Link Cable Assemblies
Link Cable Assemblies progresses through the SC21 stringent standards
The challenge
With their business involved in Britain's defence and aerospace sectors, being part of the SC21 Supply Chain Improvement programme was of critical importance to Link Cable Assemblies.
SMAS offered the resources necessary to improve the business's way of working and ultimately achieve the stringent standards set within the SC21 programme.
The opportunity to bolster Link Cable Assemblies Ltd's already impressive reputation as a key supplier to the aerospace industry led to SMAS becoming involved with the business. Recently, the company was sponsored by one of their prime aerospace customers to register with the UK's aerospace, defence and security industries SC21 Supply Chain Improvement programme. The newly launched scheme aims to improve the worldwide competitiveness of the British industry by raising standards across supply chains through setting rigorous standards.
The company
At their premises in Bellshill, Link Cable Assemblies manufacture a range of electronic cable assemblies, harnesses and associated products. They predominantly supply the aerospace and defence industries, but also various commercial applications. Links take great pride in the manufacturing excellence and boast a quality control system that is registered to ISO9001 2008 status.
How SMAS helped
As a recognised SC21 training partner, SMAS offered Link the guidance they needed to progress through the SC21 improvement process.
Firstly, a SMAS practitioner - trained to SC21 lead practitioner level - carried out a pre-assessment of the business. This was set against the SC21 standards and approach, and gave the company an awareness of the necessary requirements. A report was issued pin-pointing areas of strength and opportunity for improvement. Overall, the findings allowed Link to compare their current situation with where they needed to be.
The next stage of the process was a full SC21 manufacturing excellence assessment, carried out onsite by SMAS. This involved scoring against set diagnostic standards for manufacturing excellence and management commitment. The assessment looked for evidence of Lean strategy and deployment - and determined whether results were being achieved.
Afterwards, a full report was issued and key opportunities for Link to improve further against the required standard were identified.
Outcomes
As a result of this process, Link's entry in the ADS SC21 National Plan was updated to say they have undertaken SC21 awareness and a manufacturing excellence assessment. The company has been able to gauge their position in terms of best management practices and has identified opportunities which can be developed into a continuous and sustainable improvement plan.
The project has demonstrated to key and potential customers that Link has progressed through the SC21 improvement process and are committed to the programme.
Link's Jamie Moglia added:
We are now fully aware of the opportunities available from making use of Lean, and also our internal strengths and weaknesses. We'll aim to build on these going forward.