Case Studies - Quality - Electrolytic Plating Company

The Development and Application of Information Technology to Improve Process Control and Enhance Product Quality at the Electrolytic Plating Company

Optimise resources
Gain greater operational control
Enhance manufacturing quality
Improve business performance analysis

Over £17,000 was provided in a package of grant support through the Accelerate programme that enabled the Electrolytic Plating Company to develop electronic information systems. EPC reviewed systems that failed the Millennium date change tests and seized an opportunity to re-engineer their business processes. They developed advanced data recording and analysis methods. The company produced an outline of the companies ideal information system requirements. This outline was translated by Pro Enviro into a tailored electronic data management system to meet specific company needs for improved business reporting.

EPC apply both electrolytic and organic surface finishing processes. The management commitment to growth and innovation is reflected in the desire for continuous improvement. The management of EPC are driving their business towards World Class competitiveness with goals of achieving both QS9000 and ISO14001. The company has a proactive management team willing to develop applications of best practice throughout their business.

Implementing best practice in all areas of business is a necessary development on the path towards World Class competitiveness. Companies that achieve and maintain competitiveness in the global economy have some common characteristics, however different their trade. These characteristics include a solid business plan, clearly defined mission, and an unshakable commitment to continuous improvement and excellence throughout the business.

EPC contracted Pro Enviro to assist in the improvement operational control in a project that was made possible by the Accelerate project. Improved data collection and monitoring of the process facilitates the operational analysis necessary to identify opportunities for improvement.

Companies servicing automotive supply chains are subject to increasing customer pressure to streamline business operations. Quality, cost, service and environmental issues are all central challenges to the diligent and responsive supplier.

This project was devised to specify an integrated electronic communication and process monitoring system. EPC wanted to develop a powerful analytical management tool produced from accurate and timely business performance data.

Main project objectives

To review company information systems against current Best Practice and the company's plans.
To produce a specification for an integrated communication and information recording system.
To develop new process planning and control protocols and procedures as required.
To review available software products against the business specification.
To tailor the software to meet the identified requirements with the chosen supplier.
To manage implementation of the new integrated management system.

Finance and implementation

Pro Enviro provided the flexibility and expertise to manage the project to success. A package of over £17,000 grant support was secured through the Birmingham and Solihull TEC against a total direct project costs of around £35,000.

The existing system was reviewed and developed and a more integrated system produced.
A functional specification was produced and appropriate computer systems were assessed against this.
Implementation and monitoring of the new system.

Outcome

The new system makes it possible to monitor the flow of work from goods inward to despatch. EPC can also monitor plant condition effectively. The system is able to analyse company level data and send it to appropriate pick up points. A detailed operational analysis is produced covering raw material consumption and maintenance costs broken down for each process.

Automated customer communication measures have been introduced that develop and expand product traceability. The system implemented supports the requirements of ISO9002 and is built in view of the objectives to achieve and maintain accreditation under both QS9000 and ISO14001. This project has developed an automated management system drawing together all the relevant business functions, to rationalise business management and improve overall operational control.