Manual Planning & Scheduling Problem:
The client faced challenges with their manual planning and scheduling process as component lead times increased and production demand surged. This manual effort became increasingly difficult to manage efficiently, prompting the need for an APS solution to automate and optimize their processes.
APS Solution:
Using Eyelit Technologies APS, the client automated their manual planning and scheduling process. This solution integrated seamlessly with their existing Salesforce implementation, providing both long-term planning visibility for clients and detailed daily scheduling for assembly line workers. The solution generated accurate long-term plans and short-term schedules, optimizing all seven assembly lines. Additionally, it enabled the client to identify long lead-time components, thus enhancing assembly line efficiency, and allowed for early unit builds based on available inventory, maximizing production capacity.
Key Achievements:
- Requirements Gathering: Comprehensive analysis was performed to understand the client’s specific needs and objectives.
- Technical and Programmatic Coordination with Client: Close collaboration was maintained throughout the implementation process to ensure alignment with the client’s technical and programmatic requirements.
- Infrastructure Setup: Necessary infrastructure was established to support the implementation of the solution.
- Data Import from Salesforce: Data from the client’s Salesforce system was imported seamlessly into the planning and scheduling tools.
- Data Mapping: Data mapping processes were executed to ensure accurate alignment between various data sources and the planning and scheduling tools.
- Configuration of Planning and Scheduling Tools: The solution was configured to integrate with the client’s inventory management system, set component lead times, handle subassemblies feeding into main assembly lines, and accommodate assembly line production rates.
- Running Planning and Scheduling: The planning and scheduling processes were executed to generate optimized long-term plans and short-term schedules for all seven assembly lines.
- Exporting Plan and Schedule: The finalized plans and schedules were exported for implementation across the client’s operations.
- Creating Reports per Client: Customized reports were generated to provide insights and transparency to clients regarding their orders and production schedules.
- Client Training: Training sessions were conducted to ensure that the client’s team was proficient in utilizing the new planning and scheduling tools effectively.
- Post Launch Support: Ongoing support was provided to address any issues or concerns that arose after the implementation, ensuring smooth operations and continued optimization.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Enhanced Efficiency: The Eyelit Technologies APS solution streamlined planning and scheduling, integrating seamlessly with Salesforce. Despite rising lead times and increased demand, operations ran smoothly.
- Strategic Insight: The solution provided valuable strategic insights, enabling long-term planning and clear daily scheduling. The client gained visibility into order timelines, while assembly line efficiency was optimized.
- Maximizing Capacity: The solution identified potential restrictions, allowing for early unit builds based on available inventory. This maximized resource utilization and minimized production delays.
Optimized Result:
The implementation of Eyelit Technologies APS transformed the client’s production operations. The solution delivered precise long-term plans and short-term schedules meticulously tailored to optimize operations across all seven assembly lines. This accuracy not only streamlined production processes but also ensured efficient resource allocation and minimized downtime. Moreover, the client gained the capability to proactively identify components with extended lead times that could potentially disrupt assembly line efficiency. Through this solution, they were able to implement preemptive measures to mitigate delays, maintaining seamless production continuity.
Additionally, the solution provided the flexibility to build units as early as possible based on available inventory, thus maximizing production capacity. This strategic approach enabled the client to meet demand effectively while minimizing bottlenecks and delays, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness and positioning them for sustained success in the dynamic energy industry landscape.