SEW-Eurodrive Johannesburg has improved its operational efficiency by as much as 40%, after rolling out its new standardisation of logistics and assembly processes (SLAP) system earlier this year.
SLAP specifically focuses on the goods receipt process, assembly, commissioning, and packing and shipping. SLAP was initially implemented at SEW-Eurodrive Germany, with South Africa being the sixth country to roll out the new efficiency system.
Gerd Seuffert
According to SEW-Eurodrive general manager finance, Gerd Seuffert, it took eight months to implement SLAP due to the large-scale factory refitting, re-orientation and training necessary to accommodate the system. “Now that the system is up and running, it has become apparent that all the hard work and investment was worth it. Conservatively, it’s safe to say we have seen an operations improvement of between 30 to 40%,” he says. “One of the major benefits is that SLAP barcodes enable local warehouse staff to identify exactly what parts are loaded in a container from Germany, for instance.”
The SLAP system has enabled better management and control of stock at SEW-Eurodrive Johannesburg, with confirmation points along the supply line allowing users to pinpoint the exact location of an item.
Seuffert says that the company is already receiving better customer feedback. “This is thanks to the fact that the new system allows the factory to run faster, while reducing paperwork and confusion. Efficiency is up across the board. Importantly, we no longer operate using a ‘push’ strategy based on forecast demand. We now operate a ‘pull’ strategy, catering exactly to customer requirements.”
The rollout of SLAP at the Johannesburg branch represents the first step in SEW-Eurodrive South Africa’s nationwide implementation plan. A further four branches will put the system into operation in the near future, in line with the company’s global ‘Standardisation of Services’ plan to mechanise and link all branches in order to provide uniform, integrated products and services.
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