Spectech France has improved its line-side RFID tag/Kanban inventory control system with the launch of ‘TagBin Live'.
Supply chain expert Spectech France, part of the STAG Aerospace Group, has enhanced its line-side RFID tag/Kanban inventory control system. First launched in 2010 under the brand name ‘TagBin', the system has been designed to improve stock forecasting and parts management in the aerospace industry.
The enhanced RFID tagging/Kanban system, now called ‘TagBin Live' and incorporating a live data feed, is part of the company's portfolio of supply chain tools and techniques, which are configured to meet customer inventory management needs. These include parts control using barcodes, RF tagging or Kanban, inventory level and storage system evaluation, supplier negotiation and forecasting tools. In addition, comprehensive operator training and post-install system reviews ensure successful implementation of supply chain projects.
Spectech reports that the addition of the live data feed from the RFID technology replaces the need to have supplier personnel on customer sites and enables operation of a true Kanban system tracked in real-time. Combined with the company's advanced forecasting tool, which was developed in-house, and ‘Kanban Live' software managing data, Spectech says it can demonstrate real-time production tracking and maximise the use of component storage. In addition, all the conventional and costly manual steps normally associated with Kanban systems run via purchasing departments are removed.
Commenting on the expansion of the company's supply chain portfolio, Chris Osborne, directeur des opérations Spectech France, said: “The STAG Group service philosophy uses a ‘consultancy project team' approach, which concentrates on developing close relationships linking suppliers and customers worldwide. This partnership approach results in bespoke supply chain solutions which include a blend of interlinked inventory control techniques.”
The addition of real-time information from RFID tags on trackside component bins, and the enhancement of Kanban software, provides demand forecasting for 100,000 plus lines and the ability to generate accurate purchasing schedules on a daily/weekly basis.
Keeping the lineside supplied
The STAG Group recently announced that its ‘Direct Line Feed' supply contract with Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS had been renewed for a further five years.
The STAG Group has managed Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse's supply chain standard components since 2003, providing a complete suite of supply chain services including purchasing management, Kanban, kitting, direct line feed and ‘just in time' supply. The supply chain is synchronised with planning forecasts allowing optimum production flexibility and ensuring continuity of supply.
“We are absolutely delighted that Liebherr has chosen to renew their lineside supply contract with us,” states Osborne. “We have worked closely with their Toulouse site and see the contract as recognition of our successful commercial and logistic partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace.”
Meanwhile, Spectech has embarked on ADS' SC21 accreditation programme with the aim of achieving Bronze status during 2015. The company says it recognises the value of SC21's status within the aerospace industry and, since making a commitment at Spectech UK to the scheme in January of this year, has made a considerable investment in resources to prepare for SC21's assessments.
“We are fully engaged in the principles of SC21 from both the perspective of continuous sustainable improvement within our organisation and collaboration with the wider aerospace industry,” explains Spectech UK's general operations manager, Chris Barnard. “Benefits reported by leading aerospace industry organisations are significant: on-time delivery performance figures have been enhanced and best practice throughout the supply chain has been shown to provide widespread benefits both to the qualifying company and its customers.”
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