This case study is an illustrative scenario built from the kind of manufacturing operations work we do — not a specific named client. We’ll publish real, named client stories here as they go live.
Case Study
Discrete Manufacturer — Cut work order lead time by 30%
The Challenge
The Challenge
A discrete manufacturer was scheduling work orders on whiteboards and shared spreadsheets, with the shop floor and planning team working from different versions of the truth. Material shortages were discovered mid-run instead of during planning, and lead times were padded to compensate for the uncertainty.
The Solution
The Solution
We implemented NetSuite's manufacturing work order and routing functionality, connecting BOMs, work centers, and material availability into a single planning view. Automated alerts flag material shortfalls before a work order is released, and routing steps update in real time as production moves through the shop floor.
Results
The Results
Average work order lead time cut by 30%
Material shortages caught during planning instead of mid-production
Shop floor and planning team now work from one live schedule
"Padded lead times are usually planning teams compensating for bad visibility, not actual production limits. Give them real-time material and routing data and the padding comes out on its own."