably not alone. The fourth wave of industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 as it is more commonly known, is often over-complicated when mentioned in trade press, so it is no wonder that many SMEs might be put off or intimidated by the concept of it.
However, in order to compete on the world stage, manufacturing businesses of all sizes will need much better control of their supply chains and processes, which is only possible by Industry 4.0. Not only will it help you secure those big, game changing clients, but it will also help to eliminate any errors that might occur from old fashioned methods like paper records. An example of this was seen recently with a customer of ours, Kirkstall Precision Engineering, who managed to secure a new contract with Rolls Royce during the UK lockdown, no doubt helped by their adoption of Industry 4.0.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
In short, both MRP and ERP systems are pieces of software that help you to run your business better based on historical information, forecasting algorithms and your chosen business priorities. The key difference is the scope; MRP has a much narrower, manufacturing-centric focus than ERP, which provides business-wide benefits as well as supply chain management. To give you a better understanding of the components of each, and to help you to decide which one might be right for your company, we’ve set out some of the detail below.
Find out more about MRP and ERP, through a series of articles looking at the differences between these tools and which system is right for you and your business.
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
If your business operates in manufacturing or production, you are likely to have heard of ERP or MRP. Similar in both name and concept, the range of options available can make it difficult to work through the differences and understand which one might work best for you.
In short, both MRP and ERP systems are pieces of software that help you to run your business better based on historical information, forecasting algorithms and your chosen business priorities. The key difference is the scope; MRP has a much narrower, manufacturing-centric focus than ERP, which provides business-wide benefits as well as supply chain management. To give you a better understanding of the components of each, and to help you to decide which one might be right for your company, we’ve set out some of the detail below.
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
All you need to know about ERP and MRP before you make a critical business decision. Find out what is ERP and MRP and what they do, as well as what the key differences are between the two and which is right for your business.
When looking to invest in software it is important to ensure that the software can do what you need it to do today whilst taking into consideration that it will need to do what you require tomorrow. Future proof your business with the right tool for the job.
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
How implementing a WMS helps wholesalers and 3PLs overcome the most common warehouse problem.
I speak daily to businesses with warehouses ranging from 8,000sq ft to 70,000sq ft, and they are almost all worried about the same thing: visibility. Lack of visibility is most often caused by continuing to use paper-based systems when warehousing is quickly becoming more and more electronic.
Read our article on "The minefield of Warehouse Management Systems
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
It sounds obvious, doesn’t it? So why are so many manufacturing companies struggling to access the information they need to make fast decisions and run their businesses at optimum efficiency?
Information is power - but only if you can get to what you need quickly and have complete confidence that it’s correct. And that’s the problem for so many manufacturing companies. Despite having invested in software and systems to collate and manage data, it can still be far too difficult to gain access to what is needed quickly and confidently. Separate and unconnected systems are the root cause of data problems with duplication, inconsistent update protocols and lack of formalised data cleansing. It’s easy to see why the mountain of information just gets bigger – and the ability to use the data effectively becomes ever more difficult
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
Continuously improving is key
It’s a stark fact that businesses don’t survive if they don’t improve. Competing for customers is hard work, and every business, especially in the hard-pressed manufacturing sector, must find better ways to win than simply shaving more and more off their margins. One of the most effective ways to enhance business performance is to use technology to reduce the reliance on people. Technology tools and relevant data provide access to the right information whenever it’s needed, empowering the whole team, not just the privileged few.
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
How agile is your production planning?
Maximising capacity, ensuring efficiency, meeting deadlines and delivering for customers are key components for any manufacturing business.
Having a defined schedule in place tells production managers – and those working on the line – what to make and in what order.
However, does it have the ability to deal with unexpected events? What if a new order comes in? What if a machine breaks down? What if a component isn’t delivered on time? What if maintenance is scheduled?
You get the idea.
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
