In the dynamic landscape of Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, ANT Industries has emerged as a trailblazer in producing high-quality electrical and metal fabrication solutions. To enhance its operational efficiency and align with digital transformation trends, ANT Industries has successfully implemented the Vietsoft EcoMaint CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) at its state-of-the-art facility in Nam Tân Uyên, Bình Dương. This article explores how ANT Industries implements CMMS EcoMaint to optimize asset management, streamline maintenance processes, and drive sustainable growth.
I. Introduction to ANT Industries: A Leader in Vietnam’s Manufacturing Sector
Founded in 2005, ANT Industries (officially Anh Thy Co., Ltd.) is a leading Vietnamese manufacturer specializing in medium and low-voltage electrical cabinets, cable tray systems, 19-inch network enclosures, and precision sheet metal fabrication. With two advanced factories in Bình Dương and representative offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for global giants like Mitsubishi, Siemens, IHI, and LS.
ANT Industries is renowned for its commitment to quality, holding international certifications such as ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management), and RoHS compliance. Its flagship facility, the ANT Switchboard Tân Uyên Factory, located at Lot I1, Road N1, Nam Tân Uyên Industrial Park, Bình Dương, leverages cutting-edge technologies like CAD/CAM, CNC laser cutting, punching, and bending to deliver turnkey solutions for electrical and mechanical assemblies. The company’s product portfolio includes:
- Medium and low-voltage electrical cabinets
- Compact substations
- Sheet metal fabrication (enclosures, boxes, machine casings, 19-inch racks)
- Cable tray and ladder systems
- Powder coating solutions
- Solar energy solutions and technical support services
With a focus on meeting stringent international standards like IEC, JIS, NEMA, BS, and EN, ANT Industries serves both domestic and export markets, including Japan, Singapore, Germany, and Mexico. The company’s strategic partnerships and innovative approach have positioned it as a pioneer in Vietnam’s industrial landscape.
II. The Need for a Robust Maintenance Management Solution
As a manufacturer handling complex equipment and high-value assets, ANT Industries faced challenges common to the industry: unplanned downtime, inefficient inventory management, and rising maintenance costs. Traditional asset management methods, such as Excel spreadsheets and paper-based records, were insufficient for managing the company’s extensive equipment inventory across its facilities. These methods led to:
- Inefficient tracking of equipment maintenance histories
- Delays in addressing unexpected breakdowns
- Increased inventory costs due to overstocking or shortages of spare parts
- Limited visibility into asset performance and maintenance costs
To address these challenges and align with its digital transformation goals, ANT Industries sought a modern solution to streamline its maintenance operations. This led to the decision to implement Vietsoft EcoMaint CMMS, a powerful and user-friendly system designed to optimize asset management and maintenance processes.
III. Why ANT Industries Chose Vietsoft EcoMaint CMMS
ANT Industries implements CMMS EcoMaint to modernize its maintenance operations and achieve operational excellence. Vietsoft EcoMaint is a cloud-based, web-accessible CMMS solution tailored for Vietnam’s industrial sector. EcoMaint is designed to meet the unique needs of both foreign direct investment (FDI) companies and local enterprises.
Key Features of Vietsoft EcoMaint CMMS
EcoMaint offers a comprehensive suite of features that empower ANT Industries to manage its assets and maintenance tasks efficiently:
- Asset Management
- Stores detailed asset information, including equipment IDs, models, technical specifications, and maintenance histories.
- Supports a hierarchical asset structure for complex equipment.
- Enables QR code/barcode generation for quick access to asset details via mobile devices.
- Preventive Maintenance Planning
- Automates scheduling of preventive maintenance tasks based on time intervals or operational metrics (e.g., machine runtime).
- Sends automatic reminders for upcoming maintenance tasks.
- Reduces unplanned downtime by proactively addressing potential issues.
- Work Order Management
- Streamlines the creation, assignment, and tracking of maintenance work orders.
- Allows real-time updates via a mobile app, enabling technicians to report issues, upload photos, and complete tasks on-site.
