Based around a central server, application software and several Integrated TeleVideo Thin Clients, the Camden Group was able to switch from a time consuming tracking system using paper and pen to a computerized system that offers greater efficiency and product quality.

The Situation:

Throughout the Camden Group's facility, skilled technicians work in shifts to complete the multiple phases of window and doorframe production. They work with advanced equipment that efficiently forms and pieces together the parts for each stage of the manufacturing process, some for windows and some for doors. As each new shift arrives, they need to review the notes from the previous shift to know exactly what is going on with production. And during this review process, the paper notes used for tracking are being shuffled, organized and sometimes lost—resulting in more time handling paper than checking and reconciling the quality of the work.

The Solution:

Recognizing the need to improve how technicians prepare for a shift, Camden Group's IT Director, Roy Trimble suggested that a digital, paperless system could further improve efficiency. “We decided to introduce a tracking system to improve the quality of the work we manufacture by removing the paperwork required and also to facilitate and support our night shift by making it easier and faster to get ready for work.” Camden Group decided to go for a Thin Client solution for simple installation and greater security.

During a local IT tradeshow, Roy met with Patrick McAliskey, Managing Director of Real Time Systems Ltd., a provider of IT solutions, to discuss how they could use Citrix technology and Thin Clients as a platform to design a tracking system.

Patrick suggested Integrated TeleVideo Thin Clients as the interface for technicians to access work information. Typically a PC system consisting of a monitor and “box” is used in a networked system but due to its limitation on size and reliability, Thin Clients are proving to be the best solutions. Specifically, TeleVideo TeleCLIENT TC7370s for their “all-in-one” integrated design of a 15” LCD display and Thin Client. “We suggested to Camden Group that over time, Thin Clients would prove more cost effective, secure and flexible over PCs” said Patrick.

The Camden Group decided to opt for eighty TeleVideo Thin Clients and a Citrix software solution for the security and ease of installation and support. The Camden Group developed the custom software to connect their server and Thin Clients to support paperless manufacturing.

Today, technicians can log into the digital tracking system through TeleVideo Thin Clients and access key information about the manufacturing process. This system has helped to cut down on time, focus more on production quality and organize information better. Camden Group has even connected their tracking system via the Internet so factory managers can remotely access information in real time.

“Since we've implemented the system, it has reduced the amount of time it takes to get a shifts work ready for the floor by 75%, therefore enabling more time to be spent checking and reconciling work instead of sorting paper,” said Roy. In addition the system is enabling Camden Group to cut its manufacturing process by an entire day.