Belfast software specialist, Flowlens has called on manufacturers to invest in digital technology to help them through the coronavirus crisis.
The company said that by putting aside relatively small amounts to invest, companies can find huge improvements in productivity and cost savings, all of which will be vital in the coming months and years.
The call comes following a recent survey by professional services firm BDO and engineering organisation, Make UK, which showed manufacturing output at a record low, leading the organisation to call for a National Recovery Plan for the sector.
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Rich Dale, CEO of Flowlens said: “A key way to improve productivity is to identify where waste and delays in your order and manufacturing process, occur and eliminating both. The current economic climate means there is no longer any room for complacency.
“Reviewing and improving your business processes will save you money, save you time, boost productivity and ultimately save jobs. Flowlens transforms how businesses operate, improving performance, saving crucial resources and supporting rapid growth.
“If you’re using Excel spreadsheets, you’re wasting time. If you’re limiting knowledge of key processes in your company to one or two people, then that’s going to cause delays. Stop and ask yourself - are your processes operating to optimal capacity? If the answer is no, then come and speak to me.”
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Flowlens is cloud-based software for small manufacturing businesses, which includes MRP software that helps equipment manufacturers plan stock requirements and avoid shortages.
Industrial Switchgear, an electrical manufacturing business based outside Redditch, said its recent growth is credited to the company adopting the Flowlens system.
Managing director, Rob Poole said: “Before Flowlens, we were wasting days on unnecessary communications about locating parts, invoicing and paperwork, customer details and tracking order progress.
"Not only was this a loss of valuable resources, but it also wasn’t good for our reputation with customers. It didn’t reflect on how professional we were and how committed we are to our customers. We knew we had to change.
“Flowlens helped us streamline our systems. Now we process information more efficiently, feel more organised and achieve much more than before in the same time period. In streamlining how we manage our ordering processing, stock and project systems, we have saved at least one day a week per person.
“That’s 52 days per year I now use to explore and win new business, so it’s not an understatement to say Flowlens has breathed new energy, productivity and success into our business.”
The team at Flowlens added that the software requires little to no downtime and can be installed using a phased approach.
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For more information on Flowlens MRP Software or to book a free demo visit www.flowlens.com.
