Datacraft Solutions` Lean Replenishment Supply Chain Digital System Featured in Metalworking Production and Purchasing
Released on: June 26, 2008, 12:18 pm
Press Release Author: Thomas R. Cutler
Industry: Software
Press Release Summary: Datacraft Solutions' Lean Replenishment Supply Chain Digital System Featured in Metalworking Production & Purchasing
Press Release Body: Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past two years by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regimens and the need for internal support. Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban system (Signum) allows customers to access and utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.
The entire feature article, Lean strategies can help Canadian firms with high currency, appeared in the June 2008 issue of Metalworking Production & Purchasing, and was authored by manufacturing journalist, Thomas R. Cutler; the entire article may be read at http://trcutlerinc.com/MP&P%20June%202008.pdf.
Lean manufacturing emphasizes quickly eliminating obvious sources of waste by focusing on processes. Starting in the 1980's companies like Boeing began the lean process to improve the quality of products and processes. The need for continuous quality improvement and total quality management became the cornerstones of Lean manufacturing principles and practices. By the 1990s most of the Fortune 500 companies were searching for techniques that would result in continuous quality improvement. Core concepts of lean, such as just-in-time delivery, error-free production, and continuous, were not fully understood, nor how to apply them. By the end of 1999, most lean corporate manufacturing pioneers were implementing visual controls (kanban), simplifying the reorder systems, and reducing the error-prone double data entry. Just-in-time had replaced lagging indicators.
According to Stephen Parker, chief executive officer of Datacraft Solutions, makers of Signum, an electronic kanban solution, "Lean thinking and practices have been incorporated into all levels of the manufacturing business operation. Kaizen shop-floor improvement is commonplace. Lean principles have spread throughout the operation, far broader than just the manufacturing operations. The lean methods are in engineering, logistics, customer support, transporting, and suppliers." Despite lean roadmaps, business process mapping, and a myriad of consulting experts, little data has been gathered to determine the actual percentages of lean methodology adoption. At a conservative estimate more than 150,000 Canadian manufacturers have yet to implement a lean process. With 91% of Canadian manufacturers employing less than 100 people, the vast market potential of kaizen, kanban, and continued process improvement is staggering.
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