Integrated Software for Improved Productivity and Management Information

Firth‐Derihon Stampings are one of the UK's leading forgings manufacturers, and, in common with many large engineering concerns, ran into difficulties in the 1970s with the world recession. In addition, they experienced understandable difficulties in controlling the logistics of manufacturing several thousands of components, all requiring high standards of quality control, and many having to go through a detailed certification process for MOD and other demanding customers. The company sought a solution in more comprehensive computerisation and initiated a thorough survey of the possible types of system that might be adopted. The considerable impact of the system on the company is traced and the company management's responses regarding its advantages are described.