Horwood International -case

'Leading Business Innovation'

	Case Studies During the past 25 years we have provided high-quality and cost effective Management Consultancy to many hundreds of Clients ranging in size from small businesses to major multi-nationals. We offer executive experience in a wide section of business — Manufacturing, Service, Agriculture, Construction, Transport, Materials, Consumer. Below are some case studies.
	Cathelco Limited Manufacturer: Cathodic Protection for Ships Objectives: Productivity Improvement Following research, data collection and analysis the best route to achieving improved efficiency and a performance measurement system was discussed and agreed with management and employees. To assist with the productivity improvement, a performance related payment scheme for the production area was proposed. Several schemes were discussed with management and employees. The agreed solution was presented to the company with written operating instructions. The outcome was a 15% increase in turnover in the first year.		Alloy Wheels International Limited (AWIL) Manufacture: Alloy Wheels for the motor industry Objectives: Performance Measurement and Improvement A MINT analysis was used and the results were discussed with the company and an action plan was prepared for implementation. A supplier performance improvement programme was introduced. Single-sourcing and multi-sourcing were investigated. All HR roles and staff responsibilities were reviewed. Training needs assessed and a plan produced and implemented. The effect of training on the business objectives was reviewed. The Investors in People programme was investigated and the potential benefits reviewed. Recommendations and an action plan was agreed and implemented.
	LEAN MANUFACTURING		PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
	Cardiff Carbides Manufacturer: Tungsten Carbide Dies Objectives: Performance Improvement – Lean Manufacturing Investigations were carried out on systems and methods employed in the following areas and discussed with personnel involved at each stage of the process: Sales Order Processing/Process Route Planning Output Status Reporting – Press department and Pre-sinter Machining Production Monitoring – Powder Yield Press Tooling Workmanship Practices - Labour Inefficiencies Alternative methods were investigated and discussed with the management team to find the best practical solutions. The Outcomes were: Specify Quality Monitoring Stations Produce Product Sampling Plans Modify Production and Handling Methods Create Production and Quality Recording System New Sales Order Processing System Conclusion: implementation of the proposed actions required the Company to commit to financial investment in management resources, tooling and equipment. The outcome was to increase both powder yield and productivity by 5% within 12 months.		Cintec International Manufacturer: Reinforcement anchors, for bridges and buildings Objectives: Identify the ICT needs of the business and select an integrated package able to manage all processes, from estimating through works order generation, to invoicing. The Company used a range of business systems very diligently, written and computer based to run the business. They were time consuming to use, prone to error and did not provide accurate predictions of materials requirements. Planned Outcomes: Further business growth without additional admin costs Network at new premises to be able to operate the system Non-computer literate staff to be able to use the system Release management time Actual Outcomes: The new system was installed, all staff have been trained. The Company is delighted with its new ICT system and believes all outcomes will be achieved.