A probe with hygrometer, thermometer and a protective cover. [Image: Wikimedia Commons, Rotronic]

Problem

This company was taking too long to manufacture, repair and calibrate its products. Customers were increasingly irate over late deliveries.

Hundreds of small batches were in production, repair and calibration. Each batch went through about a dozen operations. Many were waiting for parts or were just forgotten.

The CEO, the production manager and the customer service team had no visibility of job status.

Solution

The company installed a BellHawk realtime system to track the start and finish of each operation. There is a barcoded traveller each tote with its batch of items. The operators scan this barcoded at each stage.

Today, everyone has full visibility of order status. Nothing gets forgotten. Customer receive their orders on time.

Results

1. Customer service: a dramatic reduction in calls from customers
2. Production management: 4 hours a day expediting orders saved.
3. Company management: accurate performance measures and costs for quoting new business.