Aberdeen-based sub-contract precision engineering specialist
CRH Machining Ltd has significantly enhanced its traceability and ISO 9001:2015 compliance since implementing
PSL Datatrack’s modular production control software.
Founded in 2013, CRH predominantly serves the oil and gas sector – a highly demanding industry where component traceability and quality assurance are paramount. Specialising in the manufacture of small-to-medium batch sizes, CRH produces one-offs through to repeat production runs, all requiring rigorous process control and documentation.
CRH owner Craig Hall said: “Our customers expect full traceability, and with PSL Datatrack, we can now track every job from initial quotation through to final invoice. The flexible software, automatically generated documentation and integrated traceability have all greatly helped us in meeting ISO 9001 standards.”
Before investing in PSL Datatrack, quotations took longer to prepare. Xero was used to present quotations and invoices and all other sales and purchase order processing functions were managed via a combination of Microsoft Word, Excel and folders. As the business grew, this method quickly became unmanageable. Mr Hall explained: “We were spending too much time typing the same information into multiple places. It was a lot of repetitive administration, and trying to keep track of everything became difficult. We knew we needed to invest in a production control system to streamline how we worked.”
Right investmentThe turning point came when CRH discovered PSL Datatrack through social media and online testimonial videos. After an informative and pressure-free sales process, the company selected a tailored suite of modules to meet its immediate needs – with the flexibility to scale the system over time. Mr Hall continued: “PSL Datatrack is designed for companies like ours. It addressed our traceability and ISO 9001 challenges from day one and gave us confidence that we were making the right investment.”
Furthermore, the remote implementation and training process was a smooth experience for CRH. Delivered in manageable, bite-sized chunks, training enabled the team to apply their learning between sessions without disrupting the day-to-day running of the business. Today, the software is used across the entire company – from administration and accounts to the shopfloor.
One of the most valuable additions has been a PSL Datatrack ‘Status Board’, which provides a live overview of current orders. Mr Hall added: “Our shopfloor team can walk in, consult the screen, check their next job and just get on with it. It is such a powerful tool for helping us adapt to customer requirements quickly.”
The system has also transformed the way CRH handles quotations which are now much faster to produce and and easier to generate. Mr Hall confirmed: “PSL Datatrack’s ‘Quotations’ module ensures we consider all costs – process, material, tooling, sub-contract work – which helps improve both the profitability and professionalism of our proposals.”
Fully traceableCRH has recently utilised PSL Datatrack’s ‘Gauge Calibration’ module to further support its quality control processes. Mr Hall said: “This data helps massively with ISO 9001 – everything is up-to-date and fully traceable. We are now planning further training with PSL Datatrack to explore the module’s full capabilities.”
With a modern machining set-up which includes the latest CNC turning and milling machines, Wire EDM and an automated cell featuring a RoboJob arm and bar feeder, CRH continues to invest in the latest technology to stay competitive. This is supported by PSL Datatrack which has played a vital role in tying this investment together through smarter production management.
Mr Hall concluded: “PSL Datatrack has totally helped us, as a fairly small company, to centralise our information. It has removed one of our biggest operational headaches and made us more efficient, more compliant and better equipped to grow. The support is fantastic too – we know we can always get help when we need it, and the system evolves with us.”