Efficiency on track

A bespoke managed inventory solution from Brammer has helped deliver improved maintenance efficiencies and working capital reductions at Alstom's West Coast Traincare Centre at Wembley.

The depot, which maintains the Virgin fleet of 52 nine-coach Pendolino tilting trains, operates a 'pitstop' strategy, with maintenance jobs planned one or two days in advance. Brammer implemented its barcoded Managed Inventory Service to manage both range and stock levels for routine maintenance.

This is based on a 'two-bin flag system', with two containers of each component held lineside and a red flag automatically appearing when the first bin is emptied. Brammer representatives visit the site twice weekly - once to check stock levels and order new items, and once to check deliveries and decant the new stock into the bins.