SMS Innenausbau: Optimize Processes, Deliver Faster

Report by BM-Online

SMS Innenausbau positions itself for the future through continuous process optimisation

The family business SMS Innenausbau combines the traditional cabinet maker's craft with modern technologies, relying on powerful machines, end-to-end software products and a committed team. Most recently, an ERP system was implemented that takes the connected workshop to a new level.

“Craft is high-tech. It's our job.” The slogan on the website is a statement that is confirmed on my visit to the joinery SMS Innenausbau in Saarbrücken. The furniture maker and shopfitter plans and produces high-quality interior fit-out on 4,000 m² for private and business customers in Germany and all over the world.

Strong through cohesion Managing director Detlef Müller relies on powerful machines for this, such as the Rover B 1967 CNC machining centre and the Selco WN 610 panel saw from Biesse. “You need decent machines and decent employees who are committed,” is how he describes his recipe for success. Appreciation and a sense of community are very important to him. Even in difficult times it is important to him to pull together and not to cut jobs. “We all stick together. Because that is what makes a family business.”

Keeping and building core competencies Detlef Müller completed his apprenticeship in the family business 44 years ago and took over the company at 27. At that time the joinery employed 20 people. Today the SMS Innenausbau team comprises 60 employees. A few years ago his daughter Marion also joined the company as a newly qualified interior architect. His son-in-law Thomas Schwartz also works in the business and deals with digitalisation, among other things. Keeping or building core competencies in-house is a guiding principle for Detlef Müller.

Flexible and broadly positioned So it is no surprise that, after integrating the Grieser company 12 years ago, SMS Innenausbau itself became a manufacturer of signage and a vinyl lettering specialist. But even before that, the joinery owned a laser processing machine and a flatbed digital printer. In addition, several 3D printers are in use, one of them with a print volume of 1 m³. The shopfitter uses them to produce illuminated signage for its customers, for example. “We are flexible and broadly positioned, including in areas that do not necessarily have anything to do with a joinery.”

Designing end-to-end processes Right now a lot is changing again. After individual stand-alone ERP solutions, SMS Innenausbau recently switched to a new ERP system. The ERP software module from CAD+T will now ideally complement the CAD program that has proven itself for 11 years, supporting an end-to-end workflow from order intake to production and making processes even simpler and more efficient.

Detailed approval drawings for clarity Alongside various established major customers, the joinery often receives new enquiries on recommendation, which Detlef Müller looks after: “I listen to the customer and then I know what they want. Because the aim is always a satisfied customer.” As soon as the order is in-house, he hands it over to a responsible project manager from the six-strong production planning team. Once all the details have been finalised, production planning creates 3D approval drawings with precise text descriptions for the customer. Intelligent parts lists are generated from the design drawings, which purchasing checks before ordering the job-specific goods.

Automation helps to get faster The data from the CAD is then loaded into the CAM Interface, which writes the machine programs automatically. The CNC programs take into account not only the geometry but also the material properties of the components. The CAM system thus creates intelligent machining logic with regard to materials, tools and production steps. “Automating the machining programs with fixed rules helps us to be faster,” confirms Detlef Müller. The NC programs generated in the CAM Interface are transferred online to the machine and called up by scanning the barcode on the workpiece label. To ensure that the data transfer to the CNC machining centre runs smoothly, adjustments to the NC-Hops CAM software were necessary.

Labels make the process easier Because of its series orders, SMS Innenausbau keeps standard panel materials in stock in large quantities. These are housed in a fully automated high-bay warehouse from Systraplan with capacity for 92 stacking positions. At the output area the pallets are collected with a forklift and the panel materials are temporarily stored in a height-adjustable rack next to the horizontal beam saw. This allows the panels to be pulled straight from the rack onto the machine table of the Selco WN 610. For cutting panels individually or in packs, the machine operator calls up the cutting plans optimised by production planning via touchscreen. The individual cut parts then receive barcode labels including information on edge processing and, depending on the order, go first to the CNC or the edgebander.

Well positioned for the future Since the joinery mostly produces just-in-time, alongside its many in-house services it depends on reliable suppliers and partner companies and has built up a corresponding network across national borders. After all, 85% of its customers are commercial and do not want to be put off. The delivery date is fixed. By adding the new ERP module from CAD+T, Detlef Müller also hopes to improve processes in warehouse management, for example so that a glance at the PC shows whether all elements for the order have been delivered in full or whether goods are still missing. Müller intends to keep focusing on optimising processes in order to strengthen his reputation as a reliable partner with fair prices. In the summer the team will also grow when four apprentices start their training at the joinery.

SMS Innenausbau GmbH, 66119 Saarbrücken, Germany www.sms-saar.de

Text by: BM editor Miriam Matsche, pictures BM-Magazin Click here for the article on BM-Online

© 2024 bm-online.de