Metcam Minimizes Manufacturing Errors with Plant Standardization on Visual Work Instructions
(Alpharetta, GA) - Metcam, a fabricator of sheet metal components and assemblies for OEMs, announced today a facility-wide commitment to the implementation of visual work instructions. The new digital imagery instruction system reduces errors, increases the quality of production and improves plant efficiency.
After a pilot program on Metcam's fiber optic tray line reduced errors by 86%, Metcam made the decision to implement the system in all assembly areas. The new system replaces tired written work instructions and hard to read diagrams with actual photographs of assembly processes with critical points clearly marked. The next assembly to receive visual work instructions will be Metcam's fire and security enclosure line.
"With a single video screen of instructions for each station and a single computer controlling each assembly line, we've eliminated document control issues. With the click of a mouse, we are able to ensure that only the most current work instructions are displayed in the correct sequence, right at the assembly stations," explained Bob Cheek, Manager of Quality and IT for Metcam.
The work instructions not only reduce errors, they reduce setup time and allow for easy crossover of staff.
"Visual work instructions help us improve assembly line efficiencies and reduce the time required for getting staff up to speed on an operation," continued Plant Manager Bill Freeman. "Now our workers can go anywhere on the line with minimal training." This increases flexibility of staff assignments, eliminating downtime and reducing the monotony of repetitive tasks on the line.
In short, Metcam has found that the use of visual work instructions is not just about quality. The entire system works to supports good lean manufacturing principals... making the plant, the people and the products more efficient.
About Metcam
Metcam is a fabricator of precision sheet metal components and assemblies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) representing a wide variety of industries including telecommunications, electronics and HVAC. Metcam's advanced metalworking capabilities include laser cutting, punching, forming, hardware insertion, welding (including robotics), powder painting, silkscreen and assembly. Metcam also assists clients with product design and manufacturability to reduce their total cost of production. Metcam's award winning service combined with an aggressive focus on quality, environmental management and lean manufacturing, simplifies the outsourcing decision for firms worldwide. For more information, visit www.metcam.com.
