CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
2 April 2008
Implementation Investments
Task Force Tips Shortens Product Development Time for Life Saving Fire Hose Nozzles with Adept Document Management
Task Force Tips (http://www.tft.com) is a worldwide leader in providing firefighters with nozzles that constantly adjust to the varying pressures of the water hose line. “Our products are used in life and death situations, so reliability is of utmost importance in allowing firefighters to do their jobs and return home safely,” said Scott Akins, vice president of New Product Development, Task Force Tips (TFT). “Being able to deliver products quickly is important to our customers.”
TFT turned to Adept document management software from Synergis Software (http://www.synergis-adept.com) for the increased efficiencies it could bring to their business — better document control, change management, and approval processes. TFT also does a significant amount of custom modifications for specific customers. “This ‘customerization’ gives the company a competitive advantage,” added Akins. “Adept helps us make product modifications quickly while keeping control of the documentation.
Adept Offers Unique Capabilities to Meet TFT’s Needs
When evaluating document management solutions, TFT’s selection criteria were clear. “We looked for a full-featured, reliable product at a reasonable price with good service and support,” said Akins.
“Our selection was weighed heavily by three criteria: First, Adept does not encrypt our files. As an engineer I believe things can break — so if all our files are encrypted and something in the PDM system would have a bug or break, it’s still possible to get to the files. Second, Adept’s API gave us the ability to develop an integration with our custom MRP system. And last, Adept could handle a wide variety of files — not just CAD files,” added Akins. TFT faces similar document management processes and challenges as other manufacturers. Akins explains, “We need to keep accurate drawings and be able to track the changes to those drawings, including the bill of materials, relationships and how they go together. Adept really helps speed up the processes and gives us more confidence the document we are dealing with is the right document. It helps us on the workflow, knowing when things are approved and allowing teams to collaborate with a clear ‘Check In’ and ‘Check Out’ system for documents.”
For more information or to register for a live presentation of Adept, please contact Synergis Software at 215.529.9900/800.836.5440 or visit http://www.synergis-adept.com.
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