Dynamic, Synchronized Materials Management for Discrete Manufacturers
Epic Data’s Materials Management System, (MMS) is a comprehensive production-oriented system that tracks parts location and consumption, and synchronizes their movement to production activities, allowing for dynamic management due to changing conditions to ensure the Right parts are in the Right place at the Right time.
MMS is a unique concept pioneered by Epic Data. We identified a disconnect as manufacturers introduced lean manufacturing techniques and created “islands of efficiency” and, consequently, “islands of information”. Epic Data’s MMS bridges the gaps between islands – cell to cell, plant to plant, shop floor to enterprise back office – ensuring a synchronized flow of materials and information throughout the manufacturing supply chain.
MMS’s unique value stems from three key concepts:
- Dynamic response to real world changes. MMS is able to respond to the realities of the world that we work in, rather than trying to fit into the confines of a theoretical plan. As is key for lean manufacturing processes, MMS allows operations managers to respond to changes in demand, supply, logistics and production capabilities. They have real-time visibility into current production status and materials location. They are able to quickly see the impact of unforeseen situations and optimize production plans given the new reality.
- Real-time visibility to resolve issues quickly. The first step in keeping a production line running is managing the flow of materials to the line. This means knowing where materials, parts, sub-assemblies, moulds, dies and other production materials are at all times. Whether at an external supplier or subcontractor, another production plant, warehouse or line-side, MMS instantly tells operations and shop floor workers where their parts and materials are. No more million dollar line stoppages looking for $20 parts.
- Unification of push and pull line-side replenishment methods. MMS facilitates coordination between Planning, Supply and Demand. A manufacturer sets up MMS with their standard production work flow and work-order driven plans for line-side parts replenishment. Overlying this “Push” construct, MMS’s demand-driven “Pull” injects Kanban pull signals at the point of consumption to link requests from the demand point to the appropriate fulfillment points, which can be storerooms, another production line, or an external supplier with vendor-managed inventory (through the ERP system), to make sure that downstream replenishment activities take place in time to ensure line-side inventory is available when needed.
MMS is an indispensible tool for discrete manufacturers to manage extended supply chains and production material flow throughout a single or distributed plants. The visibility it provides ensures parts availability to optimized production and quality. MMS’ built-in business process rules and parts traceability features help manufacturers manage restrictions within their production processes, such as available skills or labor restrictions, regulatory compliance requirements or financial reporting requirements. MMS easily provides the information to meet mandates to accurately record, monitor and label materials throughout the production process.
But most importantly, MMS is for companies embracing lean manufacturing initiatives; constantly trying to eliminate waste and improve production processes in order to provide higher quality products and services to their customers.
Click for more details about MMS’s capabilities in the following functional areas:
- System Architecture
- Inbound Logistics and Receiving
- Materials Movement and Demand Fulfillment
- Inventory and Location Management
- Outbound Logistics and Shipping
Download the Product Sheet for Epic Data MMS™ (PDF 1.37MB) |
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