AESSEAL optimise data control by 75% and improve product quality

AESSEAL Plc is a business founded on expertise that focuses on preventing liquids and gases from escaping into the environment. Millions of permutations can be assembled from stock and despatched within 24 hours, and a database founded on decades of experience speeds the development of non-standard products. AESSEAL now supplies customers in 104 countries. Stuart Welsh, Head of IT, explains.

"Our reputation is built on customer service and our speed of response, yet we have gained customers who are far from our original base in the UK. Shipping time has become our biggest business challenge. In order to continually improve our customer service, the business recognised that we needed to create a global design and engineering team, supported by local manufacturing capability."

Integrating Teamcenter with AESSEAL's various business solutions, including CRM, MES, and ERP technology, was a crucial aspect of their implementation project. During data migrations, practical issues surfaced, such as the sequencing of actions and specialist team notifications. For instance, design information was typically stamped and published as the final step in development. However, if substantial additional data arrived from the customer — such as specific details about the pumped liquid — a revision control had to be issued.

Teamcenter now acts as the gateway for CAD and CAM, with all relevant production data automatically flowing into the enterprise business system upon release. Multiple integration points between Teamcenter and other systems streamline processes. When a design is released, it receives a unique part number, automatically generating stock records and bills of materials (BOMs). Moreover, the "as designed" BOM includes supplementary data such as marketing documents with schematics.

Welsh highlights the impact: "The handover from engineering to commercial departments is now faster, simpler, and less error-prone. Previously, we had to manually enter part numbers and descriptions into our ERP system, but now these details are generated automatically. Manual processes have been reduced by 75%, resulting in reliable and consistent data, especially in terminology, part categorisation, and posting information to accounts."

Newton adds: "CRM integration with Teamcenter means complete customer details are linked to design information. We're already seeing the benefits. Everyone has a comprehensive view, enabling faster decision-making with accurate information. This will enhance development quality and efficiency, particularly for multi-site projects where teams in different locations can check and review each other's work."