Complete control

Over the last three years, the company has achieved ISO Quality Management accreditation, has continued to invest in new machine tool technology and has also successfully integrated another company into its business model. Production control manager Lewis Lockwood has been quick to stress the key role played by PSL Datatrack production control software in all these initiatives.

RDL Technologies supplies subcontract parts for a wide range of industries and offers a number of services from design assistance and prototypes through to volume production including JIT and Kanban. The company is equipped to cope with a range of components and batch sizes whilst outside processes such as grinding, heat treatment and plating ensure a one stop shop service for all customers.

Prior to investment in PSL Datatrack production control software, RDL Technologies ran a completely manual system lacking in traceability with no control over manufacturing processes. Whilst that approach had worked for a number of years, the appointment in October 2013 of a new quality manager was the catalyst for change as he took responsibility for gaining ISO 9001 accreditation.

Having already recognised that efficient shopfloor data collection and process control were virtually non-existent, before embarking on the path of ISO accreditation, a concerted effort was made to shop around and identify the best production control package that included manufacturing traceability for the company to replace its manual systems.

After a number of demonstrations from different companies, RDL were left in no doubt that PSL Datatrack production control software was the most suitable solution.

“We liked the way PSL Datatrack could be tailored to our specific needs from the beginning and also gave us the option to expand into different modules as and when we wished,” Mr Lockwood says. “The way the system flows and the control and traceability we have over our work is now excellent.”

RDL Technologies achieved ISO 9001:2008 accreditation within just six weeks of the system being installed and Mr Lockwood believes this would never have been possible without PSL Datatrack in place. “The auditor even made a special note regarding the PSL Datatrack system. He was very impressed with how quick and easy it was to keep track of a job from the initial enquiry through to invoicing.” He says.

In 2015, RDL Technologies acquired Acorn Precision Machining bringing a further five sliding head machines into the business and increasing its sliding head capacity to 14 machines. The integration of the two companies went smoothly – helped no end by the fact that Acorn was already an existing user of PSL Datatrack software.

“We liaised closely with Geoff Gartland, managing director at PSL Datatrack and explained that we wanted Acorn's software to be integrated into ours. This presented no problem and has not only benefited us, but more importantly our customers. It has allowed us to quickly build strong relationships with former Acorn customers as we have the ability to search Acorn’s historical records. We have therefore been able to provide an efficient seamless service to the migrating customers.” Mr Lockwood continues.

Today, RDL Technologies prides itself on not only its state-of-the-art machining capabilities and quality management system but also on its customer service for which PSL Datatrack manufacturing production control software plays an essential role: “PSL Datatrack is not only helping us to stay ahead of the competition but it also allows us to work side by side with our customers to our mutual benefit.” Mr Lockwood concludes.

PSL DATATRACK www.psldatatrack.com

RDL TECHNOLOGIES www.rdltechnologies.co.uk