Photocentric transforms production planning with Delfoi Planner
Photocentric Ltd., an innovative manufacturer specializing in photopolymers, has successfully revolutionized its production processes with Delfoi Planner for NetSuite. Initially focused on manufacturing photopolymer and making clear stamps for the craft industry from it, Photocentric has expanded its expertise to include 3D resins for 3D printing and the manufacture of 3D printers and printed parts from them. By transitioning from spreadsheet-based scheduling to Delfoi Planner’s advanced production planning solution, Photocentric has achieved unprecedented levels of efficiency, visibility and operational excellence.
Output for a key product line increased by 50%
The visual scheduling helped identify inefficiencies
Real-time data substantially reduced late shipments
Reporting saved approximately 400 hours annually
From spreadsheets to streamlined scheduling
Before implementing Delfoi Planner with Oracle NetSuite, Photocentric faced several production planning challenges common in manufacturing environments. The company relied heavily on spreadsheets for scheduling, which led to inefficiencies and limited visibility across production processes. Delays in production schedules were frequent, and late orders became a recurring issue. Additionally, there was a high administrative overhead for work allocation and reporting tasks, which consumed valuable time and resources.
Recognizing the need for a more integrated and digitalized approach, Photocentric aimed to align its production practices with its broader goal of becoming a fully digital manufacturer. As part of this transformation, they sought a scheduling solution that could seamlessly integrate with NetSuite, eliminating manual processes and enhancing operational efficiency.
Optimizing production processes with Delfoi Planner
Photocentric evaluated several scheduling solutions, including bespoke systems and NetSuite’s native scheduling tool. Delfoi Planner SuiteApp emerged as the preferred choice due to its robust features and seamless integration capabilities. The decision to choose Delfoi Planner was also influenced by its advanced functionalities and the expertise demonstrated by Delfoi’s team.
Photocentric’s production processes vary widely, from large-scale resin mixing to high volume orders for stamps and complex assembly lines for 3D printers. Delfoi Planner’s flexibility allowed it to accommodate these diverse requirements. Whether managing high-volume small orders or lengthy, single-batch processes, the software adapted seamlessly, providing efficient scheduling and improved workflow management across all production lines.
“We chose Delfoi Planner because it combined all the features we needed with seamless integration to Oracle NetSuite, at a competitive price. The team’s expertise and the software’s ability to handle our diverse production needs made it a clear choice. From the first demonstration, we could see how Delfoi Planner would transform our production planning and drive efficiency across the board”, says Peter Butler, IT Systems Manager at Photocentric.
Unlocking efficiency and visibility with measurable results
Photocentric has experienced significant operational benefits since adopting Delfoi Planner. Output for a key product line increased by 50%, growing from 6,000-8,000 units per week to 12,000 units, as visual scheduling helped identify inefficiencies in machine setups and operator allocation, enabling better resource utilization. Real-time data has substantially reduced late shipments, while automated order tracking and reporting have saved approximately 400 hours annually in administrative tasks.
The implementation of Delfoi Planner MES dashboards has eliminated the need for daily production meetings, providing instant visibility into schedules. Additionally, operators now work with clear prioritized task lists, reducing uncertainty and streamlining workflows for greater efficiency.
“The visual charts helped us spot wasted time in setup. Before, operators had to anticipate when to start orders, which often led to delays. Now, Delfoi Planner provides definitive start and end dates, helping us adapt quickly. Previously, completing work orders in Oracle NetSuite was time-consuming. Now, the Delfoi Planner MES screen handles it seamlessly. We now have instant visibility into production schedules. Anyone can check the dashboard to see what’s going on. The Delfoi Planner MES system has removed any guesswork from the production floor. It’s a lot easier for the team to plan their days”, summarizes Peter Butler.
Leveraging Delfoi Planner for innovation and efficiency
Delfoi Planner has been instrumental in Photocentric’s journey toward becoming a fully digital manufacturer. As Photocentric continues to expand its use of Delfoi Planner, the company remains committed to achieving greater efficiencies and maintaining its position as a leader in photopolymer technology.
Photocentric is preparing to roll out Delfoi Planner to its US subsidiary in early 2025. Additionally, the company plans to leverage the data collected by Delfoi Planner to refine KPIs, analyze product profitability and drive continuous improvement. By utilizing precise labor and production data, Photocentric aims to optimize processes, reduce costs and enhance decision-making.
“We highly recommend Delfoi Planner for any manufacturer seeking to transform their production planning. Delfoi’s passion, expertise and innovative solutions make them a great partner”, Peter Butler concludes.
"We chose Delfoi Planner because it combined all the features we needed with seamless integration to Oracle NetSuite, at a competitive price."
– IT Systems Manager Peter Butler, Photocentric