Supply Chain / Business Operations Consulting Firm

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Boston Industrial Profiled in Material Handling Management

1120009MHM.COVER Boston Industrial's project with one of Caterpillar's largest dealers was recently profiled in the November 2009 edition of Material Handling Management. Instrumental to the success of the Cleveland Brothers Equipment parts depot was the design and integration of efficient processes, equipment and WMS using TECSYS as the software backbone. The article, entitled "Doing More With Less", highlights the efforts of BIC and the project team in developing and implementing practical solutions in a dynamic environment. The title of the article echoes a common theme for successful Supply Chain organizations operating in the 2010's - 'How do we do more with less?'

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Boston Scientific Operates World Class Manufacturing Center in Costa Rica

Boston Industrial Expands Its Simulation Capabilities

Bluefin Hires BIC to Create its Expanded Manufacturing Center

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Boston Scientific Operates World Class Manufacturing Center in Costa Rica

Boston Scientific recently opened its World Class Manufacturing Center of Excellence in San Jose, Costa Rica. President Oscar ARIAS Sanchez assisted in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and commented that the Manufacturing operation will be one of the most efficient in Costa Rica history, and the Country's first LEED certified building.

Boston Scientifics' goal at the project onset was to create an Operations Center of Excellence for Medical Device Manufacturing, while operating under the regulations of FDA and GMP guidelines. The result is a 270,000sf World Class Manufacturing facility that will be at the center of Boston Scientifics' manufacturing future.

Boston Industrial was instrumental in assisting Boston Scientific reach their goal through:

Detailed Programming of Manufacturing spaces and adjacencies
Involvement in BOD for Manufacturing and Warehouse spaces
Detailed Manufacturing and support area equipment layout
Efficient material handling and management flow throughout the operation
Improved personnel workflow into and out of Clean Room spaces
Design of Lean and Kanban systems for efficient parts deliveries
Vendor selection and implementation assistance
Boston Industrial has provided and collaborated with Boston Scientific on over 25 projects in Manufacturing, Sterilization and Distribution sectors of the Supply Chain over the past 10 years.

BIC continues to extend their partnership in helping Boston Scientific improve operations and reduce costs worldwide.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Boston Industrial Consulting Expands Its Simulation Capabilities

As business operations become more complex and diverse, the value of simulating a new process, equipment line change or conveyor layout proves to be beneficial. Through uniquely designed simulation, Boston Industrial is able to accurately predict and analyze the impact of new layouts or processes to provide clients with reliable information to make better decisions.

Simulation can be a powerful tool used throughout the decision making process.

Boston Industrial Consulting utilizes discrete event modeling software to analyze the operation as a whole, or perform a detailed analysis down to the individual SKU, location and person to provide an added level of accuracy and reliability.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Bluefin Hires BIC to Create its Expanded Manufacturing Operation!

Boston Industrial Consulting (BIC), teaming with Jacobs Engineering Group, was recently selected by Bluefin Robotics Corporation to design its new Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Assembly and Test Operation. The expanded operation will allow Bluefin to transition from a limited production job shop, to a mass manufacturing Lean based operation.

Since the award, BIC has worked closely with Jacobs and Bluefin to determine spatial and facility requirements, incorporating high growth with Lean Manufacturing techniques. Several proposed concepts of operation have been developed that will allow for more efficient production techniques to be incorporated into the manufacturing operation.

Currently working on detailed design, the team has focused on finding efficient means to use the selected site with more efficient handling and production techniques. New material handling equipment will be used to move heavier and larger products effectively through the Manufacturing and Testing operations. BIC is working with Jacobs and Bluefin throughout the Design, Construction and Implementation portion of the project.

Bluefin Robotics joins an ever-growing list of companies turning to BIC to achieve maximum efficiency and operational improvements.

About Bluefin Robotics...

Bluefin Robotics manufactures and develops Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) vehicles, systems, and technology. Founded in 1997, the Company has grown to become a world leader in AUV products designed for military, commercial (oil and gas exploration, sea floor mapping), archaeological and other applications. Bluefin Robotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Battelle. For more information, visit www.bluefinrobotics.com or contact Deanna Abraham at (617) 715-7080 or at dabraham@bluefinrobotics.com.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

BIC Helps Southwick Clothing Sew Up Operational Savings!

