Encebe Vleeswaren
‘Thinking forward together, now with Schouw Informatisering’
In the past at Encebe Vleeswaren in Boxtel, the Netherlands, data was recorded at 20 different places and there was tons of paperwork. Efficiency, however, is of the essence in this market where only the fittest survive. ‘We have taken a big leap forward with Dynamics® NAV and SI Foodware®,’ explains Olaf Steijvers, Financial Manager at Encebe Vleeswaren. ‘Now that information is stored in just one system the chance of making mistakes has shrunk to almost zero. The first phase was designed to achieve the greatest possible efficiency in all areas,’ explains Steijvers, ‘because it was only after this that we could make a proper estimate of the total project.’
The organisation
Encebe Vleeswaren is part of the VION Food Group which enjoys a leading position in the European market for high-quality fresh meat and convenience foods. The fresh meat used as raw material comes directly from VION Food Group’s comprehensive chain. Encebe Vleeswaren still works with traditional recipes and combines these with modern techniques, and is therefore able to produce meat products to order, in bulk and pre-packed. The products include cooked sausage, ham, liver, bacon, smoked sausage and dry sausage. Encebe Vleeswaren is also specialised in slicing meat products that can be supplied directly to the retail trade. Another range of products includes prepared meat for industrial use.
Selection process
Four years ago Encebe Vleeswaren wanted to gain better insight into its own processes and this gave rise to the need to invest in a new solution. In the past, information was recorded at 20 different places and there was mountains of paperwork. As a result, there was no matching up among this information and not everybody had access to the same information. Steijvers explains, ‘We came into contact with Schouw Informatisering because they had already implemented a project for VION Retail, who were pleased with their experience. It seemed the most logical step to select Schouw Informatisering for our project.’ Together with a Schouw Informatisering consultant the entire process at Encebe Vleeswaren was mapped out.
Results
Encebe Vleeswaren went live with the first modules in January 2004. ‘We went live with the production modules in January 2005,’ explains Steijvers, ‘During that year our employees had to get used to the weighing procedures. By introducing weighing points we now have much greater insight into the processes and we can improve management where necessary. We have taken a big step forward with Dynamics NAV and SI Foodware,’ says Steijvers. ‘We need fewer people now because our employees are more productive. And because we have daily reporting we can adjust the planning as necessary and achieve greater efficiency. By using the current system, the chance of making mistakes has shrunk to almost zero,’ explains Steijvers.
Thinking forward together
The administrative staff at Encebe Vleeswaren accepted the new system straight away. These people are even brainstorming about future developments; they would like to see EDI implemented to ease communication with the suppliers. This would speed up the work and cut the amount of paper. Steijvers says, ‘At the moment we are taking a look with Schouw Informatisering about the best way to realise this.’ The Encebe Vleeswaren factory must continue to run at all times. ‘So, should we have to replace the system again, I would still choose to incorporate a Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) layer. In this way we reduce the risks as much as possible. But I would want to implement a subsequent project in a shorter space of time. I know that is difficult with limited resources, but I would prefer to get the changes through faster.’
Well-trained users
It is clear that efficiency is imperative to Encebe Vleeswaren so it is important to maximise employee productivity. This can be achieved by ensuring that employees can quickly access the information they need and that at specific times they are authorised to take decisions. It is a known fact that quicker and better provision of information results in quicker and better decisions. Steijvers adds ‘A significant advantage of well-trained users is, of course, that they can work more efficiently.’
Looking forward
Steijvers ‘In the future we want to check the temperature of the products as they arrive. This will create a complete overview and we will be able to access this information later in the processing. Currently this is recorded on paper and via the MES layer.’ Encebe Vleeswaren will also add working procedures to the system to reduce the chance of making mistakes and so that new employees can familiarise themselves with the working practices more easily. Steijvers goes on to explain, ‘The technical department will also start working with Dynamics NAV soon. Besides preventive maintenance we are going to introduce work orders. This will help us decide whether a faulty machine should be repaired or replaced.’ Together with Schouw Informatisering, Encebe Vleeswaren is currently developing an application to run the MRP/MPS planning fully automatically. And because this method of planning is basically driven by customer demand, the push manufacturing will become pull production. Steijvers concludes, ‘All these developments will give us better insight and create even greater efficiency.’ For more information about Encebe Vleeswaren please visit www.encebe.nl.