How Augustine Plastics Meets Soaring Demand For Respiratory Equipment
Recently, Augustine Plastics, Inc. (API), a world-class custom injection molder in Somerset, PA, has dedicated much of its capability and capacity to the manufacturing of components used in nebulizers, oxygen therapy equipment, and suction units for the treatment of patients infected with COVID-19. These items are normal, everyday components for API, but the demand for therapeutic respiratory products has increased significantly. With expedited demand of these components, managing increased production and resources has been a top priority. API utilizes DELMIAworks manufacturing ERP software to plan and manage the production of its medical components critical to the breathing equipment used in lung treatment.
Real-Time Monitoring Accelerates Respiratory Equipment Production
“Augustine Plastics is considered a life-sustaining business because we manufacture critical medical components primarily used for respiratory therapy equipment,” says James Brown, President / CEO. “The production of essential medical devices is vital to fight the conditions caused by the coronavirus. The business decisions revolving around the virus are ever-changing, and as we remain open and fully functional, we are making every reasonable effort to follow CDC and local guidelines with respect to social distancing and other mitigation measures.”
According to Mike Goetz, Senior Engineering Programs Manager, “DELMIAworks, has been an invaluable tool when it comes to planning/scheduling. We are constantly communicating with customers, making schedule adjustments, looking at material exceptions, and labor capacity to make daily decisions. Real-Time, a module of DELMIAworks, has been an exceptional tool assisting in reviewing production data and making the necessary adjustments for improved efficiencies. API is continuing to work significant overtime and has increased our labor force by as much as 40% in a very short period of time. The impact of COVID-19 has significantly increased the demand for these medical components and we are continuously adjusting our production schedules to meet these critical demands”.
Conclusion
James Brown shared “The word unprecedented seems to be used in every other sentence these days, and we greatly appreciate the patience and understanding our customers have while working with us through these times. The best way we can manage our customer requirements is through regular, open, and constant communication. DELMIAWorks (formerly IQMS) provides the RealTime data to be able to communicate pertinent information daily.”