Details

June 2019

New database increases efficiency

With up to 10,000 different tool parts at a time in transit through production, Hjerno has for a long time been needing a database system that can streamline both storage and updating of the many data that are generated in our production.

That is why Hjerno has developed a SQL-based database that replaces spreadsheets and other databases — and that at the same time automatically migrates and integrates data between our financial management, hourly accounting, order flow, and other applications.

"We do now have a system, with which we always know that the data, which we pull out of the system, is valid and up to date. We did not have that security in the past, where the data was stored in separate closed systems that had to be updated manually," explains Aage Agergaard, Managing Director at Hjerno Tool Factory.

Lead times must be reduced
With the new database, Hjerno’s employees will spend less time looking for information, and at the same time it reduces the risk of data not being updated.

"The overview is increasing because we can always get fresh data that we can trust. As a result, efficiency increases and when efficiency increases, lead time decreases, which is something we continually work on bringing down for the sake of our customers' time-to-market," says Aage Agergaard.

"We have up to 10,000 tool bits for machining at the same time in production, when including all parts in progress for new tools, spare parts manufacturing and repairs. No man can keep track of that. Therefore an efficient system that can handle all this data is necessary. Because if the logistics are not included, it does not matter how fast the machines are," he explains.

Has already shown results
Aage Agergaard adds that the implementation of the new system has already shown results in the production. Among other things, one of the results has been that the employees have now got even more control over the next task as well as the upcoming tasks in the pipeline.

"It may not sound like much, but it is an effective optimisation that all employees always know the next task and do not have to wait for it to be assigned," Aage Agergaard concludes.