Case Study: Teleflex Lean Manufacturing Application

Client

Teleflex manufactures products and provides services for the automotive, marine, industrial, medical, and aerospace markets worldwide. Teleflex (Canada) Ltd. designs and manufactures mechanical and hydraulic steering systems and specialized heaters and stoves for military use.

Challenge

Teleflex’s corporate parent had set some challenging objectives for the implementation of Lean Manufacturing methods. Andrew McFadyen, Director of Operations, had decided that the integration of a custom Advance Planning and Scheduling (APS) software application would meet those objectives. Time was of the essence.

Solution

JDQ had previously provided quality consulting services that had resulted in Teleflex’s successful registration to ISO 9001. JDQ was selected for this assignment for our understanding of Lean Manufacturing methods and our reputation for delivering unique and effective software applications, on time. JDQ provided:

• an innovative APS application that included modules for Sales and Operations Planning, Order Management, Materials Replenishment, and Performance Tracking,
• a combination of web-based and client/server interfaces,
• User Guide documentation and training,
• ongoing technical and enhancement support.

Results

An effective APS software application was designed and developed within a tightly managed iterative process.

Andrew McFadyen comments: “JDQ worked with our operations team to develop and implement a capable to promise and build-to-order reporting system that enabled Teleflex to greatly reduce inventory while improving on-time delivery performance. Suppliers were brought into the process through a kanban materials management process that linked supplier releases to end-customer demand on a daily basis.”