Seamless operations in high-voltage is key to success

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Seamless operations in high-voltage is key to success 

The world of high-voltage equipment manufacturing is a complex interplay of technology precision, and global collaboration. To coordinate and deliver the wide range of products that meet the stringent demands of the industry, seamless operations are paramount. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of operations in high-voltage manufacturing facilities, understanding all the different skills required and how the numerous talents drive business performance, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability. By the end, I hope you have a deeper understanding of high-voltage operations.

Discover more about operational efficiency in the latest episode of the Power Pulse podcast: Unlocking the secret to seamless high-voltage operations.

The foundation of seamless operations

At the heart of operations lies a deep understanding of customers’ needs and a robust operational framework. Translating customer demand into actionable plans involves not just enquiring into their current needs, but also anticipating future requirements. This involves a meticulous analysis of both explicit and implicit customer requirements and incorporating them into a comprehensive and operational planning process.

Efficient operations management ensures that the products being manufactured meet the highest international standards of quality and performance while optimizing resource allocation, scheduling, capacity planning, and workforce. Operations management encompasses a wide range of responsibilities and activities, including:

• management of production processes;
• optimization of production schedules;
• maintenance of production equipment and machinery;
• coordination of supply chain activities;
• management of inventory levels; and
• supervision of quality control procedures.

Operations underpin business performance by optimizing resource utilization, reducing costs, and improving overall productivity. Moreover, customer satisfaction hinges on the consistent delivery of high-quality products, which is directly influenced by the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. At Hitachi Energy, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software serves as the backbone of these operations, integrating planning, manufacturing, quality control, finance and delivery into a unified platform.

Beyond processes and tools, operations is all about the people. Multiple skills and tons of experience create efficiency while ensuring safety and a sustainable work environment. It is just stunning to see the power and energy when bringing people from different backgrounds, with different experiences together. The best ideas are generated when we all work together to improve the outcome of operations. 

The cornerstones of operational excellence

Let’s dive a little deeper into the fundamentals of effective operations management within the company:

• A global network of expertise
  

At Hitachi Energy, high-voltage equipment manufacturing is a global endeavour, requiring a network of specialized facilities. Our unique global operating model incorporates geographically distributed feeder factories that focus on producing standardized modules, and final assembly factories located close to delivery sites that customize these modules to meet specific customer requirements. The company’s focus on cultivating a world-class workforce in its feeder factories is a testament to its commitment to quality and operational excellence. The global operating model enables scalability and flexibility of the value chain in manufacturing and engineering, leverages our global footprint and the strengths of different locations, ensures economies of scale and optimizes utilization of resources and expertise.

Tune in to the latest Power Pulse podcast episode, where I walk through the key concepts and principles of operations management in manufacturing high-voltage equipment.

• Process improvement

The operations function is continually striving to improve the production process to increase efficiency and reduce costs. We do this by adopting new technologies, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and using flexible production systems that can quickly adapt to changes in demand.

We firmly believe that successful operations depend on effective collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders. This means that we listen to our customers, suppliers, and employees to drive continuous improvement. A culture of innovation and learning is fostered by encouraging diverse perspectives, embracing new ideas, and understanding that not everything will work out as expected. Failure is an important part of our success.

• Quality control

We as an organization take safety, integrity, and quality as our license to operate and part of our DNA. Quality is a critical component of operations management in high-voltage equipment manufacturing, as our success as a company is based on the quality and reliability of our products and services. Quality control involves the implementation of quality monitoring procedures, solid processes, and an integrated quality management system such as the Digital Passport System (DPS) which allows full traceability throughout the entire value chain.

• Supply chain management

The high-voltage supply chain is a complex network that involves numerous stakeholders. High-voltage products are manufactured using thousands of individual components made of specialized material with specific properties to withstand high-voltage and current. Managing this geographically dispersed high-voltage supply chain requires meticulous planning and coordination. Hitachi Energy addresses this challenge by building strong supplier relationships and keeping communication channels open to stay connected with suppliers around the world to ensure that parts and components are available when they are needed, and to minimize delays and disruptions to the production process.

• Safety and sustainability

Safety is non-negotiable in our high-voltage manufacturing operations. It remains paramount throughout the entire high-voltage operational processes. Hitachi Energy implements rigorous safety standards from the initial design phase all the way through to production and customer service. We believe in a culture of safety, where every employee prioritizes their well-being and that of their colleagues. Detailed work standards and continuous improvement initiatives protect employees and enhance operational efficiency. 

Sustainability is another key focus area. Recognizing that the energy landscape is in transition and the shift is accelerating, Hitachi Energy’s operations focus on sustainability is crucial for growth and long-term success. As the pioneering technology leader, Hitachi Energy collaborates with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s generations and those to come. Our commitment to reducing its environmental impact is evident in initiatives such as the adoption of cardboard packaging, the use of electric forklifts, and the exploration of renewable energy sources, and the sourcing of 100% fossil-free electricity for our operations wherever possible. This aligns with the growing industry-wide emphasis on sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Mastering efficient and seamless operations in high-voltage manufacturing requires a holistic approach that encompasses customer focus, operational excellence, safety, sustainability, and collaboration. Hitachi Energy’s model with its emphasis on global expertise, standardized modules, and a strong safety culture, offers valuable insights into best practices in the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, prioritizing these elements ensures that we are well-positioned to deliver exceptional value to our customers.

Sustainability will remain a key driver, with manufacturers seeking eco-efficient alternatives, reducing waste, and exploring lower-carbon manufacturing processes. Collaboration across the industry will also be crucial, fostering knowledge sharing and accelerating advancements in high-voltage technology for a sustainable future.

Hitachi Energy’s approach highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in achieving success in this demanding field.

Connect with our experts to discuss how Hitachi Energy can support your high-voltage needs.