Delivery Challenges at a Mechanical Testing Centre Facility: A Case Study of a Railway System in South Africa

Abstract

The Mechanical Testing Facility, which is a division within TT Pty (Ltd), provides component mechanical testing to other divisions tasked with implementing new components in the railway system. The records over seven years show a steady increase in the number of tests delivered late to clients. In this paper, the background to the facility is provided, which extensively details the processes and relationships between the resources involved in the process. An analysis of the root causes for the late delivery of tests shows that lack of training and ineffective management were among the most significant reasons for late delivery. Recommendations for improvement include more active accountability of all resources, enforcement of standard operating procedures, and technical training for each resource specific to their tasks. Quick wins identified to drive these improvements included the implementation of key performance indicators for each resource, improvement of storage methodologies, and agreement of standard service levels with partners. OPSOMMINGDie Meganiese Toetsfasiliteit van TT Edms (Bpk) verskaf meganiese onderdeel-toetsing vir verskeie afdelings binne die maatskappy. Hierdie afdeling het die ontwikkeling van nuwe onderdele vir die spoorweë as doelstelling. 'n Geleidelike toename in die aantal toetse wat laat afgelewer is, is oor die afgelope sewe jaar waargeneem. In die artikel word die agtergrond tot die fasiliteit verskaf waarin die prosesse en verhoudinge tussen die betrokke hulpbronne in detail beskryf word. 'n Analise van die kern oorsake vir die laat aflewering van toetsresultate toon dat 'n tekort aan opleiding en ondoeltreffende bestuur die hoof oorsake is. Aanbevelings vir verbetering sluit meer aktiewe aanspreeklikheid van al die hulpbronne, die toepassing van standaard operasionele prosedures en die tegniese opleiding van elke hulpbron spesifiek tot hul opdrag, in. Vinnige winste wat geïdentifiseer is om hierdie verbeteringe te dryf sluit die implementeer van sleutel prestasie-aanwysers vir elke hulpbron, die verbetering van stoormetodieke en die ooreenstemming van standaard diensvlakke met vennote, in.