SST plays it safe with the MAS

18th Nov 2008

For specialist IT manufacturer, Secure Systems Technology (SST), advice from the MAS on lean manufacturing techniques has helped reduce lead times by four weeks and also pushed monthly labour costs down by 26 per cent.

Gloucestershire-based SST has over 20 years’ experience in the field of data security, and specialises in the manufacture of rugged, encryption and communications security equipment.

With high customer expectations – all SST equipment is designed to meet NATO, military and government standards – SST needed to introduce greater flexibility within its product range. It also wanted to decrease lead-times to meet customer requirements and delivery expectations, and stay ahead of the competition.

MAS specialist, John Phillipart, said: “In order for us to assist SST in achieving their goals, we introduced them to lean manufacturing principles. This helped them become more flexible and robust in their processes, and improve ability to meet product variants and customisation required to satisfy customer demands.”

Having contacted MAS for advice and support to implement lean techniques, it became evident that it was not just manufacturing that would benefit. A series of work groups helped guide SST through its internal processes identifying key improvements across the business, right through from the office to the factory floor.

SST has seen great improvements. By rearranging the manufacturing area to create more space, ‘clutter’ has been reduced and the area is now operating more efficiently with a 50 per cent increase in capacity.

And with more space to work in, staff are feeling less pressurised and restricted. Derek Hurle, general manager at SST said: “The improvements justified the hard work applied by all concerned. It has placed SST in a great position to take advantage of market trends and surges.

“The MAS specialist also provided invaluable follow up advice at the completion of the implementation phase. This allowed us to effectively evaluate the program and measure the results.”

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