AMS adopts FourJaw technology for streamlined and sustainable aluminium extrusion output

As a well-acknowledged manufacturer of aluminium extrusion and façade systems, Architectural and Metal Systems (AMS) stands as a testimony to innovation and progress. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Cork, Ireland, AMS has been diligently pioneering advancements within the industry. Recently, AMS embarked on a transformative journey, integrating cutting-edge machine monitoring technology from FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics into its operations, heralding a new era of efficiency and sustainability.

With a keen eye on enhancing production visibility and streamlining operational processes, AMS embraced FourJaw's plug-and-play machine monitoring system in December 2023. This strategic move aimed to not only gauge machine utilisation but also support the implementation of shift-based working patterns, a testament to AMS's commitment to delivering excellence within short lead times, sans overtime.

Real-time insights: A catalyst for progress

The integration of FourJaw's platform yielded immediate results, furnishing AMS with real-time data on machine utilisation. Armed with this invaluable insight, AMS embarked on a journey of optimisation, identifying areas ripe for process enhancement and cost reduction. Through improved communication channels and data-driven interventions, AMS slashed downtime by an average of 20 minutes per shift, propelling machine utilisation levels to an impressive 52.9% within a mere three months.

Toward a brighter future: The promise of FourJaw

The Continuous Improvement Manager at AMS, Chris Ryan, commented: "FourJaw was an easy investment to make and a giant leap forward in our digitisation journey. It has been adopted as part of the culture of our organisation, improving efficiency and communication and providing objective data to inform production schedules, operational improvements and machine investment strategies."

"We have achieved significant financial, productivity and sustainability gains with FourJaw, and expect to make further improvements as we progress," he added.

The CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, Chris Iveson, stated: "AMS has hit the ground running with FourJaw as the cornerstone of its smart factory initiatives. The insights gained and improvements made by the team in the first three months are excellent."

"As AMS has demonstrated, the beauty of FourJaw is that manufacturers can start small, make improvements in one area, and then scale those gains factory-wide. I'm excited to see what more AMS will achieve with FourJaw," Iveson concluded.

Sustainable strategies: Redefining the manufacturing landscape

Beyond operational enhancements, AMS leveraged FourJaw's data analytics prowess to curate sustainable strategies. By analysing energy consumption patterns, AMS unearthed opportunities to reduce energy expenditure by €8,000 annually on select machines. Furthermore, by rectifying energy wastage due to improper isolation procedures, AMS unlocked additional savings worth €12,000 per annum, a testament to its unwavering dedication to sustainability.

If you are eager to learn more about the international aluminium circuit, please have a look at AL Circle's report, The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2030.