| |
| |
| |
| Operations Research |
|
Operations Research (OR) is where project management and industrial engineering are derived from. Quality control is derived from statistics. Combining the two gives us process controls, TQM and "six sigma". Focusing on these concepts allows one to efficiently design processes, maximizing product for minimum cost. Losing OR focus will result in a inefficient operation. |
| |
| |
|
The main OR principles are to locate and eliminate gaps in a task, and to perform the task only once. Eliminating gaps refers to both time (lags or queues) and functionality (process and flow, encapsulated by the phrase "no more towmotors!"). Performing a task only once refers to the elimination of rework. These principles apply to both manufacturing and service industries. They should appear familiar to those who are aware of Schonberger's "World Class Manufacturing" philosophy, currently expounded as "lean manufacturing". In a perfect world one would be able to place a lump of coal and a beaker of water into a machine and expect toothbrushes to come out the other end. Since we are not there yet, one must break the processes into smaller steps. OR principles will allow one to design and layout the processes so that the desired product is fabricated using the fewest resources feasible, including time. |
| |
| |
|
The Artige Company is quite familiar with all of these concepts, and performs its own R&D in these areas. We are willing to pass on the results to our clients, so that they may enjoy increased profitability. For instance, we were able to help out a commercial printer by showing how one could calculate the exact minimum number of plate changes required for a print job, using the OR "Traveling Salesman" heuristic algorithm. We then wrote a desktop application applying the algorithm, along with what-if scenario modeling, to see what financial ramifications the distribution criteria were imposing on the cost of the job ("damn the torpedoes, rush the Chicago prints out now!"). We invite you to contact us with your most troublesome process, and see if we cannot make a difference for you and your business. |
| |
| |
| OR Concepts |
|
Click here for an article we wrote explaining the differences between "TQM; Quality Management; Kaizen / continuous improvement; ISO 9000; reengineering; change management / BPR; BPM; six sigma; lean manufacturing". Also shows how and why change management comes into play for process redesign as a secondary effect. |
| |
| |
| |
| IT Consulting |
|
For the past two decades the Artige Company has leveraged the use of computing equipment and related technologies to deploy the results of its operations research work. Information Technology (IT) gives us the management tools to facilitate automation, but more importantly, leverage the data that automation generates, to increase the knowledge a business has, which in turn will allow it to extract additional profits from the automation projects. |
| |
| |
|
Having acquired experience and knowledge in the IT arena, the Artige Company is also able to offer consulting to meet your information technology and computing needs. We specialize in re-engineering, both factory processes and IT systems. We can give old systems a new face by adding a browser based interface, allowing the old system to continue operating, or maybe even converting the entire application to a web server based one. |
| |
| |
|
Our strong suit is system integration, an offshoot from having to make many disparate devices and systems work together in our automation work. We also have a strong focus on security, both in the infrastructure of our clients, as well as the applications that we deliver. Last thing anyone wants is a phone call that your system was breached, so we strive to make sure all work we take on is developed as securely as is feasible. |
| |
| |
|
We accept all types of IT projects long or short. One of our most powerful capabilities is in technical problem solving and acting as a sounding board. It may be worth having us consult with you for just a few hours, in order to provide direction and save you time and money. Just recently we assisted a client in converting a TCP/IP sockets application so that it could operate over port 80 using HTTP protocols. We successfully executed that project by providing guidance through some preparatory work and a half-day meeting. The client was extremely happy with having to pay for only 8 hours, instead of the anticipated 160 hours of coding! Imagine what we could do for your technical problems! |
| |
| |
| |
|
In addition to creating and delivering automated systems, the Artige Company can also provide maintenance for the systems. Internet enable systems can be remotely monitored. Or if you wish, we can handle the remote hosting of the system, so you do not need to handle any aspects of the system hardware. Call us for your next IT project, and see for yourself. |
The Artige Company is actively seeking new clients! 
Legal