Lungmetall transforms manufacturing processes with Lantek software
Lantek’s multi-software solution streamlines Lungmetall’s production with real-time tracking, accurate pricing, improved resource allocation, and enhanced sustainability practices, strengthening customer relationships.
www.lantek.com
Lantek has implemented a multi-software solution to streamline manufacturing and operational process for Lungmetall OHG, a German manufacturer specialising in sheet metal and machining technology.
With a history spanning over 100 years, Lungmetall started life forging tools for the natural stone sector, but now works with clients across many diverse sectors including beverage and food, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, aerospace, tool and mold making, motorsports and vehicle manufacturing.
Since joining the family business in 1997, Managing Director, Marcus Lung, has been instrumental in modernising operations. By incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques such as water jet and laser cutting, Lungmetall diversified its offerings and successfully entered new markets, including aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage and motorsports.
However, during this period of growth, Marcus Lung recognised the pressing need for a robust ERP system and identified that Lantek provided a solution tailored to its evolving business needs.
The challenge
Lungmetall’s expansion highlighted inefficiencies in its production planning and data management processes. Pricing inconsistencies arose due to reliance on multiple Excel spreadsheets for quoting. Procurement was also based on estimations rather than real data, often leading to incorrect material orders and unnecessary costs.
On the production floor, outdated manual processes created additional challenges. Each morning, large volumes of printed work orders were distributed to employees, making it difficult to track real-time progress.
Another challenge arose due to the lack of technology as critical operational knowledge was often held by individual employees rather than stored in a centralised system. If a key team member was absent, production slowed as others struggled to access vital information.
The solution
Recognising the need for a more efficient and data-driven approach, Lungmetall partnered with Lantek to integrate a suite of software solutions. Lantek proposed the implementation of its Lantek Expert for 2D-CAD/CAM programming and Lantek Flex 3D for 3D cutting processes, expanding Lungmetall’s operational capabilities.
The company later introduced its Lantek Integra software for enterprise management and Lantek MES for production control and warehouse management, creating a seamless production process. These solutions provided a fully integrated and efficient system that allowed for real-time tracking of production, more accurate pricing and better resource allocation.
Results
The implementation of Lantek’s software enabled the automation of pricing calculations, eliminating inconsistencies and ensuring accurate quotations. With automated nesting for laser cutting, Lantek significantly increased sales leads and profitability for Lungmetall.
Lantek helped Lungmetall transition to digital workflows which enabled better access for work orders and all employees, resulting in a smoother and more organised work flow. By centralising all operational knowledge with Lantek’s system, Lungmetall eliminated its dependence on individual employees for critical information, providing reliability.
Procurement also became more precise, moving away from estimations to a system based on real-time data and nesting requirements.
Lantek’s software also helped Lungmetall focus on the circular economy and adapt to more sustainability practices as it tracked every material waste to prioritise its use before cutting new sheets. The improved accuracy and efficiency of Lungmetall’s processes not only transformed its manufacturing operations but strengthened its customer relationships and increased overall business profitability.
What’s next for Lungmetall?
Lungmetall is now preparing to implement Lantek Analytics, a cloud-based tool designed to further enhance process optimisation and customer relationship management. By leveraging advanced data analytics, the company aims to refine its decision-making processes and strengthen its competitive edge in the market.
Marcus Lung explains: "We had no time to define processes during our growth and we lacked proper production planning because our ERP system couldn’t handle laser processing or assembly of components. The Lantek system stood out as it provided everything we needed."
He adds: “Lantek wasn’t just another software provider; the company offered a complete solution, unlike competitors offering isolated solutions. With Lantek, we can map almost all our processes and we knew that by mapping these processes in Lantek, we could continue to grow.”
Christoph Lenhard, Commercial Director of Lantek Germany, shares: “Lantek’s strength lies in its adaptability and independence from specific machine manufacturers. This suits Lungmetall perfectly, as the company values the ability to choose their machinery freely. For Lungmetall, partnering with Lantek wasn’t just about getting software, it was about having the freedom to break away from industry limitations.”
www.lantek.com
