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Recipient Sector:
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The cold
coiled spring industry,which comprises over 100 companies, 80%
of whom are SME’s. |
| Donor
Sector: |
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Both the motor and retail sectors use such technology |
| Technology:
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Integrated software and the internet combined with product recogniton. |
| Project
Start Date:
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01/03/2003 |
| Project
End Date:
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28/05/2005 |
| Duration:
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2 years |
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Lead
Organisation:
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Institute of Spring Technology (IST) |
Contact
Name: |
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Mr Malcolm Southward |
Mail
To:
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m.southward@ist.org.uk |
Tel
No:
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0114 2760771 |
Address:
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Henry Street, Sheffield, S3 7EQ |
Project Summary:
With the increasing demand by some of the larger companies for JIT and
electronic transfer of information via the internet, a considerable number
of SME companies are being subjected to an ever increasing pressure for
electronic communication with their customers.
Whilst there are many functions that can be performed via the internet,
one of considerable interest and concern for the spring supply chain is
how to maximise the benefits of JIT by utilising e-business.
Other industry sectors such as food and clothing are already reaping
the rewards of JIT and the electronic interchange of information, with
automated systems. An example of this is, as a product is scanned in a
store at the point of sale, an automatic notification of stock level is
sent electronically to the supplier or the central distribution centre
who will communicate with the supplier.
One of the major challenges to be overcome within the project which is
not directly comparable with the other sectors is the identification of
the spring and how there usage is monitored. Due to their quantity, size
and performance requirements it is impracticable to mark each spring individually.
Unlike the food industry it is not possible to bar code each spring and
scan it as it is used.
Project Partners:
University of Bradford
Webster & Horsfall Ltd.
William Hughes Ltd.
Springmasters Ltd.
EJA Ltd.
Solartron Metrology Ltd.
UKSMA
Need:
Improved communication upon spring consumption and stock retention to
enable far more efficient production planning.
Solution:
Integrate the spring supply chain and enable the spring maker
to establish both individually and collectively his spring users requirements
and their current stock levels. This will provide the information for
improved planning of production and ordering of material. Benefits:
- Reduction in the labour time required in monitoring stock
levels
- Working to JIT schedules
- Interrogation on line will provide an accurate
usage report for enabling forward projections to plan future spring
production.
- Elimination of last minute panics when stock levels are
reduced without orders placed for replenishment.
- Reduction of inspection
procedures for incoming goods from established suppliers.
- Established
relationships between supplier and user leading to further cooperation
eg design validation and cost improvements, evaluation
of commonality in
designs to reduce the number of spring designs. Increased use
of the internet for other
communication activities product testing, video meetings.
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