Outsourcing of a patented, complex assembly for the watch industry
Ciposa was looking for a reliable partner who could manufacture an assembly unit with mechanical and electrical components for the watch industry. By outsourcing, Ciposa wants to create more time and capacity for its upcoming challenges. The close dialogue and years of practical experience of the employees are crucial to the success of this project.
Specialising in micro-assembly, Ciposa has been developing and building flexible and modular equipment for the assembly and testing of very small components that require high precision and technology since 1966.
Initial situation/Challenges for the customer
Demand in the production of the micro-assembly company Ciposa is increasing and Ciposa therefore wants to increase the capacity of its own technicians. Ciposa was looking for a reliable partner who could manufacture a patented assembly unit with mechanical and electrical components for the watch industry. The patented assembly unit is installed on the watchmakers' workbenches for quality control of the watches. By outsourcing this complex assembly unit, Ciposa wants to create more time and capacity for upcoming challenges.
With just one partner, the effort involved in procuring and installing this assembly is much simpler.
Solution
As an external service provider, TRI-MATIC is responsible for the procurement, assembly and coordination of this patented, complex assembly unit. Initially, two technicians from Ciposa trained our employees in our workshop in Hünenberg on how to build the unit. The close proximity of the two sides meant that concerns could be discussed quickly on site. The close cooperation, close dialogue and years of practical experience of the technicians are crucial to the success of this project.
TRI-MATIC now has the mechanical components and sheet metal manufactured according to drawings by its own suppliers. The previously required high level of quality is to be maintained. This will enable TRI-MATIC to reduce the workload for Ciposa and its partners. TRI-MATIC created a dozen new suppliers in order to procure the parts required in the parts list. 250 new part numbers were created in the system.
The aesthetic aspect is a very important point for the end customer. The quality of the unit's paintwork was a major challenge in order to fulfil the customer's specific requirements in terms of product design and aesthetics.
Results
We were able to deliver the first assembly units in the quality required by Ciposa within a short space of time. For Ciposa's project manager, Clément Pernot, one thing is certain: "With just one supplier and contact person, the work involved in procuring and assembling this module is much easier for us. And theicing on the cake is the personal delivery by car. We value this customer service. TRI-MATIC ensures that the units are not damaged during transport. That puts the finishing touches to this collaboration and makes it excellent."
In general, the basis for this successful partnership is the personal and sincere relationship. Personal appreciation and authenticity are almost the Holy Grail in customer service. Our actions and behaviour are very trusting, which is the breeding ground for many ideas. This gives Ciposa more time and capacity for its core competences and for complex projects with its technicians.
Products used
- Production of sheet metal according to drawing
- Mechanically machined parts according to drawing
- Pneumatic material (connector, hose cylinder)
- Electrical material (microcontroller, sensor, wiring, connector plug)
- Miniature electric motor