Custom Manufacturing & Engineering, Inc.
Company Profile
Custom Manufacturing & Engineering, Inc. (CME) produces rugged sensor networks and electrical power equipment for military and industrial applications. Considered an industry leader, CME has provided hardware and software development, fabrication, assembly and system integration
since 1997.
Need
In order to tackle a major multi-year production, CME had to improve its productivity.
CME required a production simulation solution that would work for existing production lines as well as future business opportunities. According to CME’s president, Dr. Nancy Crews, CME had the staff needed for simulation modeling, but advanced tools were not available to them as a small company. Without modeling and simulation CME was forced to use manual efforts, which are more time consuming and have a greater potential for error.
Lockheed Martin referred the Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology to CME, because the mentor-protégé program in which CME and Lockheed were both involved was unable to support CME’s needs.
Solution
The Doyle Center addressed CME’s needs by modeling, costing and simulating the manufacturing process and supply chain. The Doyle Center implemented modeling simulations capable of determining production line staffing levels, costing unit assembly and clarifying the process and supply
chain picture.
Results
The Doyle Center’s custom tools addressed CME’s need for line balancing, cost management, productivity improvement, modeling and simulations. Production flow and ergonomics of the line were improved, while inventory levels on the line were reduced. Modeling and simulation were used for the existing power supply production as well as support for the new programs, including a proposal for
the Army.
Testimonial
“On the production line we’ve improved the flow of the test and the assembly and packaging” said Dr. Crews. The Doyle Center also excelled at providing value stream mapping, productivity improvements, modeling and simulations.