This Quebec sawmill, a pillar of its community for over 30 years, faced modern challenges: a lack of digitization was hindering its growth. Outdated processes and an incomplete bill of materials led to inefficiencies and costly downtime. Discover how our expert team implemented a comprehensive solution that optimized their master parts database, refined their nomenclature and implemented a cutting-edge CMMS system. Learn how we drove digital transformation and streamlined their operations, positioning the sawmill for continued success.
Case study | A sawmill with a longstanding legacy
How CB helped a Quebec sawmill drive digital maturity by optimizing inventory, streamlining maintenance and implementing a cutting-edge CMMS system
The Context
A pillar of its community for over 30 years, this sawmill with roots in Saint-Raymond, Quebec has always been committed to innovation, and keeping up with the evolving nature of the lumber sawing industry. This sawmill, while steeped in tradition, faced significant operational hurdles hindering its growth in an increasingly competitive market.
A lack of digitization created a traceability gap, preventing crucial data capture for effective analysis in maintenance and inventory management. Furthermore, the MRO parts database was riddled with duplicates and obsolete items, impacting efficiency and increasing the risk of unplanned downtime. Adding to these challenges, an incomplete bill of materials for parts and equipment hampered inventory management and procurement, leading to costly delays and inefficiencies. This complex situation left the company in need of external expertise to develop a comprehensive solution to modernize operations and pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.
The Solution
Seeking to innovate and optimize their operations, our team addressed the key challenges by focusing on three core areas:
Optimization of the Master Parts Database: Our comprehensive store audit identified
and cataloged 2,505 items. The subsequent process consisted of standardizing technical
specifications and part descriptions, implementing bilingual descriptions and grouping
manufacturers.
Improvement of Parts and Equipment Nomenclature (BOM): Our team undertook the
herculean task of extracting and cleaning 13,588 parts taken from technical drawings.
This process standardized descriptions, removed redundancies and consolidated
information from manufacturers, thereby refining the nomenclature.
CMMS Implementation: We spearheaded the adoption of Guide Ti, a first-class
computer-assisted maintenance management (CMMS) software, marking a turning point
towards digitalization. We enabled the import of parts and associated bills of materials,
revision of the equipment tree and the creation of work order templates.
Collaborating closely with the sawmill throughout the implementation phase, we combined our
expertise in MRO solutions with their operational knowledge. Our team led the effort,
contributing 85% of the skilled workforce, while the sawmill provided 15%-ensuring minimal
disruption to their daily operations as we achieved our shared project objectives.
The Result
Our comprehensive solution ushered in a new era of operational efficiency and digital maturity
for the sawmill.
Improved Data Accuracy: Our solution optimized the master parts database by removing 340 duplicates and hundreds of obsolete parts, enhancing operational
efficiency.
- Streamlined Operations: The refined nomenclature accurately reflects inventory needs, which has led to smoother supply and maintenance processes.
Digital Transformation: We facilitated a seamless transition to a digital and traceable maintenance management system. The sawmill’s revamped parts database and computerized work orders have enhanced maintenance processes, making parts
sourcing and inventory management more efficient.
Overall, CB has helped the sawmill significantly reduce unplanned downtime and has promoted
a culture of proactive and predictive maintenance. Additionally, data-driven assessments now guide strategic decision-making, strengthening their position in the sawmill industry.
The company’s journey to digital maturity sets a new standard in the sawmill industry,
highlighting the importance of adopting technology and strategic planning to address
operational challenges and improve competitiveness. This case study sets a powerful example
for others in the industry, demonstrating the transformative impact of digital innovation on
operational excellence and market positioning.
