BATTERIES & CHARGERS
change is reviewed and approved within a single system so that updates are reflected accurately across production and quality records. The objective is not to constrain development but to ensure that design intent and manufacturing reality remain aligned as programmes progress. For manufacturers without structured systems in place, informal tools become harder to sustain as volumes increase and programmes scale. Spreadsheets and local workarounds tend to proliferate, creating fragmented records across engineering, procurement, production and quality. The solution is an ERP system that provides a single, authoritative source of information across those functions, supporting consistency without removing the judgement and experience that sit on the shop floor. This becomes particularly important when managing materials and suppliers. Battery performance and safety depend on tight control of components, from cells through to mechanical structures and electronics. Approved materials, qualified suppliers and traceability back to batch and lot level reduce exposure to unplanned substitutions and provide a clearer response when supply constraints arise. Where alternatives are required, they can be assessed and approved in a controlled way, with a full understanding of impact.
On the production side, manufacturing execution systems (MES) capture how each pack is built and link that activity to a unique
serial number. Process data can then be monitored using established techniques such as statistical process control (SPC), while measurement systems are validated where appropriate through Gauge R&R studies to ensure consistency.
These are long-standing manufacturing practices, but their importance has increased as expectations around evidence and auditability have risen. Quality management benefits from the same integration. When inspections, non-conformances and corrective actions sit within the core production record, issues are identified earlier and addressed with less disruption. End-of- line testing still has a role, but it functions as confirmation rather than first detection, reducing rework and uncertainty later in the process. There is sometimes a perception that tighter process discipline adds overhead but experience tends to show the opposite. Clear planning, accurate inventory control and consistent records reduce wasted effort and the time spent reconstructing events after issues arise. Those efficiencies support lean manufacturing and make delivery more predictable for both manufacturer and customer. For OEMs selecting a battery partner, these disciplines are increasingly part of the
assessment. ERP-led process control supports smoother qualification, greater confidence during scale-up and clearer answers when questions arise months or years into a programme. It also means that readiness for initiatives such as the Battery Passport follows naturally, rather than being treated as a separate compliance exercise.
The industry is not being asked to rethink how batteries are made. It is being asked to demonstrate control, consistency and transparency at a higher level than before. Manufacturers that have invested in structured, ERP-led foundations are better placed to meet those expectations while supporting efficiency, scale and long-term trust. Alexander Battery Technologies partners with OEMs to design and manufacture battery pack solutions that meet demanding technical, regulatory and production requirements. Operating from the UK, the company supports battery programmes through development, scale-up and long-term manufacture, with a strong focus on traceability and controlled delivery.
Alexander Battery Technologies
www.alexandertechnologies.com
UKManufacturing Spring 2026
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