The Pilot Running

We had arranged with the plant manager to call him every morning for the next couple of days and then every other day during the pilot. He had arranged to include a daily review in his morning meeting with his team. This is as important for the customer as it is for us, the supplier. It ensures that there is constant focus on the project and that any issues are brought to someone's attention before it is too late and damages the project.

One the first day everything was reported to be running smoothly with no issues. Data was being recorded using the new system and nothing untoward was reported to the plant manager.

Day 2. The plant manager was off today, but no issues reported by the supervisors.

Day 3. A problem was reported with one of the units not having enough charge in it to keep it going all day. We suggested that they move the charging units closer to the factory floor and that they were cradled during break and lunch time to top up the charge.

Day 7. Problem reported that one of the batteries was not keeping it's charge. We had not provided spare batteries as this problem had never occurred before but made a note to do so on any future projects. New batteries were ordered from our supplier but they are going to take several days to get there. Not too much of an issue at the plant as they are still managing.

Day 10. Plant manager reported that the other unit (the one without the dodgy battery) was not charging. On investigation, this turned out to be a training issue in making sure the handheld unit was correctly seated in the charging unit. Problem solved.

Day 11. New batteries arrived on site and were installed. Problem with batteries solved. Hopefully this was not too much disruption.

Day 12. Plant manager is happy with the whole pilot. Everything working as expected. One report needs the margins adjusting as it is throwing a blank page for every page printed. Also, he would like to create some new reports. I have arranged to go through this with him over the phone on Monday 24th November.

The tale continues.....