How VAT Vakuumventile AG optimizes efficiency and transparency in production
In an exclusive interview, Urs Roduner, Tooling Technician at VAT, provides fascinating insights into his company's transformative journey with the use of Toolbase. VAT, a leading global manufacturer of vacuum valves, has made significant strides in production optimization through this innovative system.
Initial Situation: Challenge and Solution
VAT manufactures vacuum valves used in various fields such as the semiconductor industry, solar module production, LCD or OLED displays, research and laboratories, and industrial applications with vacuum. Urs Roduner, responsible for procurement and administration at one of the production sites, describes the initial challenges: "We wanted to improve the availability of items, restrict access to certain items, control withdrawals, and reduce inventory levels."
After carefully evaluating various systems, VAT chose Toolbase twelve years ago. "Ease of use, supplier independence, full admin access, and the possibility of self-management were decisive factors," says Roduner.
Implementation and Overcoming Hurdles
The implementation of Toolbase was not without challenges. "Acceptance for a closed system was initially low. Some employees had concerns about withdrawal monitoring and permissions, especially in the 3-shift operation," explains Roduner. However, through intensive training and clear processes, these concerns were alleviated.
VAT now uses Toolbase at all production sites, including Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania. "The systems cover all items for cutting tools, consumables, machine spare parts, measuring instruments, fixtures, and raw materials," explains Roduner.
Measurable Successes and Concrete Improvements
The introduction of Toolbase has led to impressive improvements at VAT. Roduner particularly highlights the "awareness creation": "This educational measure had a positive effect on the inventory situation from the beginning. We achieved significantly improved organization, ensured item availability, and avoided machine downtime."
Special Features and User Satisfaction
Particularly useful have been the blocking of certain items for users or user groups and the "who was the last withdrawer" function. The flexible interface configurator, which enables dynamic adjustments in the ERP system, is also a major advantage.
"The 24 Toolbase systems all run smoothly," says Roduner. Despite initial difficulties with customer service, support has significantly improved. VAT plans to equip all sites with Toolbase and manage them centrally.
Future Prospects and Recommendations
Roduner is optimistic about the future with Toolbase: "As VAT continuously expands its production facilities, we will need more Toolbase systems. I know of no other system that saves so much time and visualizes everything at the touch of a button."
He strongly recommends Toolbase to other companies in the industry due to time savings and improved efficiency: "Toolbase balances out the fact that statistically, only 28% of employees are proud of their profession and engaged, leading to less commitment to doing things right."
Specialization in the ATMS Server Module
A particular highlight is the use of the SERVER module from Toolbase. Urs Roduner emphasizes the advantages: "It reduces system setup and support, offers uniform settings and interfaces, and enables centralized administration and configuration of all systems. A backup across all systems significantly reduces data volume."
Despite initial difficulties integrating into the existing IT infrastructure, mainly due to high-security requirements, the SERVER module has proven extremely beneficial. It offers a central database, reduces maintenance efforts in the IT department, and significantly improves the flexibility and scalability of the systems.
Conclusion
The success story of VAT and Toolbase impressively demonstrates how implementing innovative systems can significantly increase efficiency, transparency, and productivity in production. Urs Roduner's insights and experiences underline the importance of well-thought-out system integration and the resulting benefits for companies of all sizes. Toolbase has proven to be an indispensable tool for VAT and will continue to play a central role in optimizing production processes.
This project was managed and implemented together with our partner HAM Switzerland.
