Singapore Epson Industrial (SEP) is a world-class IC assembly manufacturer, packaging and distribution hub for after-service parts and ink cartridges, as well as a provider of electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC) and electroplating services.
Under SEP, the Pacific Distribution Centre (PDC) was established in 1999 to serve as a logistics centre for the Asia Pacific region, excluding Japan. Its primary mission is to streamline order consolidation and efficient distribution of Epson consumable products such as ink cartridges, toner, ribbon and printing media to Epson Sales offices across Asia Pacific.
Facing challenges in recruiting locals, the company formed the Company Training Committee (CTC) with Advanced Manufacturing Employees’ Union (AMEU) in November 2021. SEP has also embarked on an Operation and Technology Roadmap (OTR) initiative, receiving valuable support from NTUC’s Industry Training & Transformation (IT&T) team and AMEU.
Project details
During the OTR exercise, the team recognised the need for PDC to explore digitalisation and automation solutions suitable for both production and warehouse operations to attract new talent and upskill its existing workforce to enhance productivity. To achieve this, the company conducted an internal infrastructure survey and explored various automation solutions. This expansive project will be rolled out in phases with the support of the CTC Grant administered by NTUC’s e2i that was approved in October 2022.
As of June 2023, Phase 1 of the project has been successfully implemented, bringing into operation a cloud-based supply chain tracking system encompassing web and mobile applications that was specifically designed to enhance end-to-end visibility of and tracking of containers. PDC is in the process of deliberating the subsequent phases of transformation.
Outcome and benefits
The CTC collaboration has helped to:
- Enhance the career development plan for 6 local workers
- Upskill and reskill employees to keep pace with the digital supply chain ecosystem
- Improve information exchange and minimise miscommunication as well as human errors
- Position company to cope with any disruption, such as a pandemic
