Modern logistics combined with the innovative WATT modular drive system
MAS delivers short delivery times.

Demands placed on the delivery industry have changed considerably in recent years. Whereas several years ago, long advance planning times were possible, today suppliers are required to provide short and flexible delivery times. This particular challenge has been tackled by WATT Drive head on and since last year the company has worked intensively on improving both their external and internal logistics.

WATT logistics concept:

The basis for rapid logistics is reliable advance sales planning combined with a modular, standardised product range. The MAS Programme enables Watt Drive to purchase raw materials, manufacture parts and assemble sub-assemblies independently of customer orders. These advance services are drawn on when an order is placed, thus providing a fast delivery time.

The second logistics component has been created by expanding new strategic suppliers. General
agreements have been drawn up with foundries, as well as parts and motor suppliers, regarding annual minimum purchase quantities. The strategic suppliers can therefore plan their production across a longer term and contribute to an increased level of reliability in supply of the operation with raw materials and outsourced components thanks to prompt deliveries.

With investment in new machining equipment, WATT is increasing the performance of the manufacturing facilities in 2007 and 2008. Housing manufacturing will be expanded with an additional A81 machining centre from Makino this October. The gear machining equipment will also be expanded with an automated HMX400 Powerhon machine. The HMX400 permits more rapid finishing work on geared parts combined with an increase in quality. Other investments for 2008 to improve turning operations are in preparation.

A new assembly concept:

The new assembly concept is based around a clear division of picking and assembly. Parts provision that is entirely order-dependent and harmonised with the assembly tasks is the basic requirement for an efficient, fault-free assembly workflow. In the latter six months of the year, a clocked assembly workflow will be set up in the medium- and large-sized gear assembly line. The entire assembly hall has already been converted to house this, the required infrastructure put into place, and new assembly tools ordered.

Initial successes are already apparent with a newly set up assembly line for part-assembled gear units which are assembled in the Kanban system before a customer order has been placed.

The modular drive system:

The development of the modular MAS construction kit (figure 1) allows WATT Drive to develop a network of WATT sales partners with warehouse and assembly plants spanning the globe. The inspired concept behind the construction kit is both to reduce warehouse costs, and to cover production with sensible batch sizes, thanks to the ingenious multiple use of parts.

Fig. 1: Simplified principle of the modular drive system

The advantage of this concept for every customer:

This construction kit technology is not just used with sales partners. WATT Drive uses this advantage in a targeted way to keep delivery times as short as possible with fully assembled drive unit packages and geared motors.

For more information on the Watt product range, please visit our website at www.wattdrive.com.