News, insights and tips for improving the design and
manufacture of metal-formed parts and components.
From Trigonometry to Parametric Solid Modeling,
Bomco's New Training Program Builds Higher Skilled,
More Flexible Workforce
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Art Hayford, Quality Control Inspector first class, uses a computer-linked microscope to inspect the surface condition of laser cut parts for micro cracks. This procedure, previously taking two to three days in an outside lab, is now done in less than an hour. |
When VP of Administration, Maria Blair, first learned about the training grant offered by the Massachusetts Department of Employment Training, it seemed like an excellent opportunity. The goals were clear: raise the level of income for MA workers, train people for higher job skills and keep jobs in the state. Not one easily daunted by paperwork or a new challenge, Blair applied for and received the grant, one matched by Bomco funds paying employees attending the training. Has it worked? President Pete Banks thinks so. "We have a higher skilled work-force, we're better able to comply with ISO standards, and most importantly, we have greater flexibility to respond quickly to customers' needs," explains Banks. Manufacturing Engineering Paul Hubbard agrees, "Our customers want flexible vendors who can respond to changes in a timely fashion." All seven of Hubbard's engineers completed training for Autodesk Mechanical Desktop 5.0 with ACAD 2000. Using this feature-based parametric solid modeling program, the engineers can respond quickly to customers' needs for complex tooling designs and early design data. Hubbard explains, "Sometimes our customers give us a digital data package to permit us to start a project early and to work concurrently with their engineers." As a result of the Autodesk training, Bomco engineers can respond much more quickly to the developing material and quality specifications of a major project. Purchasing can also order special alloy materials much sooner. Another reason for improved flexibility and productivity is the cross training that Bomco's production employees received. Qualified machine operators trained unqualified workers to raise their skill levels. Machinists became qualified and multi-skilled on two or more machines. Digital photography recorded machine setup and assisted new operators. "This cross training" points out Joe Cordaro, Plant Manager, "gives us a multi-skilled workforce that we can move around the shop as the workload demands." As a result, personal job satisfaction and morale are much higher because employees are learning more and understanding where their job fits in. Cordaro explains, "Now people have a better understanding of why an earlier machining operation is so important to following operations... and we do a better overall job as a result." Bomco's training program also extends to the classroom where interested volunteers learn to apply trigonometry to the every day machining operations of complex metal formed parts. "It's making a difference as a double check against error," explains Mark Standley, VP of Technical Sales, "and we're seeing far fewer errors, better production, and more sat-isfied customers." Training has also improved productivity in quality control operations under both the auspices of the grant and Bomco's own continuing education programs. Under the grant, five new ISO auditors and a lead auditor, Carol Herrick, have been trained. In the mean-while, Arthur Hayford, Quality Control Inspector, also received training as a technician for a new metallurgical laboratory. Inspection operations of laser-machined parts that previously took two to three days in an outside lab now take only an hour. "This is typical," explains Quality Control Manager, Walter Fredrick, "of our policy to learn the latest technologies and train our people in their use." The entire department is also being trained to inspect and apply the QC symbol of major corporations to approved parts. The results of Bomco's training pro-gram speak for them-selves.
Clearly the goals of the Department of Employment and Training
and those of Bomco are being well met. With training available
to everyone at all levels, it is highly likely that the program
will continue to improve Bomco's work-force and productivity. |
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