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Deliver Results in Productivity
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
- Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries
- Consumer Goods
- Electronics
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Process Manufacturing
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Factory Operations Visibility & Intelligence
- Machine Condition Monitoring
- Predictive Maintenance
- Process Control & Optimization
- Real-Time Location System (RTLS)
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
In 2014, Nordson Corporation expanded its commitment to Continuous Improvement by introducing company-wide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the Nordson Business System (NBS). The KPIs were designed to measure progress around critical performance drivers such as growth, profitability, productivity, asset utilization, and customer satisfaction. Nordson aggressively tracked and reported progress against these KPIs for every business unit. The NBS, rooted in Lean Six Sigma, was implemented to improve performance within each KPI. At Nordson Adhesive Dispensing Systems in Johns Creek, Georgia, the team determined that machine performance needed to be measured in real-time to quickly recognize and correct errors, reduce waste, and continuously optimize productivity. They reviewed available solutions and decided to implement the Shop Floor Management Technology provided by FORCAM.
About The Customer
Nordson Corporation, founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, operates in more than 30 countries. As a market leader, Nordson delivers precision technology solutions to help customers succeed worldwide. The company engineers, manufactures, and markets differentiated products and systems used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials, and other materials, fluid management, test and inspection, UV curing, and plasma surface treatment. Nordson serves a wide variety of consumer non-durable, durable, and technology end markets, including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, appliances, energy, transportation, construction, and general product assembly and finishing.
The Solution
Nordson implemented the FORCAM FORCE Shop Floor Management Technology to better measure machine performance in real-time, complementing their SAP ERP system. The implementation was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 involved setting up real-time machine data collection, web visualization, and alerting. This helped employees become familiar with the user interface and data in the FORCAM FORCE product suite. Phase 2 involved interfacing FORCAM's technology with their SAP ERP system, allowing operators to interact with both systems from the same screen. This integration enabled Nordson to visualize actual machine status, calculate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and analyze deviations between planned and actual cycle times. The technology also facilitated weekly OEE meetings and Rapid Improvement Events (RIE) to focus on specific machines and identify opportunities for improvement.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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