Independent spacecraft manufacturer, Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL), recently sold by it’s university parent to European space giant, EADS Astrium, says that implementing integrated ERP streamlined production and stock control, delivering lead time reductions of 25%.
Additionally, whereas SSTL was previously only able to manufacture one satellite at a time, it now simultaneously manufactures five or more simultaneously, using Access Supply Chain ERP software to support all inter- and intra-company processes.
“It’s a key part in what we do,” says manufacturing manager Geoff Cooper. “It’s where we record all part numbers, generate the BoMs [bills of materials], procure all the materials and manage the progress of those through the clean room and into the assembly, integration and test area.”
Cooper explains that the system’s top level works order functionality has helped smooth out workload fluctuations. “A number of components that we routinely use have very long lead times. This top level works ordering means we can identify these items at an early stage. By using Access Supply Chain, we can reduce our schedule risk.”
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