Engineer to Order - If you don't do it right the first time, when will you have time to fix it?

In the world of the Engineered to Order manufacturer the ability to shorten engineering and manufacturing schedules and deliver products that meet or exceed each customer’s expectations is the day-to-day challenge.  Oh, and make money doing it!  Every ETO company has many opportunities to create “self inflected” wounds.  From the first Sales contact to the shipping dock there exists an infinite number of opportunities to “screw up”.

While each and every situation has its own unique story and challenges, the following “generalized” situation is representative of findings at ETO companies where we have worked.

• Sales staff may not have the knowledge or time to understand and communicate complex customer specifications to estimating resources, accordingly
• Estimates are “broad brush” and frequently do not address critical considerations in the Customer's requirements, then -
• Order Entry receives the order, but the full scope of work is not defined - so
• Engineering gets involved.  They need more information, but time is short, assumptions are made to get the design drawings prepared and distributed to meet the customer’s delivery date.
• Manufacturing, and sub contractors, go to work.  But wait, they don’t have all the specifications to complete the work.  Back to engineering, sales ….. THE customer?  Delay, Delay, Delay then -
• Rework the specifications, Rework the design, Rework the drawings, Rework the parts and components – Oh, did I state the scheduled delivery date changed – 3 times!  More delay, higher costs, missed ship dates, difficult installations – POOR financial results.

         It doesn’t have to be this way!

Click Here for more information on what Lean Techniques are useful at Engineer to Order Manufacturers or call us at 1 866 286 8713 to discuss your questions and ideas.

What’s in a name?

Visionary – A person with unusual powers of foresight 

Solution  - A method or methods for solving a problem

Resources – A source of aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed.