Bringing a project to a success with a project-orientated approach
At AWL we believe in some fundamental principles. One of these is delivering what we promise, on time and within budget. This sounds all fine and dandy, but in this complicated and high-tech industry it is sometimes a difficult task.
Keeping our promise
In order to keep our promise, we firmly believe in a project-oriented approach, ensuring you get the best possible solution for your production process, excellent weld quality, high uptime and high output.
Communication during the “birth” of a machine is key, not only with our customers but also within our own organization. As multiple disciplines work together to create your machine, such as mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and control engineers, it is of vital importance that everyone knows what is going on and what is expected of them.
To ensure first-class communication we plan regular sessions with the team assigned to a specific project to discuss the progress, the challenges, the solutions, the planning and the budget. AWL is proud to say it has more than 10 project managers, each with their own area of expertise and knowledge. Combining them with our specialist engineers, electricians, welders, robot and PLC programmers we have a great team at your service every time.
How the process works
When a project is sold our sales engineer hands it over to project management. A project leader is appointed based on criteria like the kind of project, customer and market. He constructs a team of specialists to help him erect this project at the customer’s premises as soon as possible.
As our assembly department gives feedback on the projects already on the shop floor, the engineers get a better understanding and insight into the best course to follow; changing set-ups, using different parts or even altering the robot programme. As this all happens at the beginning of the project, we save valuable time and money!
Going into high gear
When our customer agrees the proposed concept, designed by our own professionals, we put the whole project into gear. Parts are ordered or manufactured on our own shop floor. Assembly of the project begins when all parts are on the premises. Using the method of concurrent engineering and production enables AWL to shorten the total process. At the same time, the quality of the work is enhanced because all elements are simultaneously taken into account. Costs are significantly decreased by the short turnaround times as parts are constructed at the same time. Often customers come to Harderwijk to see the fast progress we have made with their project for themselves, and to discuss any issues that may arise. By checking the geometry and the weld quality of the products that are produced with the machine, our process-quality department makes sure the process quality is satisfactory for the customers’ needs.
Once all involved departments have given their stamp of approval, there is always an internal acceptance, whereby we check the functionality of the machine, the product quality, i.e. geometry, weld quality and whether the machine complies with all the safety regulations. When we give the green light, the customer is asked to come to Harderwijk to give a pre-acceptance. Once this is given, the machine is dismantled and transported to the customer’s production facilities, where it is rebuilt and conditioned to the same high standards as it left our shop floor. Once the customer gives final acceptance the machine can be used in production.
AWL doesn’t stop there. We also understand the value of service and maintenance. Therefore the project manager hands over the project to our service department which will assist in case of problems or scheduled maintenance.
Our employees make the difference
Having a team of specialists at AWL ensures you the best possible care of your project, and you only have to deal with one person, as he knows all the ins and outs of the projects. We also have the skills and the experience to anticipate and make changes beforehand. This guarantees that projects are delivered on time and within budget.