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Hydraulic hose identification solution improves quality control and traceability benefits for manufacturing sector client
We identified an issue with a key client in the manufacturing sector whereby hydraulic hoses were purchased from many different vendors which meant there was little control over what brands were being supplied. A lot of the vendors were smaller local companies with no testing facilities or hoses were made on site in a van or "hose doctor" which also meant that traceability of the parts was impossible.
The stock profiles for the majority of the hoses was poor and lacking essential information. Our client wanted pressure test certs, full traceability of all parts used to make hose assemblies and all processes to be BFPA certificated.
On understanding the issues our client experienced we approached one of our manufacturing partners who were very well placed to support the project having experience with industrial sector clients including the MOD so were able to give assurances on the level of traceability and support our client required.
Activity
Our customer provided a list of 700+ stock lines so that we were able to gauge the quality of information available and where information was complete, offer pricing. Where information was lacking we were allowed access to stock items and end users to gather more information.
All the gathered information was collated to complete our proposal with new part numbers, new descriptions and costs submitted to our customer for approval.
With positive feedback on the information and costs submitted, trial hose assemblies were provided with tagging and certification for review.
Outcome
Our customer now has complete stock records with confidence that hose assemblies will be supplied complete with identification and traceable certification including the machine the hose was made on, the operator and the records on where the end fittings were produced.
We are supplying a better quality product so increased service life will show savings with increased up time and reduced down time.
