Action Manufacturing
Industry 4.0 Case Study
Process Before Performance.
“A robust process serves as the foundation for successful technology or software deployment.”
“The team have leveraged efficiencies through the application of continuous improvement and standardisation of their products and workflows.”
Background
New Zealand owned and operated, Action is the largest vehicle specialiser in Australasia. As we’ve
grown over 75 years, we’ve gained strength from being under the same umbrella as two iconic partners: Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) and Kea Manufacturing.
Our unique advantage is both scale and flex; a combination of proven volume manufacturing capability, coupled with a well-embedded design-led culture and relentless attitude towards quality.
Opportunity
Action Manufacturing have built their business on a solid foundational understanding of the importance of robust processes in manufacturing. The team have leveraged efficiencies through the application of continuous improvement and standardisation of their products and workflows.
A robust process serves as the foundation for successful technology or software deployment because it ensures that operations are streamlined, risks are mitigated, quality is maintained, and users can adapt to the changes more easily. Starting with a solid process framework sets the stage for a smoother and more effective implementation of technology solutions.
Key benefits
1. Efficiency and Effectiveness: A well-defined and robust process ensures that tasks and activities are carried out efficiently and effectively. When deploying new technology or software, you want to make sure that the underlying processes are optimised to take full advantage of the new tools. Otherwise, you may automate inefficient or ineffective processes, which can lead to wasted resources and suboptimal results.
2. Standardisation: Robust processes provide a standardised framework for carrying out tasks.
Standardisation is crucial when implementing technology because it helps ensure consistency in operations. This consistency is particularly important when multiple individuals or teams are involved in using the technology or software.
3. Risk Mitigation: Robust processes often include built-in checks and controls to mitigate risks.
When deploying technology or software, there are inherent risks such as data security, system failures, or process disruptions. A well-defined process can help identify and address these risks proactively.
4. Quality Assurance: A robust process includes quality control measures. Ensuring the quality of outputs or outcomes is essential, especially when technology or software is involved. Without a robust process, there’s a risk of producing subpar results or introducing errors into the system.
5. User Adoption: When employees or users are introduced to new technology or software, having a clear and well-structured process can make the transition smoother. Users are more likely to embrace and adopt new tools if they understand how the tools fit into their workflows and how to use them effectively.
6. Scalability: As organisations grow or as the usage of technology or software expands, having a robust process in place ensures scalability. It allows organisations to handle increased workloads and complexities without major disruptions.
7. Measurable Outcomes: A well-defined process provides a basis for measuring the outcomes of technology or software deployment. It allows organisations to set clear benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success of the implementation.
8. Continuous Improvement: A robust process encourages a culture of continuous improvement. With a well-structured process in place, organisations can regularly evaluate and refine their procedures to optimise efficiency and adapt to changing circumstances or technology updates.
About the site visits and Industry 4.0
The purpose of the Demonstration Network is to drive uptake of Industry 4.0 technologies among New Zealand manufacturers with the aim of increasing their productivity and global competitiveness. The Network of Sit Visits (NSV) are part of the Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network, which also includes a mobile showcase and smart factory showing cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies in action. The NSV takes selected companies through a fully funded assessment process to help them accelerate their own journey towards Industry 4.0, and sees them share their knowledge with other manufacturers.
Further questions?
To find out more, please contact
EMA
+64 (9) 367 0900
manufacturing@ema.co.nz
