PERKINS GOES LIVE WITH POWERLINK • Manufacturing customers of Perkins
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Engines are starting to benefit from a computer-based communications system which the Peterborough company has just put on stream.
The system, called Powerlink, is designed to facilitate a faster, more flexible response to engine orders and for closer liaison with customers. Table-top visual display units and printers are now being installed at their premises to enable them to be included in the electronic mailing system.
Among the first companies to benefit is the Austin Rover Group, for which Perkins will be manufacturing the Prima 0Series two-litre direct-injection diesel engine for Austin Maestro vans and cars. Other beneficiaries are JCB, Caterpillar and Hyster.
As a second stage in its computer link project, Perkins will be transmitting orders electronically to its suppliers. This will be done via the Geisco Motornet computer clearing centre using the Odette system (Organisation for Data Exchange by Teletransmission in Europe).
Test transmissions are currently taking place with Lucas CAV, which could be the first supplier to use the Powerlink system.
Eventually, Perkins aims to cut out duplication and the mailing of drawings and engine specifications. All stationery is expected to be eliminated together with reliance on the postal service. Paperwork, which now takes an average of four days to complete its cycle, will be replaced by an electronic system which should process orders within a day.
Perkins' analyst Joanne Sweatman is helping customers to operate the new Powerlink system