TC-S2DN, a new model of CNC Tapping Center
CNC Tapping Centers are main products manufactured by the Machine Tools Business. Many of our customers run these computer-controlled machine tools 24/7 to mass-produce automotive and other metal precision parts, and so any trouble during the nighttime would cause great inconvenience to customers. For example, a machine trouble could stop the production line for many hours until it can be repaired the next day, production schedules might be delayed, and defects might arise.
Many of these troubles can be prevented, however, by simple day-to-day maintenance by customers. Relatively minor troubles (such as loose contact of switches) can be handled by customers to minimize downtime.
As part of efforts to reduce the product returns and servicing rate, employees of the Machinery and Solution (M&S) Company (a division of Brother Industries, Ltd.) visit customers and dealers to give guidance on appropriate maintenance to help them prevent troubles and reduce downtime on their own. The M&S Company also handles inquiries from customers and invites requests for product improvements.
Explaining the key points of product maintenance at a customer's factory
In FY 2010, the M&S Company hosted "meetings with users" in Japan, and "meetings with dealers" in China, a major market for CNC Tapping Centers. In the meetings with users, employees visited customers, while the meetings with dealers targeted engineers in charge of maintenance services at dealers that sell CNC Tapping Centers. These meetings explained the major causes of troubles, key points of daily inspections, and major steps for restoring operations.
These meetings have helped many customers prevent troubles and reduce downtime, as well as provided opportunities to meet customers face to face and build mutual trust.
By continuing to improve these activities, the M&S Company will further reduce the product returns and servicing rate.
