Product category:
Plant and shopfloor scheduling software
News Release from: TriCorn Systems | Subject: Job Processing Software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 December 2006
SJC Engineering grows 20% with TriCorn
The introduction of TriCorn's Job Processing Software has signalled a new growth phase for SJC Engineering.
The introduction of TriCorn's Job Processing Software has signalled a new growth phase for SJC Engineering Formed by Managing Director Stewart Court, 20 years ago, the Chelmsford company specialises in the manufacture of aerospace and motorsport components in batch sizes which vary between one and 100 off
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 Aug 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Version 6.1 of TriCorn's easy to use Job Processing Software can be seen for the first time at The Midlands Manufacturing Show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
Its previous management system relied on spreadsheet technology and, although it was used by five people, could only be accessed by one at a time, and required repeated entry of the same data, making it an inefficient way of working.
The new TriCorn system was installed on the company's existing intranet, making use of SJC Engineering's investment in hardware.
Stewart Court said, "Implementation of the system was straightforward and was completed in two days".
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To compliment an existing ISO quality management system, job processing software controls quotations, works orders, purchasing, stock control, certificates of conformity, deliveries and invoicing.
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"TriCorn transferred the data from our old system and then returned to carry out the training".
"The system was very easy to pick up, and the installation went smoothly".
The system starts by registering an enquiry.
Quotations are then prepared making use of a template and historical information.
Machining times, subcontracted operations and bought out items are all recorded to produce an accurate cost directly from the CAD data supplied by the customer.
Stewart Court said, "We can now create a new quotation in half the time".
Andrew James, Assistant Manager added, "Once the quotation has been accepted, the complete and accurate information contained within it enables us to produce a works order with all the route cards for our shop floor, as well as purchase orders for material and subcontracted items in about two minutes".
"Previously this would have taken around half an hour".
For SJC Engineering, the reduction in administrative load has been significant.
The six seats of the software are used in estimating, sales, purchasing, stock control, dispatch, and accounts, enabling each section within the company to share information and add data simultaneously, eliminating duplicate entries.
Delivery notes and invoices are automatically created with all the details already filled in, eliminating repetitive work and the possibility of error.
The software also includes a scheduling package, which shows the loading on each resource.
A drag and drop interface allows users to move jobs around when an overload is detected, while capacity planning checks that sufficient resources are available to meet delivery dates.
Shop floor activity is recorded through bar codes on the route cards Stewart Court said, "It's like shopping in a supermarket, we simply swipe the route card and enter the quantity".
"The operators are very happy with the system, which eliminates paperwork and administration and also gives us more accurate information as work is progressing".
By carrying out spot checks, SJC Engineering can analyse the profitability of its jobs.
Additionally, the extra information is a strong motivating factor in helping it hit its production targets.
The TriCorn system also helps the company to identify bottlenecks and voids in its capacity plan, which can in turn be used to look for suitable new work to fill the vacant periods.
A major improvement for the company is traceability which was limited before the installation of the TriCorn software.
Stewart Court said, "We now have accurate knowledge of stock levels".
"Additionally, we also know the drawing release of stocked items and the material from which they have been made".
"This will encourage our customers to place higher value orders spread over longer lead times".
"We can then pass on the cost savings and allow them to call off the quantities they require to suit their fluctuating production requirements".
"The TriCorn system gives us far more flexibility".
Stewart Court anticipates that the new TriCorn system will raise confidence levels amongst his customers who can see that his company will be able to sustain a large increase in order levels for the longterm, and that it will open doors for new business based on the quality and service SJC Engineering can provide".
"He said, "TriCorn is five times better than our previous system".
"We are anticipating a 20% year on year growth in our business, all of which can be attributed to the new software".
"It is a very exciting opportunity for us".
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