Increased speed and precision in sheet metal component manufacturing are obvious advantages of automation.

A less obvious advantage, however, is the ability for automated sheet metal manufacturing technology to effectively support ‘just-in-time’ delivery.

At FORM2000, our facilities and equipment are specifically purposed to support a high mix, low volume capability, whilst ensuring high consistency and repeatability.

This consistency and repeatability is supported through automatic storage of tool configuration and machine processes related to individual orders, which in turn enables effective ‘batching’ of large orders into a series of short, ‘on-demand’ runs to support JIT delivery.

Automation eliminates product variation

Automated processes in sheet metal manufacturing ensure product design quality and production are not compromised – as every sheet metal component is produced identically to previous batches.

Batching provides a number of client benefits, including:

• Providing the parts required, when required, based on actual demand (supporting lean manufacturing principles)
• Ensuring delivery to premise to meet JIT production schedules
• Ensuring less inventory to warehouse (avoiding overproduction, reduced WIP inventory)
• Enabling payment for each batch run as required, instead of committing capital up-front

Optimisation of production

The delivery of batch runs of repeatable components also enables FORM2000 to assess and undertake continued production flow analysis – designed to optimise production – design, materials and process – with a view to further reducing cost.

In addition to supporting mass customisation, our automated sheet metal machinery provides the flexibility to accommodate variations in design (dimensions, laser cuts, materials used) on a per item basis.

From single sheet metal components through to complex assemblies, from small to large volume runs, we are flexible to schedule ‘on-demand’ production provided a reasonable turnaround at a given production level. Early customer involvement in inventory planning further assists production forecasting and optimal scheduling, operating on a rolling program of delivery.

Find out more about how we can support JIT OEM component supply.