CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
12 January 2010
Implementation Investments
WorkPLAN Enterprise Delivers Transparency and Efficiency at TriWeFo
TriWeFo GmbH based in Helmsdorf, Germany, installed Sescoi’s ERP system WorkPLAN Enterprise to enable it to achieve complete transparency in its moldmaking activities. Implemented in 2008 to replace an existing production planning system, WorkPLAN Enterprise impressed the company with its ease of use and the way in which it is tailored to suit project based manufacturing, and in particular mold manufacture. Thomas-A Dargel, Manager at TriWeFo says, “WorkPLAN Enterprise has enabled us to simulate our company, product structure and way of working, even down to the specific terminology we use. Our employees have found this to be very helpful when using the system, enabling them to become familiar with it straight away.”
Part of the Tridelta GmbH group, TriWeFo employs around 80 people and manufactures injection molds up to 7.5 tonnes. In addition, it specialises in sintering press tools for ceramics and hard metals, producing tools, prototypes and small batches of components for end users and other companies within Tridelta. Its previous manual data collection and management methods were time consuming and prone to error as they relied on the transfer of information from job cards. WorkPLAN Enterprise overcomes this by allocating a unique number to each mold, which it retains for its whole life from conception to modification and repair, making it a simple process to have an overview of its complete history. Felix Hübschmann, Project Manager says, “The software allows us to track the complete mold, specific groups of components or individual parts. Barcodes give us immediate feedback on the status of manufacture, enabling us to be certain that critical parts are running to schedule.”
The company uses the full range of functions available in WorkPLAN Enterprise, and has 15 seats of the software, which can all operate concurrently. The modules include quotation preparation, purchasing, manufacturing management, invoicing and reporting. Thomas-A Dargel adds, “Each user can customize how information is presented, so managers, technicians, sales staff and accountants can each view the data relevant to them, streamlining their tasks and making the whole manufacturing process completely transparent. Other software packages we evaluated could not give us the same range of capabilities, nor were they suitable for mold manufacture.”
The way in which WorkPLAN Enterprise stores information and tracks the complete lifecycle of a tool has several advantages. Customers are guaranteed full traceability, as every aspect of the tool’s history is stored in one place. For quotations for new molds, the system is able to draw on the recorded information to find similar criteria within previously manufactured tools. This information enables TriWeFo to anticipate problems and use its experience to arrive at the correct costing information. Once production has started, continual feedback of component prices and manufacturing times enable the company to keep a tight rein on its costs and, as a result, maximize its profitability.
The WorkPLAN Enterprise solution has a modular structure, so it can be tailored to the needs of individual companies, automating key areas of business management. Furthermore, it includes specific functions which have been developed for the tool and moldmaking industry. The complete lifecycle of a project or tool can be seen at a glance, enabling multiple modifications and repairs to be easily tracked. Customized reports summarize the information stored within the system allowing managers to check the real time status of crucial business drivers. Having this information available makes it possible for corrective action to be taken straight away, when a problem is detected, and for the company to make decisions about investment and direction based on accurate data.
Installing WorkPLAN Enterprise will positively impact on the performance of TriWeFo. Thomas-A Dargel explains, “Every tool manufacturer needs an ERP package. Customers are very demanding now, and there is a continual battle with competitors to get new business and retain clients. To remain leaders in our field we need to be able to deliver precise quotations, have an optimized manufacturing process with high quality standards, and the capacity to meet any new requirements our customers place upon us. WorkPLAN Enterprise helps us achieve these goals by improving manufacturing transparency throughout the company.”
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