Transparency and efficiency – Escarmat’s Model for Technical Collaboration

The customer is naturally an expert in their own field. However, the supplier’s expertise is equally important, and the best solutions are created when both parties bring their know-how to the same table.

According to Mika Lintunen, Plant Manager at the Vikby factory, and Jukka-Pekka Seppänen, Production Manager, engaging in early joint planning with the customer and evaluating component availability provide clearer project scope and improve schedule predictability.

Collaboration Strengthens Step by Step

Escarmat has for a long time been deepening its technical collaboration, especially with long-term partners, with the aim of streamlining project scheduling.

It is essential that the customer shares comprehensive information about the needs of their organization, and in return the supplier’s team supports the customer in understanding the possibilities their work can offer.

– Many of our customers have highly specialized products and demanding technical requirements. Over time, we have learned to understand their needs and expectations very well.

When collaboration matures into a true partnership, we can share our perspectives and engage in conversations about the bigger picture.

– For example, we were able to provide our opinion when one of our key customers updated their software, and we were able to request clarifications on drawings and documents whenever needed. The software update changed the technical layout quite significantly in some areas and introduced new ways of working: the drawing method was updated, and the system now, for instance, automatically generates wiring diagrams.

Weekly Development Meetings and Shared Platforms Streamline Processes

When shared platforms are in use, drawings and project documents flow seamlessly and information stays up to date. Weekly development meetings and open dialogue have also proven to be essential for ensuring that projects progress in line with customer expectations and Escarmat’s available resources.

Collaboration becomes concrete in the weekly meetings, which are attended by a representative from the customer’s design team and typically four experts from Escarmat: two from production, one from design, and one from sales to ensure smooth collaboration.

Greater Transparency and Smoother Technical Interaction

In some cases, collaboration has been further strengthened by adding a monthly review alongside the weekly development meetings, attended by a representative also from the customer’s procurement department. The meetings have been important for maintaining open communication.

– Even though we are in close contact with the customer by phone, Teams, and email, regular meetings ensure that we stay up to date and go through general matters. This also enables us to review development topics outside the ongoing projects together. Our shared goal is to find ways to streamline operations and clarify practices.

Material and Resource Management Supports Delivery Reliability

Material availability has improved, although occasional challenges may still arise. With key customers, it has been agreed that certain materials will be used and kept in stock at the company’s own premises. Escarmat maintains a standard range of specific enclosures, frames, and cables, with defined quantities and sizes.

If a material causes challenges, replacement components can be proposed. There is strong expertise in alternative, readily available, and cost-efficient solutions. In addition, the material selection has been clarified together with the customer, making choices easier and supporting product development.

On the resource side, a multi-skilled model is applied. Employees can be flexibly assigned and transferred between departments. There is also cross-skill capacity between the KT and Vikby factories, which helps in balancing resources.

In some projects, certain work phases are carried out both at Escarmat’s facilities and at the customer’s site. This is the case, for instance, in Ex projects, meaning projects involving potentially explosive atmospheres or otherwise demanding conditions.

– These projects typically involve the manufacturing of the control panel at Escarmat and cable installation work, part of which takes place at our facilities and part at the customer’s site. The mounting plates are assembled at our facilities, and at the customer’s site they are lifted into position and the cabling is completed.

Read also the article: Rittal: Collaboration with Escarmat is open and straightforward.