The control and handling of materials can involve a high degree of non value adding work and hence cost in a manufacturing environment.
Each stage involved generally requires a computer entry, often via keyboard and can include: order, count and check-in, store, kit, load to process and record GRN, unload, de-kit, store. The stages are required to maintain traceability.
These eight stages have been reduced to three by the introduction of datamatrix (2 dimensional) ECC200 bar coding at a CEM (Contract Electronics Manufacturer) in Dorset. CT Production Ltd is a member of Beacon South West, an organisation that recognises companies at the leading edge of industry.
The Managing Director, Alan Trevarton explains. "With the number of products we process, materials handling represents a significant cost which does not add any tangible benefit to the customer or product. We use Europlacer SMT machines and had been speaking with them about a new machine to purchase a year ago. They offered to introduce their bar code system to trial with the machine, an Xpress 25T. A year on, after some minor teething issues, we have lineside storage of most SMT reels of Rs and Cs, which arrive, are Goods In checked and bar coded and entered into lineside stock, scanned onto the machine feeder and off again. The time taken has been reduced significantly, with easier control and offering total traceability. Overall this has been a win-win-win situation for Europlacer, our customers and ourselves, since the trial was successful and our lead times and costs are kept to a minimum. We now aim to expand on the use of the system"
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