How can universities equip graduates with the skills and experience to improve the operational effectiveness of supply chains? Dr Kamila Walters, lecturer in Supply Chain and Operations, explores the changing world of supply chain management in a digital age, and how universities can equip graduates with skills to improve the operational effectiveness of supply chains.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
With ever-increasing automation and the use of big data in manufacturing businesses, there is a wave of connectivity and supporting software sweeping production facilities to enable them to maintain pace with Industry 4.0.
One thing we are often challenged about is the difference between ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) software and whether having both in place is necessary. Here we take a look at the differences between them, how they interrelate, and the strengths of each.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
The use of Excel spreadsheets for production planning and scheduling is surprisingly widespread in the manufacturing environment.
The software is familiar to many planners, and it can be seen as a quick and easy option when it comes to production scheduling.
However, there are sophisticated software solutions available which could transform the way you manage production planning. Is it time to leave Excel behind?
In this blog, we discuss how Excel is holding you back and why advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software should be part of your future plans.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
Viewed as the key to efficiency savings and smarter decision making, data is an invaluable tool for manufacturers looking to strengthen their business model and improve operational productivity. However, an obsession with capturing every metric possible - without thinking about the bigger picture, may lead to too much data, creating unnecessary complication and confusion. Here’s some key points to consider when reviewing your data, to ensure you are making the most of this valuable asset.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
Sage has announced that from 30th September 2021, Sage Manufacturing will no longer be offered, supported or further developed and is currently undergoing an end of life process.
Access offers a more comprehensive alternative – Access MRP has all the Sage Manufacturing features that you are familiar with, but with considerably more functionality. Full quality control and traceability features, capacity planning tools, In-depth app-based dashboards, giving you visibility and an overview of your entire operation and shop floor data capture.
Take a look at our feature comparison factsheet, so you can compare between Sage Manufacturing and Access MRP.
If you are concerned as to the impact of this on your business, we have summarised below some of the FAQs we have seen in recent Google searches.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
The UK’s exit from the EU has meant there are many changes affecting businesses throughout the entire supply chain. HMRC Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and French customs have made some significant changes and we are anticipating more to come.
As The Access Group is a member of ADS, we have been provided with official guidelines which include the most recent customs updates.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
Personal Involvement
What keeps operations managers awake at night?
The short answer is: uncertainty – but there is more than one type of uncertainty, as 2020 has demonstrated. There are those things over which you have no control, such as Covid-19 and Brexit. Their ultimate resolution is out of our hands.
On the other hand, there are uncertainties that we can influence. Lack of visibility, human error (and fear of it), delivery failures and lack of clarity over what is happening on the shop floor are born from lack of controls.
How do we improve visibility where it is needed? Over the supply chain, personnel performance, machine performance, warehouse stock, finished goods inventory and work in progress (WIP)?
“Automation” is the easy and obvious answer but it’s not that simple. What sort of automation? Where and when? Automating the wrong thing and at the wrong time can be disastrously counterproductive. We know of a commercial vehicle maker whose ERP system became so bloated that there were more people employed running it than were on the shop floor. We heard recently of a transport company whose systems are so chaotic that drivers are being sent to the wrong place, or arrive to find themselves at the end of a long queue, waiting for hours to offload or collect.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
A comprehensive guide for SMEs wanting to find out about Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IOT)
If you think artificial intelligence, machine-to-machine learning and automated robots sound like something from a sci-fi film, then you’re probably not alone. The fourth wave of industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 as it is more commonly known, is often over-complicated when mentioned in trade press, so it is no wonder that many SMEs might be put off or intimidated by the concept of it.
However, in order to compete on the world stage, manufacturing businesses of all sizes will need much better control of their supply chains and processes, which is only possible by Industry 4.0. Not only will it help you secure those big, game changing clients, but it will also help to eliminate any errors that might occur from old fashioned methods like paper records. An example of this was seen recently with a customer of ours, Kirkstall Precision Engineering, who managed to secure a new contract with Rolls Royce during the UK lockdown, no doubt helped by their adoption of Industry 4.0.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
The history of lean may stretch back more than a century, but it’s as relevant today (and will be tomorrow) as it was when first conceived.
Rather than replacing lean, digital technologies are helping to identify previously unattainable efficiency opportunities and augmenting employees’ efforts to unlock unparalleled levels of productivity and innovation. Here’s what your organisation needs to know.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
In manufacturing circles, Industry 4.0 is at bit like Brexit: everyone is talking about it, but no-one seems to have a definitive answer about how best to proceed. If you’ve had enough of high-level technology discussion that doesn’t seem to relate to your factory floor, then read on.
It’s tempting to ignore what’s commonly known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or ‘Industry 4.0’ which is its catchier title. The idea of automated ‘smart’ factories with shiny, spanking new state-of-the-art facilities can feel like a world away from the daily grind of producing products using machinery that has been painstakingly built up over time. And there’s the people element too. How on earth can new technology replace years of experience?
But the real elephant in the room is cost. It might be possible in theory to create a technologically advanced factory that to all intents and purposes runs itself – but is it actually affordable for normal businesses with normal budgets and profit margins to protect?
These are real concerns and are completely understandable, especially in the current UK business climate of uncertainty. But the fact is that the steady march of technology is not going to go away… Manufacturers that steadfastly continue to operate as they always have done, using the systems they have always used, will eventually get left behind. Over time, customers will opt for manufacturers that are more responsive, more modern and more efficient. They’d be foolish not to as their businesses and their budgets are guaranteed to benefit.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
