PAF-Dessouter application story
PAF-Dessouter application story
Keywords PAF, Desoulter, Pick and place
Hemel Hempstead Company Desoutter, focuses on manufacturing high quality industrial tools, specialising in drills, pneumatic and electric screwdrivers and auto feed drills. As a major cost reduction project Desoutter enlisted PAF Systems to "reduce picking and set up times."
By doing so, Desoutter hoped to achieve and fulfil their overriding aim; to"meet the needs of our customers and distributors better than the competition; to maximise the number of solutions with the least cost and reduced complication in assembly."
A successful trial between Desoutter and PAF (with a "pilot cell")initiated a 15-month project in which both parties not only helped each other,but also instigated many benefits and positive results. Moreover, such was the success of this particular working relationship, that Desoutter's primary objectives were met. Arguably the most valuable concept for Desoutter was the considerable reduction in assembly time, subsequent rise in efficiency and increased flexibility. Order response times improved, whilst lead times were also reduced. In total, there was a saving of 23 per cent of assembly/test hours. Overall, nearly all of Desoutter's costs were reduced, with a higher volume of output. Not only were Desoutter meeting the demands of their customers quicker, but at a reduced cost and with fewer complications.
Furthermore, with the influx of new ideas, processes and equipment to compliment Desoutter's existing facilities, there was a better environment with working conditions more enjoyable for the assembly personnel. The manual visibility also meant that there was no hidden stock (despite excellent stock control), once again reducing complication and improving Desoutter's efficiency. With Desoutter using their own products in the cells supplied by PAF, the work area is now also used as a demonstration area in which customers can see Desoutter's tools in use. The pleasantly aesthetic area and the internal promotion of its own products is an ideal showcase for the Desoutter philosophy.
Desoutter's definitive objective by enlisting PAF's assistance was to become more efficient by reducing the time spent on picking, setting up and the production process in assembly and test times. This would lead to an increase in output from cells, therefore a quicker response to customer orders. Secondly,the reduction of costs was paramount along with the elimination of central stores. These goals were successfully achieved and during the fifteen-month project, 14 cells with PAF benches and racking were installed. The two companies together managed to improve the existing production process via detailed analysis and stringent selection criteria. With a critical and productive analysis of assembly production for improvements set against their objectives,Desoutter established a winning formula that enabled an analysis of products to create the selection criteria. PAF subsequently designed and tested their innovative workstation alongside various other ideas.
It was concluded by both parties that some components of the previous production process used by Desoutter were restrictive. With parts not only stored in production stores but also picked by the assembly personnel,productivity and efficiency were not being maximised or utilised as best they could. An improved process (initiated by PAF and with Desoutter's input) enabled the majority of pans to be kept within the cell itself instead of in remote stores. Only a few low usage parts are still stored in carousels.
Overall and to conclude, Desoutter's production process has been shortened,enabling a diverse range of advantages and benefits for both company and customer to take place. The completed workstation comprised of sub-assembly benches for clutches, motors and gearboxes, including the final assembly, test and packing. This workstation managed to combine PAF's ergonomic and original design with the latest in Desoutter's cutting edge technology and led to the reorganisation of the whole assembly area (with little production loss). This has proved to be a very successful partnership for both companies.
"Our new manufacturing expertise allows us to quickly respond to our state of the art distribution centre by maximising this expertise and development skills we can offer many benefits to our customers including one invoice, one point of contact, recognised brand strength in priority market sectors, application/technological knowledge and a full product range to satisfy customer and distributor needs. We are delighted with our partnership with PAF",says John Hort-General Manager.
Further information: Stuart Wetherell Sales and Marketing Director PAF Systems Ltd, 43-51 Sanders Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4NL, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1933 222195; Fax: +44 (0) 1933 440259; E-mail: sales@pafsystem.com
