Background
Engineered Fabrics Corporation (EFC) is a thriving, American manufacturer of quality military and commercial products. EFC has a long and proven track record of providing commercial, industrial and military customers with the finest quality products, as well as conscientious and loyal service. EFC's distinguished list of more than 200 customers includes Lockheed, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop, United Technologies, Bell Textron, and U.S. Military Procurement agencies.
Challenge
- The wireless network infrastructure was unreliable given the complexity of the facility and interference created by manufacturing activity.
- Improve data collection technology that worked in batch mode with slow results, had limited data capture capabilities, and required specialty skills to make modifications.
- The interfaces used for data collection were limited and did not provide appropriate data entry validation.
- Isolated data entry devices which were difficult to manage across the entire operation.
- Enable 800 employees to clock out of their jobs in 2 minutes.
Solution
- Tripled the number of data collection points with low-cost commodity devices. 54 low-cost WYSE thin-client terminals, touch screen flat panels, and fixed bar code scanners were deployed to the shop floor.
- Centralilzed management of application deployment and remote device management. The data collection interfaces delivered via remote desktop using Microsoft Windows Servers and WYSE Rapport management tools.
- Accurate Data Collection. A Windows .Net application with a simple, interactive user interface providing immediate validation to employees.
- Integrated WIP tracking with labor collection reducing the entry load.
- Taking advantage of the enhanced technology, expanded business rules were added to enforce work force management.
- Strategic technology infrastructure to deliver any future business application to the shop floor
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