The third of the three phase processes in the TriFactor Edge is the Implementation of the material handling system. This phase includes the procurement of equipment, installation, project management, and training as detailed in the GMP documents developed during Phase 2. The following work is generated during this phase:
- Preparation of system layout, approval, installation, as-built and as-wired drawings. Prior to placing any material handling equipment on order with vendors, TriFactor ensures that a drawing is approved from the customer depicting the layout of the equipment that is to be ordered. Additionally, prior to equipment arrival on site, installation drawings for the mechanical and electrical installers is generating detailing exact location and method for installation of the equipment. Finally, when installation is complete, TriFactor engineers develop “As-Built” electrical and mechanical drawings for archiving for future reference.
- Preparation of system approval and as-delivered documents such as Design Criteria, Design Assumptions and Description of Operation. Equally as important as the approval drawings prior to ordering equipment, these documents are necessary in order to properly develop the control system software. If nothing had changed in the design from Phase 2, then this is simply an administrative task as all of this work was previously accomplished.
- Design, fabrication, and supply of all new Automated Material Handling System equipment. Once equipment orders are placed, various manufacturers are charged with delivering the equipment on the schedule that was providing during the proposal phase. TriFactor engineers coordinate these multiple equipment manufacturer’s delivery dates so that the proper material shows up in the proper order. Often overlooked as a critical function, an organized and planned approach to ordering and coordinating equipment deliveries from dozens of vendors is essential to a successful implementation.
- Mechanical and Electrical installation, system testing and commissioning through customer’s acceptance of all new automated material handling system equipment. Once equipment starts arriving and the installers have properly reviewed the detailed installation drawings, the mechanical and electrical installation commences. Upon completion of the electrical installation, which typically follows the mechanical installation, the PC or PLC programs are tested along with any other software such as Warehouse Control System, Warehouse Management System or any other custom software interface. After the system is tested, then the Project Manager leads the project team in the system acceptance phase of the implementation with the customer. This requires documenting the testing criteria and eventually the test results. Once all results are complete and satisfactory to the customer, the system is deemed accepted and turned over to the customer.
- Preparation of system operations and maintenance manuals to included spare parts lists and warranty procedures. After the system is accepted and turned over to the customer, the customer must understand the new procedures for ensuring that up-time is maximized. TriFactor provides recommended critical spare parts so that if a failure occurs with a part that has a long lead time for manufacturing, it has already purchased and waiting in the spare parts inventory for replacement. Also, each piece of automated material handling equipment has its own preventative maintenance requirements. As such, TriFactor provides these requirements in a well documented and easy to understand format along with hands-on training. In the event that the customer does not have the resources or technical capability to accomplish preventative maintenance, TriFactor provides one of the TriFactor Care Planned Maintenance program options to the customer.
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