Southwick Clothing LLC, a division of Brooks Brothers / Retail Brands, recently hired Boston Industrial Consulting to improve its efficiency and reduce its real estate burden within its Suit Manufacturing Operation. BIC has developed a new manufacturing layout and is in the process of implementing Southwick Clothing’s new State-of-the-Art Suit and Pant making facility at 20 Computer Drive in Haverhill, MA.

Southwick Clothing presently manufactures suits and pants in a 5-story operation on Canal Street in Lawrence, MA. Forced to move to a new location, Southwick Clothing, and its new parent Brooks Brothers, saw this as an opportunity to transform the operation into a more cost efficient and responsive Manufacturing center. Working closely with Southwick and Brooks Brothers personnel, Boston Industrial developed a more efficient spatial and operational layout, which will provide faster response time to retail outlets with increased automated production techniques. The elimination of WIP, improved work flow and a single-level manufacturing concept will allow Southwick to work in approximately half of its current square footage, and realize an increase in productivity by 25 – 35%.

Boston Industrial is currently helping Southwick and Brooks Brothers execute the plan, through on-site coordination of the many processes required to run new and existing equipment. The facility will use power, steam, air, vacuum, gas, and on-floor monitoring systems to run over $6M of new equipment and material handling systems. BIC will also assist in a smooth transition as Southwick moves from its current mill building to this State-of-the-Art facility in February 2009.

Boston Industrial Consulting continues to work with companies to help streamline their operation and increase profit margins! Our team’s work in this area has helped Boston Scientific, Edward’s Lifesciences and Caterpillar achieve similar savings.

We continue to look for new ways to help our clients in lower costs, increase productivity and maximize earning potential.

About BIC...

Founded in 1996, Boston Industrial Consulting, Inc. is celebrating its 12th Anniversary as a leader in Industrial Engineering and Operational Efficiency. Our clients include Caterpillar, Boston Scientific Corp., Tiffany & Company, Hallmark Cards, GE, and ThermoFisher.

For more information or to contact us:

Send an e-mail to: Bob Liptrot, President

Or, visit our website for more information.

BIC Drives VIP Parts, Tires and Service to Higher Level of Efficiency!

VIP Parts, Tires and Service is New England's largest privately held automotive parts and accessories chain. Based in Lewiston, Maine, VIP operates 57 stores in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. VIP was founded in 1958, and merged with Quirk Tire to become one of the leading automotive distributors in New England.

VIP turned to BIC looking for help to optimize their Distribution operation by examining utilization of space, equipment, process, and technology. The critical focus was to optimize the efficiency and capacity of their operation, while maintaining their high level of service to their customers.

BIC's analysis revealed that a more efficient picking process could result in a 30% increase in productivity. BIC recommended changes to product slotting and storage of on-hand tire inventory to allow VIP to increase throughput by up to 20% while improving capacity by over 15%. As a result, VIP has the potential to realize shorter turn-around times and a more accurate inventory level. An implementation of the proposed systems will occur over the summer of 2009.

VIP's unique seasonality and diverse product base is an interesting distribution challenge. The wealth of data and willingness of employees to explore new ideas significantly aided in the success of the project. The anticipated impact of the proposed changes is indicative of VIP's dedication and desire for continued success and growth!

BIC continues to work with companies such as VIP, Subaru of New England and Caterpillar who desire continuous improvement throughout their operations and growth, even during these challenging economic times.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Federal Supply Schedule Contract to Boston Industrial Consulting, Inc.

Boston Industrial Consulting, Inc., a leading provider of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Consulting services is pleased to announce its award of a 5-year contract to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). BIC will focus on providing Operational Engineering services for Supply Chain projects, as well as Distribution, Warehousing and Material Handling programs. The contract allows Government Agencies to take advantage of BICs full portfolio of effective and practical solutions, experience personnel and unbiased solutions.

In order to achieve the GSA status, BIC underwent a strict conformance and selection process. BIC joins a limited group of providers in this service category; only companies with the highest level of customer satisfaction coupled with an effective cost structure are granted approval.

The successes of our past and current clients are a testimony to our capabilities. We invite you to join a list of satisfied client that include Tobyhanna Army Depot, 8 Caterpillar dealerships, Tiffany & Company and Boston Scientific Corporation.

Boston Industrial Consulting - News