The Challenges of Diverse Manufacturing Networks
Kornit Digital, a leader in the development and production of high-speed, high-quality digital printing on textiles, faced significant hurdles in managing its extensive network of subcontractors. The primary challenge was ensuring consistency and efficiency across different factories, each with its own set of processes and standards. Traditional paper-based systems resulted in inefficiencies, errors, and a lack of real-time visibility, making it difficult to maintain the quality and speed required to meet customer demands.
Implementing a Streamlined Solution
To address these challenges, Kornit Digital turned to Next Plus, a comprehensive Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed to unify and streamline complex manufacturing processes. The implementation focused on creating a single, adaptable workflow capable of integrating with real-time work order management. This innovative approach allowed for the automatic generation of customized workflows, displaying only the necessary steps for each specific work order, thereby eliminating irrelevant processes and focusing on productivity.
The Results: Efficiency, Quality, and Innovation
The transformation brought about by Next Plus was profound:
- Streamlined Manufacturing Processes: The automated, customizable workflows significantly reduced production times by ensuring that subcontractors focused solely on relevant tasks. This efficiency gain led to quicker turnarounds and a more dynamic response to customer needs.
- Enhanced Quality and Consistency: Digital work instructions and precise process control minimized errors and ensured that each step of the manufacturing process was executed to the highest standards. The result was a noticeable improvement in product quality and consistency across all subcontractor sites.
- Real-time Visibility and Control: Next Plus provided Kornit Digital with unparalleled oversight into its manufacturing operations. The ability to monitor production in real-time, from initial order to final delivery, empowered Kornit to swiftly identify and address any issues, optimizing the manufacturing flow.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: The transition to a digital, paperless workflow aligned with Kornit Digital’s commitment to sustainability, significantly reducing paper waste and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Kornit Digital’s adoption of Next Plus revolutionized its approach to managing a complex network of subcontractors, setting a new standard for efficiency, quality, and sustainability in digital textile printing. This case study exemplifies the transformative power of Next Plus in the modern manufacturing landscape, proving that through innovative digital solutions, companies can overcome the inherent challenges of multi-subcontractor production and achieve unparalleled operational excellence.
