The availability of accurate inventory levels is an important consideration for all manufacturers.
Do we have sufficient stock? Do we need to buy? If so, how many?
MRP in isolation only goes so far (and let’s not get into spreadsheets). This will provide a calculated number associated with any given part number but will not legislate for any production losses associated with machine setup or a runtime issue, for example.
As a result, physically counting stock back in from production allows the MRP to always reflect accurate stock levels, meaning that future purchases are precise, unplanned production stoppages are avoided, and accounts reporting is complete.
To assist this activity, we have recently taken delivery of a Seamark XC1000 X-ray component counter.
Counting a single reel used to take 3-4 minutes using a traditional counter. This system allows the counting of up to four 7” reels in around 12 seconds. In addition to this speed upgrade, the system automatically prints a label detailing the quantity of the parts on the reel. 13” reels are counted singly.
The system is equally capable of counting tubed and trayed devices, and even bulk parts in a bag, so long as they are on a single ‘layer’.
Additionally, we are able to ‘see through’ bags to confirm supplied quantities prior to opening the packaging. This can be useful if we have been supplied with cut strips, for example.
When Camtronics receives a free-issue kit, we have always checked the supplied quantities physically match those advised, to prevent production stoppages. Frequently, unexpected shortages are identified at this stage, usually because someone believed, “what it said on the reel”. The throughput boost provided by the Seamark allows us to provide feedback to our customer quicker than ever before, allowing them the maximum possible time to order the part, if necessary, and satisfy the shortage so delivery of the finished assembly is not delayed.
For procured items, which carry our in-house lot numbers embedded in a barcode, we are able to scan the counted part and the resulting label shows our internal part number in addition to the count quantity. When counting four reels at a time, the system detects which reel has been picked up after the count process and prints the label for that part in isolation, preventing labelling errors.
The introduction of the Seamark XC1000 has dramatically reduced the amount of (frankly, mundane) time spent counting items in stores, allowing that time to be redeployed on more interesting and value adding activities, whilst improving count accuracy to 99.9%.
In the words of our Stores Supervisor, “I absolutely love it”.
Discover how Camtronics can help your business flourish with our experienced team of engineers and electronics specialists. Contact us today at 01495 717222 for more information about EMS services.
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