This time of year is a great time for reflection as we look back at 2018 and forward to 2019.
2018 has seen ATC continue to invest in its people and its systems. In January we took the leap and implemented SAP Business One. Like every major ERP implementation this was not without its headaches but all in all it has been well worth it and we are sure we will continue to see the benefits of better data and material planning.
2018 has seen the addition of an R&D Engineer in Additive Manufacturing, or as some people call it 3D printing, and 3D scanning as we continue to develop our capabilities in conjunction with Third Level Institutes. This allows us to not only produce prototypes but also to reverse engineer parts that may have become difficult to source or are no longer manufactured.
Throughout the year we have continued to develop our Lean offering which includes Lean solutions for Lean environments, Industry 4.0, Assembly Line Configurations, Production Logistics, Workstation Ergonomics, etc. Solutions include a lean modular system, Flowtube, that allows users build bespoke solutions designed specifically for their process. These bespoke benches, trolleys, workstations, FIFO racks help eliminate unnecessary work and improve material flow. We work with clients to ensure that they have the best designs for their process and people. We also provide a floor marking range that includes floor tapes, signs, walkways and more. This range of products help you visually manage your process, clearly identifying process areas and communicating essential information to workers. Other solutions include lean carts for material handling. 2018 has seen us hire a new Design Engineer who we really look forward to having join the ATC Team in early 2019.
Internally we continue to develop our own Lean knowledge and practices and welcome any of our customers to come and visit to see how we have implemented lean principles. We believe exchanging ideas and experience makes us all stronger. A key element in 2018 has been in inviting staff to contribute their ideas on how we can improve a process or system or how we might eliminate or reduce one of the 8 wastes.
A highlight of 2018 has been ATC’s success in achieving All-Star accreditation in Croke Park on December 12th..
All-Star accreditation is an independently verified standard mark for indigenous businesses based on rigorous selection criteria on performance, trust and customer centricity. Chair Dr. Briga Hynes of the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, spoke about the place of know-how and know-who and taking the time to reflect on what is working and what can be improved. Minister Pat Breen stressed the importance of Irish businesses continuing to strive for excellence so as to maintain competitiveness. The All-Ireland Business Foundation is a national body which accredits best-in-class Irish businesses as Business All-Stars. #businessallstars
For more information on the All-Ireland Business Foundation click here.
This All-Star award comes as ATC celebrates 25 years in business. 25 years of servicing many of the best-in-class companies throughout Ireland and further afield.
Another highlight of 2018 has been ATC’s mechanical division’s win for a third consecutive time of an Irish Rail tender to service and repair all of Irish Rail’s small plant equipment and tools. This includes railsaws, chainsaws, consaws, power spanners, rail drills, auger drills, tower lights, cement mixers and generators. ATC’s mechanical division carries out scheduled service and repairs as well as emergency repairs to many of Ireland’s leading companies’ tools and equipment including hydraulic tools and torque tools and hydraulic systems. For more details click here.
2018 has seen ATC continue its preparations for BREXIT. We are working hard to ensure continuity of supply to all our valued customers and continue to work on contingency plans. Like every challenge there are opportunities and we prefer to approach challenges with this frame of mind. If you have concerns about your supply chain please do not hesitate to contact us.
Christmas time is also a time of giving and as is ATC tradition 2018 saw ATC choose MS Ireland. On December 14th ATC staff wore their Christmas jumpers and raised 500 EUR which in turn was matched by ATC. For more details on MS Ireland click here.
From all of us at ATC we wish you and your loved ones the very best for 2019.