In brief
Steelhead Technologies says its Certification Scanner Line digitizes parts of Nadcap certification management for metal-finishing shops. The system is intended to capture production data, flag deviations and reduce reliance on manual paperwork, according to the company. Steelhead says the feature was tested in a pilot with Anchor Bay Powder Coating and has since been made available to partners across North America, with an option to deploy scanners for Nadcap data tracking. The release cites a 2020 Nadcap survey in which 30% of aerospace suppliers reported limitations in manual record-keeping, as well as a 2021 Deloitte study reporting fewer data-related errors among companies using digital technologies. It also references a Boston Consulting Group finding on revenue growth and automation. Steelhead presents faster processing, improved data quality and lower costs as potential benefits for participating shops.
Key takeaways
- Steelhead says its Certification Scanner Line digitizes aspects of Nadcap certification management.
- Anchor Bay Powder Coating participated in the pilot program, according to the release.
- The company says the feature is available to partners across North America, with an optional scanner deployment.
- The release cites survey and research findings about manual data limitations, digital errors and automation.
United States, October 21, 2023 -- Steelhead Technologies, a pioneer in metal finishing job shop software, is proud to announce a groundbreaking leap in modernizing the Nadcap certification management process. With a rich history of innovation, Steelhead is spearheading the transformation of this traditionally paper-based and error-prone sector by introducing state-of-the-art digital systems and intelligent automation through its Certification Scanner Line. These advancements are set to enhance data accuracy, industry compliance, and the overall quality and safety standards of the aerospace sector, while dramatically reducing costs for metal finishing shops.
Rising Above Manual Processes and Margins of Error
The Nadcap industry has historically grappled with labor-intensive, error-prone paper-based systems that often leave room for costly inaccuracies. A 2020 Nadcap survey found that 30% of aerospace suppliers admitted to the limitations of manual data entry and record-keeping processes. Even though seldom spoken aloud, practices like "pencil whipping" and falsified data have been persistent issues, casting shadows over industry compliance and quality assurance.
“Our paper travelers have plenty of pencil whipping,” explained one Nadcap-certified job shop. “The way it is run with heavy manual intervention requires substantial data manipulation,” he explained as he adjusted an unintentionally extended soak time into the Nadcap parameters. “We are looking forward to automating all of this, with timers and alerts in a digital system to meet the standards set by Nadcap and improve our overall quality.”
Steelhead's Technological Revolution
Steelhead, with a firm commitment to enhancing industry standards, is leading the charge in the digital transformation of Nadcap compliance. The innovative technology is poised to eliminate the errors, inefficiencies, and vulnerabilities that have plagued the industry for far too long. With a digitized plant management platform, gone are the days of preparing paperwork for pre-audits that are seldom analyzed. No more hiring multiple people to own this process internally.
Everything is done at the click of a button with a user-friendly, integrated system. “Certifications are literally just button clicking now,” explained Sam Pugliese, General Manager at Anchor Bay Powder Coating. “It [Steelhead] streamlines everything so, so fast.” Anchor Bay Powder Coating was a part of the Steelhead certification management pilot program, benefiting from the system within hours. Steelhead has since rolled this feature out to all partners across North America with the option to deploy the scanner line to track Nadcap data.
Data Accuracy and Compliance Effortlessly Achieved
According to a 2021 Deloitte study, companies embracing digital technologies in aerospace and defense manufacturing have witnessed a staggering 40% reduction in data-related errors. Steelhead's Nadcap Scanner not only streamlines data entry but also employs advanced algorithms and machine learning to ensure impeccable data accuracy. The systems are designed to flag anomalies and deviations from industry standards, thus enhancing compliance without human intervention.
A Competitive Edge for the Aerospace Industry
Early adopters of Steelhead's revolutionary technology gain a competitive edge in the aerospace sector. The Boston Consulting Group reports that companies embracing automation experience 2.5 times more revenue growth than their counterparts. With Steelhead's Certification Scanner Line, Nadcap-accredited businesses can offer faster turnaround times, higher quality, lower costs, and greater flexibility in quoting jobs. This translates into attracting more customers and retaining existing ones, as demonstrated by the remarkable success stories.
About Steelhead Technologies
Steelhead Technologies is a pioneering force in the manufacturing ERP industry, offering cutting-edge solutions that empower metal finishing and heat treat job shops to thrive in today's competitive landscape. With a commitment to innovation and excellence around data and automation, Steelhead Technologies is revolutionizing how manufacturers operate, streamline their processes, and achieve greater efficiency. For more information visit gosteelhead.com.
Contact Info:
Name: Chantel Soumis
Email: Send Email
Organization: Steelhead Technologies
Website: https://gosteelhead.com
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Questions around this news
What is Nadcap certification?
Nadcap is an industry-managed accreditation program for special processes used in aerospace and other sectors. It assesses whether suppliers meet requirements for processes such as heat treating, chemical processing, and materials testing. Accreditation is intended to give customers a consistent way to evaluate suppliers’ process controls and quality practices.
How does Steelhead’s digital certification management system work?
The release describes a digital plant-management platform and a Certification Scanner Line that can capture Nadcap-related production data. Its systems use algorithms and machine learning to flag anomalies or departures from standards. The release says the tools are intended to reduce manual recordkeeping and support certification management, with timers and alerts also discussed as ways to limit errors.
Which businesses took part in Steelhead’s certification management pilot?
Anchor Bay Powder Coating participated in the pilot program and, according to the release, began using the system within hours. Steelhead later made the feature available to partners across North America, with the scanner line offered as an option for tracking Nadcap data.
What does “pencil whipping” mean in manufacturing records?
“Pencil whipping” is an informal term for filling out inspection or production records carelessly or inaccurately, sometimes without completing the checks the records are supposed to document. In regulated manufacturing, unreliable records can make it difficult to verify that work followed required procedures and that quality controls were applied.
