SubscribeRemploy Electronics has embarked on a major process review covering all its manufacturing sites in order to prepare the organisation for the high level of business growth predicted for 2007.
Dubbed the '100 per cent project', a reflection of the increase in turnover being anticipated, the review Is intended to harmonise all processes across the group's five manufacturing sites. This will simplify the moving of production between sites as is required to balance peak demand and deliver the most efficient service to customers.
Working with the DTI Manufacturing Advisory Service and Delos business consultancy, Remploy Electronics has focussed on three main process areas: new product introduction, enquiry to order, and order to shipment. New product introduction covers the process of introducing new customer products from the receipt of order through to full production readiness. It also applies to the transfer of business from one group site to another.
'Enquiry to order' looks at the handling of new enquiries, via quotation origination through to the receipt of a customer purchase order. 'Order to shipment' involves the process from order entry through to the product arriving at the customer's premises.
A high-level assessment, led by overall project manager Aled Williams, has been conducted over the past three months and Remploy has now established three separate project teams, one for each process area, to define detailed processes, procedures and responsibilities. This second phase of the project is expected to last 4-5 months after which the new processes will be implemented. Some of the necessary new education and training will be delivered during phase two.
Aled Williams, operations manager, commented: "Remploy Electronics is planning ahead to ensure that the high standards the organisation currently attains are not only maintained but exceeded as we continue to grow. In developing the improved processes we will be applying lean principles to ensure that we eliminate non-value activities within the business - whilst at the same time enhancing activities that add value to the customer."
Remploy is the UK's leading provider of employment services for disabled people.
Aled Williams, operations manager, Remploy Electronics