In heavy plate production, delivery performance is often seen as a result of production capacity. In practice, it depends also on how well logistics are organised after production.
Over the past months, we have redesigned part of our logistics for QUARD and QUEND, focusing on the flow of plates after heat treatment and before shipment. This evolution was driven by the sustained growth of QUARD and QUEND production, which required a more structured approach to maintain delivery performance. This stage is critical, as it directly impacts how quickly and how reliably orders can be prepared and dispatched.
The objective was to improve the way plates move through the final steps of the process. Several changes were introduced to make the flow more efficient.
Priorities are now defined on a daily basis, directly linked to shipment requirements, which ensures that the right plates are prepared at the right time. At the same time, coordination between production steps has been reinforced, reducing unnecessary waiting between operations. Shipment preparation has also been structured more clearly, with a stronger focus on readiness and sequencing. As a result, plates are not only available, but prepared in a way that supports efficient dispatch.
In parallel, stock is managed more actively throughout this stage of the process. Instead of accumulating, plates are kept moving, which contributes to a smoother and more predictable flow. These changes have led to measurable results.
This improvement is not linked to a single action, but to a more structured way of managing logistics. By reducing waiting time between steps and improving how plates are prioritised and prepared, the overall flow becomes more predictable.
For customers, the impact is straightforward. Orders are processed in a more consistent way, delivery times are easier to anticipate, and planning becomes more reliable.
These long-term improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance the overall customer experience, from delivery performance to the quality of QUARD and QUEND in use, and ultimately the satisfaction of end users. Looking ahead, this structured approach will allow us to support future projects with the same level of consistency, even as requirements and volumes evolve.