Staying Nimble
To survive in the fast changing semiconductor business, Techcom Technology Pte Ltd improves its operations constantly
The sheet metal fabrication Small and Medium Enterprise began its productivity improvement journey in partnership with SIMTech. Techcom adopted the High-Mix Low-Volume (HMLV) production planning and shop floor tracking system in 2014. Thereafter, the company implemented LEAN programme; Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solution and upgraded to Smart MOM (S-MOM).
The High-Mix Low-Volume (HMLV) production planning and shop floor tracking system streamlined and automated the company’s process, achieving data access and management improvement by 97 per cent from 5 minutes to 8 seconds per part for an average of 50 parts daily. Likewise, order status tracking increased by 96 per cent from 2 minutes to 5 seconds per order for an average of 50 work orders per day.
SIMTech’s LEAN programme optimised Techcom’s internal processes through real-time system synchronisation and identified the leading cause for goods damaged during transportation. A flexible wooden frame was built as a cost effective solution to enclose the products securely during transportation from Techcom’s warehouse to the customer. The LEAN programme and HMLV system support Techcom’s business growth where almost 70 per cent of its revenue is derived from the semiconductor industry.
The current High-Mix Low-Volume trend for semiconductors renders productivity reforms an imperative rather than an option
Mr Mark Khoo, Founder and Director, Techcom Technology Pte Ltd
Encouraged by these outcomes, Techcom adopted Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solution, an enhanced integrated production planning and tracking solution. Five MOM system champions were trained to continue with the productivity journey. Daily production planning time dropped 60 per cent from 8 hours to 3.2 hours with the system-generated work order. Daily Purchase Order generation was reduced 70 per cent from 2 to 0.6 hours. Shop floor visibility improved 75 per cent from 2 to 0.5 hours. MOM sets the foundation by providing a long-term plan so that everyone knows what to do.
To ramp up the transition from MOM to Smart MOM (S-MOM), a SIMTech researcher was attached to Techcom. S-MOM goes one step further, creating schedules ahead of time to provide everyone with time-sensitive information, critical in today’s volatile business environment.
Due to these technological developments, Techcom expanded its plant in Malaysia. The company’s revenue increased close to 20 per cent over the past 3 years.
For enquiries, please contact
Dr Tan Puay Siew, Director, MPTC
Email: pstan@SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg
Web: https://www.a-star.edu.sg/simtech/MPTC
