Released on: July 11, 2008, 8:22 am

Press Release Author: Thomas R. Cutler

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Datacraft Solutions' Lean Replenishment Supply Chain Digital
System Profiled by Manufacturing Journalist Thomas R. Cutler

Press Release Body: The entire feature article, Lean strategies can help Canadian
firms with high currency, appeared in the June 2008 issue of Metalworking Production
& Purchasing, and was authored by manufacturing journalist, Thomas R. Cutler; the
entire article may be read at http://trcutlerinc.com/MP&P%20June%202008.pdf.


Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital
kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure
Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT
infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past two years
by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as
well as extensive training regimens and the need for internal support. Datacraft
Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban system (Signum) allows
customers to access and utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low,
predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an
appropriate digital kanban solution.


Lean manufacturing emphasizes quickly eliminating obvious sources of waste by
focusing on processes. Starting in the 1980's companies like Boeing began the lean
process to improve the quality of products and processes. The need for continuous
quality improvement and total quality management became the cornerstones of Lean
manufacturing principles and practices. By the 1990s most of the Fortune 500
companies were searching for techniques that would result in continuous quality
improvement. Core concepts of lean, such as just-in-time delivery, error-free
production, and continuous, were not fully understood, nor how to apply them. By
the end of 1999, most lean corporate manufacturing pioneers were implementing visual
controls (kanban), simplifying the reorder systems, and reducing the error-prone
double data entry. Just-in-time had replaced lagging indicators.

According to Stephen Parker, chief executive officer of Datacraft Solutions, makers
of Signum, an electronic kanban solution, "Lean thinking and practices have been
incorporated into all levels of the manufacturing business operation. Kaizen
shop-floor improvement is commonplace. Lean principles have spread throughout the
operation, far broader than just the manufacturing operations. The lean methods are
in engineering, logistics, customer support, transporting, and suppliers." Despite
lean roadmaps, business process mapping, and a myriad of consulting experts, little
data has been gathered to determine the actual percentages of lean methodology
adoption. At a conservative estimate more than
150,000 Canadian manufacturers have yet to implement a lean process. With 91% of
Canadian manufacturers employing less than 100 people, the vast market potential of
kaizen, kanban, and continued process improvement is staggering.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Sonja Foust
sfoust@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326


Web Site: http://www.datacraftsolutions.com

Contact Details: Datacraft Solutions
604 W. Morgan St.
Suite B-9
Durham, NC 27701
800-819-5326