Staying connected

The managing director of Surrey-based T&G Engineering has hailed the benefit of remote access to production control software ProgressPlus.

The manufacturing business – which delivers CNC and conventional turning, milling and grinding practices to clients worldwide – implemented ProgressPlus at its plant in West Byfleet to good effect.

Managing director Tony Smyth has credited the innovative system – developed by Glasgow-based Berkeley Myles – with driving a number of commercial benefits including increased reporting and analysis capability, however the ability to connect to the system remotely has also enabled the business to remain responsive to the demands of its customer base that spans across the Formula 1 and pharmaceutical sectors.

He says: “Our initial reason for choosing ProgressPlus over other systems is its ability to track and report on orders at any stage throughout the production process. We work across highly audited industries like Formula 1 and medical which require the highest levels of quality and traceability and ProgressPlus allows us to control all aspects of the production process and give our clients a real-time update on the status of their production orders.

He continues: “There will also be times when I am out of the office at a conference or a business meeting and my clients will require an order status. ProgressPlus allows me to access full client production records remotely through a Wi-Fi connection and this is a significant capability that allows me to remain responsive to our customers.”

Established in 1975, T&G Engineering has grown from a staff of two and developed into a global provider of high quality precision engineered components. The company employs 39 members of staff at its base in Surrey. In terms of its software, the business has recently adopted an upgrade to its package which enables ProgressPlus to link-in with Sage accountancy software.

Mr Smyth says the upgraded package now provides the business with a complete process control solution.”We've been working with Berkeley Myles Solutions to develop a bespoke software system that would suit our business and could be tailored to the needs of our clients. Upgrading our original package to include the accountancy software was a logical step for us as we ventured towards streamlining our complete business processes.

“The new software took over from our previous method of processing accounts and almost immediately we noticed a saving. Six months on the upgrade has definitely been a move in the right direction.”

Berkeley Myles managing director Tony MacBride adds: “T&G Engineering is one of a number of clients we have successfully tailored a bespoke software solution for. Since working with the company we have developed a very successful relationship helping to streamline their existing working practices.

“The manufacturing industry as a whole has been under much strain in the last couple of years. With the recession taking its toll on many well-established businesses it has become clear that only the most streamlined and efficient companies are likely to see green shoots coming through.

“Businesses are beginning to realise installing a process control system like ProgressPlus will pay dividends in the long-term by ensuring working practices are lean and processes are stringent.”

Progress Plus
www.progress-plus.co.uk T&G Engineering
www.tgengineering.co.uk