Martell, the iconic French cognac house with a legacy spanning over three centuries, is the epitome of refinement and excellence in spirits. Founded in 1715, Martell’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail has earned its place as a global symbol of luxury and sophistication.
In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer goods production, Martell faced the challenge of maintaining its reputation while improving its operational efficiency. With a complex process spanning from vineyard to glass, including the meticulous aging of eau de vie (EDV) in oak barrels, Martell needed a solution to streamline its particularly intricate scheduling and planning processes.
Martell’s were struggling with several areas of their operations:
Year-round work planning: Coordinating the diverse activities of its teams throughout the year posed a significant logistical challenge for Martell. From grape harvests to barrel maintenance, ensuring a seamless workflow was essential to maintaining efficiency and meeting production targets.
The challenges faced by Martel
Barrel logistics: Managing the influx and outflow of barrels across multiple storage sites required meticulous planning. Martell needed a solution to streamline barrel movements and ensure timely access for assembly.
Scheduling efficiency: The journey from barrel to shelf involves a series of intricate processes, each requiring precise timing and coordination. Martell sought to streamline its scheduling procedures to minimise idle time, reduce transportation costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Implementing SIMATIC IT Preactor APS
Historically, Martell relied on Microsoft Excel for scheduling and planning. However, recognising the limitations of manual processes, Lydia Bardeau, Planning Manager at EDV Martell, spearheaded the adoption of SIMATIC IT Preactor APS (now part of Opcenter APS). This advanced software offered a comprehensive solution to Martell’s complex scheduling requirements.
On transferring to SIMATIC IT Preactor APS Lydia said:
“There was no resistance to changing from Excel to SIMATIC IT Preactor APS because we wanted to set up a simple approach, step-by-step, without trying to automate everything from the beginning. The site managers appreciate the automatic reports SIMATIC IT Preactor APS generates. It is a distinct advantage over Excel.”
The implementation of SIMATIC IT Preactor APS followed a structured four-step process:
Data integration: Seamless integration with Martell’s existing IT systems ensured accurate and real-time data transfer, minimising errors and streamlining operations.
Master planning: Weekly schedules were generated for each team across Martell’s three sites, providing clear directives and helping to improve resource allocation.
Transportation planning: Automated streamlining of tank filling and route planning minimised travel time and enhanced resource use.
Activity sequencing: Detailed schedules were created based on activity types, resources, and site-specific requirements, ensuring efficient execution of tasks.
What were the results and benefits?
The adoption of SIMATIC IT Preactor APS led to significant benefits for Martell, including:
Time savings: A 20% reduction in planning time and a 30% decrease in tank-filling time translated into increased operational efficiency.
On-time deliveries: Martell achieved a remarkable improvement in on-time deliveries, reducing late deliveries from 5% to zero, which enhanced customer satisfaction.
Productivity increase: With improved visibility and better organisation, Martell witnessed a 12% increase in team productivity, leading to enhanced throughput and cost savings.
Inspired by Martell and ready to improve your own processes? Talk to us today to find out how we can help.
