Innovating your Supply Chain
Unipart Rail offers a unique and wide range of specialist services to the rail project market, working with key clients such as Atkins, Invensys, Carillion, Balfour Beatty, Keltbray & Network Rail. We have developed a tailored menu of services to assist and support project contractors in the efficient & effective delivery of projects.
This is the second feature on Supply Chain, here we focus on 5 innovative approaches to improving Supply Chain solutions:
1. Mobile Inventory Control
Managing inventory and controlling high value components with an effective control and audit trail is an essential element of dynamic stock control, and our recent innovations in the the use of SmartPhones and Tablet technology integration means that our customers now have even more control with flexibility than before.
Remote Warehouse smart device systems give project procurement & engineering teams real-time visibility of product information and inventory data at their fingertips, 24 hours a day. Controlling materials has never been easier.
Comprehensive reporting can be configured to match individual customer requirements, all of which can be accessed online via smart phones or other web enabled devices, thus improving inventory management controls in live delivery environments.
2. Increased efficiency - Scanning technologies
Our Remote Warehouse inventory systems are now configured to deliver scanning technologies and asset tracking systems. Using QR and barcode systems together with rugged industry-relevant scanning devices, we can deliver leading edge product control systems to meet customer needs for the most demanding rail project storage environments wherever 3G and/or WiFi connectivity is available.
With QR code technology product identification is made quickly & simply, information can include:
• Catalogue number
• Item description
• Product images
This is turn simplifies warehouse operational processes, enhance audit controls & reduce the risk of errors. This technology can develop interfaces to track assets throughout the supply chain.
Asset information can contain product data such as:
• Location
• ID number
• Serial No
By understanding our customer’s unique needs we can help develop a suitable solution to track the assets right through to installation if needed.
3. 2nd generation kitting - adapting Plug & Play
Our established ‘Total Component Management’ kitting service now provides installation-ready kits incorporating the latest plug & play connectivity - ensuring delivery to your projects just in time to meet your construction schedules.
Our Plug & Play system is an end-to-end solution from signal box through to track-side components covering:
• Pre-installed tails with plug couplers
• Pre-cut, terminated and coupled cable lengths
• Location equipment / housing manufactured & pre-wired with interface racks
All equipment is supplied pre-tested in our factory.
4. Site Storage Solutions for projects
Our expert logistics practitioners play a key role in supporting our clients with flexible storage solutions. We can develop unique propositions to cater for all project material storage issues, from design and build of new storage facilities, through to reorganisation and refacilitisation of existing storage solutions. Using careful planning, and with the full involvement of your staff, we can implement the improvements you need to optimise the space available and create an efficient and safe project storage location.
Our services include:
• Structural project management
• Physical movement of materials
• Installation of suitable storage solutions appropriate to the material
• Introduction of necessary systems and processes
• Labelling and signage
• Tools for sustainability
5. Your Technical supply chain partner
Our Supply Chain technical teams work with the client at various planning stages, interpreting scheme plans and drawings to identify detailed component requirements & develop accurate bills of materials.
Blending engineering skills with supply chain tools & techniques, we continue to support the client through delivery phases, managing project critical components, highlighting any possible supply chain issues, and ensuring the potential for material availability failure is removed.
Our experienced industry professionals are available to work alongside and co-locate with our partners throughout the UK, ensuring both speed of response and maximised supply capability.
For more information about the range of services we can offer to help you improve your project delivery performance visit www.unipartrail.com/scm