FEATURE Machine Building & Frameworks y
Metrology for increased productivity
Mike John, Managing Director of industrial metrology specialist The Sempre Group, explains the benefits of adopting metrology on the shop floor
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anufacturers traditionally perceive metrology as something uniquely relevant to mission-critical
industries. Although manufacturers in aerospace and medical device manufacturing must show compliance, there are those in the industry who use quality management to excel in the eyes of potential business partners. Metrology enables that.
Not just an inspecting process Metrology is no longer just a process for inspecting products that require exact confi gurations, such as aerospace parts, yet its importance and benefi ts are often overlooked in the wider industry. Whilst one faulty component found in one car on an automotive production line will not lead to public outcry, defective products reaching the customer can negatively impact that company’s public image in the long term.
An accessible record of quality controls is an eff ective tool for manufacturers to demonstrate product quality to clients.
The short- and long-term benefits of metrology go far beyond simple cost-saving measures
Without a shopfl oor metrology solution, clients receiving one or more faulty products from a batch could have grounds to return the whole order. This leads to lost production time and wasted stock that could have been avoided if faults had been detected earlier.
Adequate quality measures go beyond owning a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Larger clients may also choose to be proactive and collect evidence of insuffi cient quality management during regular audits. To avoid breaching contract, manufacturers will need to fi nd automated and digitalised quality management systems to eff ectively store data, analyse it and verify or improve their product’s quality.
A lot to gain Integrating metrology solutions on the factory fl oor might add a step to production, but it increases overall productivity by reducing scrap rate. As more stock reaches clients with a demonstrable level of quality, manufacturers will see a reduction in
production costs and a reduction in waste from defective parts. In the long term, these measures will be acknowledged by word of mouth, industry knowledge and client accreditations. Integrating real-time data collection on the shop fl oor is only as useful as the automated reports that manufacturers generate, opening the door to paperless manufacturing. On top of ensuring GDPR compliance, potentially saving 4% of global annual turnover, a fully- digital system gives streamlined access to verifi able documents that ensure product quality and accuracy. Adopting systems that allow for both eff ective collection and analysis of data are central to providing a professional image. While the quality of a product is a fundamental requirement for its success, the opinion others have of the product is also important. Research from the chair of management accounting and logistics at the University of Regensburg suggests that manufacturers underplay the advantages gained by a positive reputation. Suppliers can gain a stronger position for negotiating with their clients if they have a positive image. This has the potential to not only lead to new business but also better pay for existing clients. Even outside the aerospace and medical
fi elds, the short- and long-term benefi ts of metrology go far beyond simple cost- saving measures. To make your processes even stronger, consider how investing in metrology can improve quality, demonstrate expertise and maintain client loyalty, allowing you to rise above competitors.
CONTACT:
The Sempre Group
www.thesempregroup.com
14 October 2020 | Automation
automationmagazine.co.uk
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