Kabe realizes Lean planning with ComActivity

ComActivity’s advanced planning application gives Kabe the opportunity to introduce a Lean-based takt time model for their production and material supply. Visualization and flexibility characterizes the solution. Results can be seen through higher efficiency, shorter throughput time and lower working capital.

For years, Kabe has been using the ERP system Movex/M3. In fact, it's been 25 years since Kabe’s CEO Alf Ekström purchased Movex from Peter Bjorkman, founder of ComActivity. New technology now provides Kabe with the opportunity to introduce modern Lean-based models for material and production planning with visualized business flows. The solution also includes sales planning of production series for RV’s, both motor homes and camping trailers. Production of series is planned in advance with internal demand being represented by planned production. The planned production is then booked by customer orders. This means that customer orders may change the configuration of each individual vehicle until point of assembly. This impacts material requirements, takt and production sequencing. In the process of choosing the best way forward, Kabe evaluated whether they should upgrade to the latest version of the ERP system. Kabe had several strategic requirements. Of these, takt time planning and access via the Internet were the most important. - It turned out that none of our main criteria would be met as part of an upgrade. I turned to ComActivity instead to see if they could help us, says Alf Ekström, President and CEO of Kabe AB. - By renovating, improving and expanding the business system with a new web-based interface for sales and planning, the principles of Lean Manufacturing can be fully supported in Kabe’s production, says Peter Bjorkman, founder of ComActivity AB - Using the ComActivity tools we will achieve lower inventory levels, tighter flows in the factory and shorter lead times, Alf Ekström continues. - Implementing solutions based on business requirements is the new way to a better result. Previously, the system was the solution. Kabe has gone from being a system-oriented organization to solution-oriented, and ComActivity has the right tools to help Kabe into the new solution-oriented era, Peter Bjorkman continues. The basic thesis of ComActivitys solution-oriented model is that: Business Solutions should give users what they want when they want it. Business Solutions should not be based on other people’s requirements. The solution should be delivered in the way the customer wants it. Too much is counter-productive and too little is insufficient. Only balanced functions with high flexibility are "perfect". For more information, please contact Peter Björkman Founder and Chief Architect, ComActivity AB Phone: +47 41 67 92 58 E-mail: peter.bjorkman@comactivity.net Magnus Grönvik Sales and Marketing Director, ComActivity AB Phone: +46 704 806088 E-mail: magnus.gronvik@comactivity.net Alf Ekström CEO Kabe AB Phone: +46 36 39 37 01 E-mail: alf.ekstrom@kabe.se Facts about Kabe AB The KABE Group's principal business is the manufacture and sale of caravans, transport and other mobile devices, and camping accessories for the European market. With strong brands and a wide range of products, KABE is a full-range supplier to retailers. KABE has constantly evolved since its inception and consists of a group of subsidiaries in Sweden and abroad. Total group turnover of approximately SEK 1.4 billion (2007) and the number of employees at just over 430 people. KABE AB is quoted on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm, Nordic list, Small Cap. www.kabe.se

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