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QRM Implementation: Industry Case Studies
Exclusive Event for QRM Center Members
December 11, 2009
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Engineering Centers Building
Madison, Wis.
See how other member companies are implementing QRM and learn from their experience
While it is no secret that QRM provides significant opportunities for improvements across the extended enterprise, each QRM implementation provides new insights and learning opportunities. Attend this exclusive QRM implementation event to listen to case studies of the recent partnership efforts between the Center and its members covering a wide range of issues including implementing cells in a high-mix environment, reducing lead times for products with variable demands, improving delivery performance in the supply chain, and reducing lead times for new product introduction.
Event Features:
- Get a comprehensive overview of different projects conducted by the QRM Center
- Learn about the project outcomes and ongoing implementation efforts from company representatives
- Discuss project processes and implementation issues at your organization with other industry representatives and QRM Center
- Share common issues with industry peers and faculty in a solution-oriented atmosphere
Industry Case Studies to be presented (detailed descriptions):
Implementing Cells for Precision Machined Products
Pointe Precison, Plover, Wis.
Pointe Precision, a manufacturer of precision machined products, wanted to implement cells to reduce lead times and compete in new markets. However, complex product routing and high variety of products posed significant challenges. In partnership with the QRM Center, they conducted an extensive analysis of product routings and machine capabilities and finalized the design of multiple cells that would help them reduce lead times by 50% and free up production capacity for future sales growth.
Lead Time Reduction for 5000 Series Valves
HUSCO International, Waukesha, Wis.
HUSCO International is a leading supplier of hydraulic valves to manufacturers of agricultural and automotive assemblies. Variable demands and long internal lead times led to high inventories and poor delivery performance. In partnership with the QRM Center, they analyzed their processes for a leading valve product line. The analysis revealed several improvement opportunities in order processing, planning, scheduling, manufacturing and assembly that led to reduction in lead times and inventory by over 30%.
Improving Delivery Performance of the Supply of Parts & Accessories
Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee, Wis. and Milsco, Milwaukee, Wis.
As a supplier of parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson, Milsco’s on-time delivery performance for its seating products was below market expectations. A three-way partnership between Harley Davidson, Milsco, and the QRM Center initiated an analysis of the extended supply chain that included Milsco’s suppliers. The analysis helped discover the root causes for the delivery problems and led to several recommendations, including a customized inventory model that would help Milsco improve its delivery performance and reduce inventories by over 50%.
Eliminating the Competition: Lead Time Reduction of New Aerospace Batteries
Saft America, Valdosta, Ga.
Introducing new aerospace batteries to market quickly is a cornerstone of Saft’s competitiveness. However, current lead times extended across several months. Using QRM principles, the partnership between Saft and the QRM Center developed a new system to facilitate rapid release of new designs of aerospace batteries. The new system predicts a lead time reduction of over 70%, capacity increase of 125% and reduction in open projects by over 40%.
Lead Time Reduction in New Product Development
RenewAire LLC, Madison, Wis.
RenewAire is a manufacturer of energy recovery ventilators for residential and commercial markets. To sustain their growing business and grow market share, their new product development team needs to continuously create and improve products quickly and efficiently. In partnership with the QRM Center, they analyzed the process - from concept creation to project wrap-up – determined the causes of long lead times that stretched across several months. The team also developed a standardized process map that provides a lead time optimized template for future product introductions.
