Discrete Manufacturing
Customer: Techflow Flexibles
Site link: www.techflowflexibles.co.uk
Challenge
Techflow Flexibles, based in Cramlington, is a market leader in the analysis, design, manufacture and supply of hoses for the oil and gas industry. The company’s customer base includes BP, Total and Samsung, with order values that can range up to £2m.
The company spent several months evaluating a number of alternative systems before choosing K8 Manufacturing - predominantly for its flexibility and tailoring capabilities - a standard system without the need for bespoke developments.
In addition, the company also appreciated that Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) knew the industry and how it operated, but also took the time and effort to understand Techflow Flexibles’ specific business processes. Clearly, implementing a new system represented a major change for the company, Terry McDonnell, commercial manager, said “We needed to improve the quality of our processes for everyone’s benefit. It was also essential to have accurate, real-time management information covering all areas of the business. To an extent, implementing the new system was a leap into the unknown, but with the support of KCS, we were confident of achieving the results we were looking for.”
One step at a time
K8 Manufacturing went live in September 2012 and by taking a step-by-step approach to transform functions in each department, the company ensured that everyone was comfortable with each phase before rolling out the next module. “We took the decision to go for some quick wins, particularly in accounts and purchasing, and be able to demonstrate the benefits to everyone. There were no major issues or stumbling blocks as we progressed, and virtually from day one, K8 Manufacturing began to prove its worth.”
K8 Manufacturing delivering
There is little doubt that K8 Manufacturing is delivering the value and benefits that Techflow Flexibles require. More importantly, the company’s management team and staff are continuing to work hard on stretching the system’s wide-ranging capabilities to suit business requirements. “The job card and bill of materials functions give us complete control of every order and our production planning processes have been improved and are much easier to administer.” The company is also able to use K8 Manufacturing more effectively to manage lean manufacturing principles.
Gains and benefits
- Stage-by-stage module introduction
- Complete control of every order
- Improved production planning
- Lean manufacturing supported
- Real-time management information
- Better informed staff
- Continuity with established processes
- Full audit and traceability
- Platform for growth and development
- Successful partnership with KCS
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With K8 Manufacturing, our staff are now much better informed about what’s going on across the business, the system’s management information dashboards mean that our communications and decision-making processes are much more efficient and accurate.
- Terry McDonnell, Commercial Manager
Martel Instruments Discrete Manufacturing
VMS Discrete Manufacturing
