In any production/manufacturing center, works in process (WIPs) are commonplace (unfortunately) but sometimes are inevitable (and whose frequency of occurrence should be kept to a minimum). With SIMMS Inventory Management software, every step — and most importantly every REASON — for a WIP can be logged and tracked, with the eventual aim toward identifying the factors causing any hold-up in their completion.
WIPs require dedicated and valuable storage space and goods assigned, which, if used in other BOM (kit) manufacture, can cause those BOMs to remain incomplete for longer that usual, mostly due to insufficient component stock counts.
One method employed for good effect that helps a great many WIP delays is known as the Teeter-Totter. The goal is to have as many of the subassemblies completed ahead of time so that the master assemblies — the most common instances of WIPs — can be completed as soon as possible. This pre-build concept emphasizes the image of a stack of subassemblies teetering in a tall stack, ready to be used, rather than the WIP tottering on the edge of the manufacutring bench, waiting for that last piece to be added at some unknown date in the future.
Contact KCSI today to learn more about how SIMMS can help you improve your stock lead times so that the number of WIPs can be minimized.
Posts Tagged ‘forecasting’
WIP It Up
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010Inventory Control
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009SIMMS Inventory Management software has at its core the structure to establish and maintain accurate and efficient inventory control. From its database structure based upon leading-edge structured query language (SQL) users can enter, manage and edit any details they require. Just as quickly, results and totals and analyses keep users up-to-date as soon as they log into the system. Numerous reports display actions and reactions using only the most recent data or historical patterns.
Once the goals of the SIMMS user are clearly defined and established, and sound item valuation and user access details are clearly defined, then plans can be implemented immediately to improve both the recording of inventory transactions and profits. Users will know where there stock is at all times, both during transfers as well as during any multi-part manufacturing or sales projects. Sales staff will always know which items have been assigned to every kit (BOM) and, based on past records, can easily ascertain how much more stock will be needed and when.
Sales of and item and its categorical counterparts are tracked so that patterns can be discovered easily and orders from vendors and customers can be kept current, depending on the needs of the users’ own needs and the needs of the customers. Features built specifically for forecasting can be employed so that neither too much stock is purchased nor too little is available for sale. SIMMS’ Inventory Control features keep the newest and the best information right at your fingertips.