For any thermoforming company, timing is everything.
After all, you want your part when you want it.
At ThermoFab, we understand this. This is why we follow
The Theory of Constraints (TOC) business management
philosophy called Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR), which was
developed by Dr. Eli Goldratt, author of The Goal: A Process
of Ongoing Improvement; It's Not Luck; Critical Chain;
and Necessary But Not Sufficient.
Thermoforming Processes: Timing is Everything
Above Image: ThermoFab's thermoformed bezel for Titleist's golf swing analyzer
DBR controls the flow of materials
through the plant so that products are
produced according to market demand with
a minimum of manufacturing lead-time,
inventory and operating expenses.
Drum, Buffer, Rope Definitions
Drum
- Constraints or bottlenecks in the process.
This is what is being managed to ensure a smooth flow.
Buffer
- A protection against Murphy.
This is the time provided for parts to reach
the protected area. The protected areas are the Drum,
the due dates and the assemblies of constraint parts with
non-constraint parts.
Rope
- A schedule for releasing raw materials to the floor.
The Rope is derived according to the Drum and Buffers;
its mission is to ensure the proper subordination of the
non-constraints.
The DBR technique enables companies to maximize
a Capacity Constraint Resource and use time buffers
to create schedules that help deliver products on time.
Drum-Buffer-Rope is based on the TOC logistics approach and its five steps of focusing:
Identify the System's Constraint(s).
Decide How to Exploit the System's Constraint(s).
Subordinate Everything Else to the Above Decisions.
Elevate the System's Constraint(s).
If, in the Previous Steps, a Constraint Has Been Broken,
Go Back to Step One, but Do Not Allow Inertia to
Cause a System's Constraint.
Our lean manufacturing system provides you with the
greatest flexibility of any manufacturer.
ThermoFab will work with you to create a yearly blanket
order with monthly releases based on a 45-day rolling forecast.
This push-pull system with a 45-day window for planning deliveries
offers you extensive flexibility - allowing for market changes
and growth within your product lines.
This "dense cluster" computer for SiCortex is currently in production.
Because of the manufacturing processes that we subscribe to,
such as the Theory of Constraints described above,
this product is on schedule.
ThermoFab is committed to being the leader in
custom plastic enclosures. Contact us today to
learn how we can take you from files to finished
product in just 4-6 weeks!
