Feeding on success

Hydrafeed’s barfeed systems are usually sold as a package with new CNC turning centres or directly to companies looking to increase production capacity. Engineering subcontracting work  is provided to a diverse range of companies in different  industries. When current Owner Martyn Page, took control of the company in 2012, he recognised that a major overhaul of Hydrafeed’s  production administration procedures was needed.

PSL Datatrack software fitted in well with Hydrafeed's business model as it is designed for small to medium sized engineering companies. The focus was initially on the subcontracting business and  the software was rolled out to the manufacture and assembly of the barfeeders. It helps to avoid unnecessary overproduction, reduces administration, records and values, the actual time taken for manufacture and creates a history of when parts are made, on which machine and by which person. 

Major improvements have resulted in the speed of order placing, raising enquiries, material allocations, traceability and the generation of certificates, vital to ISO and aerospace requirements. The history of materials used has led to improved reporting for supply monitoring, more accurate stock records and enables the company to give better information to suppliers when negotiating prices. Furthermore, when an order is repeated all the historical data is available, saving further on administration time and effort. 

"PSL Datatrack is making Hydrafeed more efficient, competitive and professional, "says Martyn Page. " We are in a position to win more engineering sub-contract work and continue to expand our barfeed operation, confident in the knowledge that PSL Datatrack will allow us to cope as it can be adapted easily to new requirements.”