Diametrics Medical to increase productivity on integrated ERP

Health care equipment manufacturer Diametrics Medical expects to cut lead times, increase productivity and efficiency and become more responsive to change when it goes live in March with a Microsoft-based ERP system at its multi-site manufacturing and R&D facilities in High Wycombe. The firm says it went for a Mapics system essentially because its ERP supports specialised functions for its industry, including mandatory product traceability set by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and it’s Microsoft-centric so can be integrated with its Windows-based PC desktop applications. Having a common GUI (graphical user interface) means information from different sources can be easily shared between different users. Says Peter Albrighton, operations and financial director: “Linking manufacturing systems with standard desktop applications is simple, making it easy to get a complete picture of exactly what is happening in the business. “Everyone can have the information they want presented as they prefer, so we can manage operations more effectively.” And he also expects the system’s standard interfaces and e-business facilities to enable the firm to improve its supply chain management efficiency, in particular using electronic forms and e-mail. Implementation is currently underway with Mapics’ partner Open Business Solutions, which also provided the firm’s previous manufacturing management system, and is also handling project management and training. Modules selected include finance, purchasing, inventory control, sales and quotations, MRP and after-sales services, and the sites are being linked by leased line for ERP data sharing and communication. Also, to improve new product development there will be feedback facilities from field services to R&D via the ERP system. “As soon as the software is established, we will start refining our manufacturing management processes,” says Andrew Chessum, Diametrics’ project manager and management accountant. “At the same time, we will also start to look at using the web to make both the upstream and downstream supply chain more efficient.” Diametrics is also considering establishing links from Mapics to business and manufacturing systems at its HQ and production plant in the US.