New system ensures a sharp rise in operational efficiency
SLAP specifically focuses on the goods receipt process, assembly and capacity planning, commissioning assembly, and packing and shipping. SLAP was initially implemented at SEW-EURODRIVE Germany, with South Africa being the sixth country to roll out the efficient new system.
According to SEW-EURODRIVE General Manager Finance Gerd Seuffert, it took eight months to implement SLAP due to the large-scale factory refitting, re-orientation and training necessary to accommodate the system.
“Now that the system is up and running, it has become apparent that all the hard work and investment was worth it. Conservatively, it’s safe to say we have seen an operations improvement of between 30 to 40 percent,” he states.
Since the implementation of SLAP, Seuffert admits that there has been a marked improvement at the Johannesburg branch on the goods receiving side. “One of the major benefits is that SLAP barcodes enable local warehouse staff to identify exactly what parts are in a fully-loaded container from Germany, for instance.”
He adds that each part can be quickly matched up with the corresponding job via the SLAP interface, before being sent for assembly. Prior to the implementation of SLAP, Seuffert reveals that it would have taken a significant time to perform this task. “Now it takes a matter of hours, which has resulted in significant time and cost savings,” he continues.
Seuffert indicates that efficiencies have also been greatly improved on the assembly line. Once the assembly department receives the parts, job sheets are printed and allocated for assembly by SLAP according to a work cell’s availability, capacity and skill set.
“The SLAP system also tracks how long it takes each particular cell or worker to retrieve the necessary parts, assemble and pack a unit. This not only enhances productivity, but also enables the branch to accurately predict when an item will be ready for dispatch,” Seuffert asserts.
“Dispatch matters had to be handled manually in the past. Now all dispatch items are electronically logged, located and invoiced via the SLAP system, which can also automatically transfer data to a courier’s system via standardised message formatting. Depending on the requirements, this in turn triggers a carrier sticker or list, and opens up the opportunity for multiple deliveries via one transport or delivery group,” he says.
Seuffert indicates that that the SLAP system has also enabled SEW-EURODRIVE Johannesburg to better manage and control its stock. “In addition to preventing loss, it allows for better planning and curtails the incidence of parts ‘borrowing’ for other jobs, which tends to occur when orders need to be filled in a hurry. Several confirmation points along the line also allow users to pinpoint exactly where an item is.”
The training benefits derived from the new system are particularly noteworthy. Seuffert reveals that a number of the staff working on the assembly line had never worked on a computer until SLAP was introduced. “Now, in addition to a number of other new skills, these staff members are computer literate, a fact which they take great pride in and which will undoubtedly stand them in good stead in the future.”
Seuffert says that SEW-EURODRIVE Johannesburg is already receiving better customer feedback. “This is thanks to the fact that the new layout allows the factory to run faster, while reducing paperwork, mess and confusion. Efficiency is up across the board. Importantly, we are no longer operating according to a ‘push’ strategy which is based on forecast demand, we are now operating according to a ‘pull’ strategy, which caters to actual customer demand.”
The rollout of SLAP at SEW-EURODRIVE Johannesburg represents the first step in SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa’s nationwide rollout of the system. A further four branches will implement the system in the near future, taking into consideration the lessons learned during the rollout in Johannesburg. This is in line with SEW-EURODRIVE’s global ‘Standardisation of Services’ plan to mechanise and eventually link all branches, in order to provide uniform, integrated products and services.
“SEW-EURODRIVE has embarked on this initiative and is investing heavily worldwide so that no matter where in the world a SEW-EURODRIVE branch is, it will offer a uniform high level of service and produce top quality products. We are proud to have taken the first steps towards making this a reality in South Africa and look forward to bolstering our international ties through this initiative,” Seuffert concludes.
Ends
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