More for less

anything that is software-based and used by manufacturing companies to make them more productive.

Most companies have no problem embracing technology like CAD/CAM and inspection software, but relatively few in my experience seem to want to take things a stage further and install an all singing, all dancing ERP/production control system to integrate all elements of the business.

Running ultra-efficiently is an obvious but often overlooked way of enhancing productivity but I guess for manufacturing companies there’s only so much money in the pot and so many things to spend it on. Machine tool technology continues to advance at an alarming rate and there’s pressure for manufacturers to keep up and squeeze that little bit more productivity out of their processes. Then there’s all the other stuff – tooling, jigs, fixtures, rising energy costs – that companies have to consider. Like running a household, this isn’t a walk in the park!

But also in my experience, those companies that do invest in data management software to build a solid foundation on which to run their businesses are absolutely delighted with the results. Take Adam Dugdale, general manager at Sherborne, Dorset-based precision subcontract engineering company Cicorel, who I visited last week. Cicorel have used Tricorn production control and scheduling software for some 15 years now and Adam is under no illusions whatsoever what it has meant for the business:

“We manufacture technically challenging parts, from difficult materials, in small batch quantities, yet remain productive and profitable. This company simply couldn’t function with the number of staff it has, at the level that it does without job management software.”

I think in terms of third party, customer recommendations, it really doesn’t get any better than that does it? Take a look at the full article on page 54.