Eventually all bear markets yield to a new bull market: The good times will return at some point. The fabricated metal products sector of the economy will certainly regain health. The question is more appropriately - will there ever be a better time to position your business for competitive advantage or to take advantage of tax incentives to add capital improvements to your operations?
Now, as many production lines remain underutilized, is the time to be proactive with preparations for the next significant manufacturing upswing. The best time to prepare for higher volumes and improved manufacturing techniques is when business is slow(er) and down time does not have to be incurred while the machines are playing catch up. Take advantage of a slower time around the shop floor to invest. Learn new ways to improve efficiencies, improve profitability, align strengths and capabilities, and of course - beat out the competition.
What should those smart business preparations entail? Start with what will make the most significant impact in terms of return on investment?
Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is one investment to consider that delivers on potential. It offers numerous ways to reduce variable costs while increasing cash flow, and more importantly, revenue.
AMS CONTROLS is the leader in development of CIM enabled controllers to serve the metal roll forming and metal folding industries. Eclipse is a tested production management software that will schedule orders; enable download transfer of orders directly to the shop floor, monitor real-time production status, analyze productivity via OEE & Pareto charts, actively track coil inventory and provide tracking reports. Eclipse also automates the import and export of production data.
Mistake-proofing order fulfillment through CIM is perhaps the most valuable benefit to management. Customer retention and support is gained through ensuring that the correct profile, material, length, quantity, etc are delivered when promised. Eliminating mistakes is always a key objective; mistakes caught at the factory are expensive but mistakes caught at the customer site are much more costly in terms of customer relations. The best and proven approach to reducing mistakes is single-point data entry & verification through CIM.
CIM can be integrated into any metal fabrication environment and the Eclipse production management system will deliver results quickly. Call AMS CONTROLS for a consultative discussion and review of how this can improve your operation. Now is the time to put your business in the best position to compete when the market rebounds.