- Supports approval workflows for maintenance requests.
- Inventory and Spare Parts Management
- Tracks spare parts inventory levels and triggers alerts for low stock.
- Facilitates purchase requisitions based on maintenance schedules.
- Reduces inventory costs by optimizing stock levels.
- Reporting and Analytics
- Provides nearly 100 customizable reports on equipment performance, maintenance costs, downtime, and inventory.
- Offers a visual dashboard with charts showing key metrics, such as planned vs. unplanned maintenance ratios and equipment reliability.
- Supports data-driven decision-making for equipment investments and process improvements.
- IoT and ERP Integration
- Integrates with IoT sensors for real-time condition monitoring (e.g., temperature, vibration).
- Connects seamlessly with ERP systems, accounting software, and other platforms to ensure data consistency.
- Supports predictive maintenance by analyzing IoT data to forecast equipment failures.
- Mobile Accessibility
- Offers a mobile app for technicians to access asset details, submit work orders, and report issues on the go.
- Supports bilingual (English-Vietnamese) interfaces, ideal for FDI companies like ANT Industries.
IV. The Implementation Journey: ANT Industries Implements CMMS EcoMaint
In November 2018, ANT Industries embarked on a transformative project by implementing Vietsoft EcoMaint at its Nam Tân Uyên factory. The implementation was a strategic move to enhance the company’s Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) framework, which it had adopted since 2012 to improve productivity and reduce waste.
A. Implementation Process
The deployment of EcoMaint followed a structured, 10-step process to ensure a seamless transition and maximum impact:
- Problem Identification
ANT Industries identified key challenges, including frequent unplanned downtime, high maintenance costs, and inefficiencies in spare parts management. The goal was to improve equipment reliability and reduce operational disruptions.
- Defining Requirements
The company outlined mandatory and optional features for the CMMS, prioritizing asset tracking, preventive maintenance, and real-time reporting.
- Software Evaluation
After evaluating multiple CMMS providers, ANT Industries selected Vietsoft EcoMaint for its user-friendly interface, robust features, and proven track record in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector.
- Collaboration with Vietsoft
- Vietsoft’s expert consultants worked closely with ANT Industries to customize the solution, ensuring alignment with the company’s specific needs and workflows.
- Resource Allocation
A dedicated project team, led by Mr. Nguyễn Thế Tân, the factory director, was formed to oversee the implementation. The team included experienced maintenance technicians and IT staff.
- Data Preparation
ANT Industries compiled comprehensive data on its 752 pieces of equipment, including CNC machines, laser cutting systems, and powder coating lines. Data was sourced from equipment manuals, maintenance logs, and inventory records.
- System Deployment
Vietsoft’s team assisted with data migration, equipment coding, and user role configuration. The system was tested to ensure accurate reporting and seamless integration with existing processes.
- Training and Go-Live
Vietsoft conducted training sessions for maintenance staff, operators, and managers. The system went live in early 2019, with ongoing support from Vietsoft’s customer service team.
B. Coding and Data Management
A critical aspect of the implementation was the coding of equipment and spare parts. ANT Industries adopted a structured coding system to ensure clarity and consistency:
- Equipment Coding: Each asset was assigned a unique code for a gear-driven conveyor component) to facilitate tracking and identification.
- Spare Parts Coding: Spare parts were categorized with descriptive codes and linked to technical specifications and drawings to avoid confusion.
- Data Validation: Data was imported from Excel files and rigorously validated to eliminate errors.
V. Benefits of CMMS EcoMaint for ANT Industries
Since implementing Vietsoft EcoMaint, ANT Industries has experienced transformative improvements in its maintenance operations. The system has delivered measurable results, aligning with the company’s goals of operational efficiency and cost optimization.
1. Reduced Downtime
EcoMaint’s preventive maintenance scheduling has significantly reduced unplanned downtime. For example, between March 1 and June 30, 2024, ANT Industries reported a 42.2% reduction in downtime, equivalent to 1,790 hours, saving tens of thousands of dollars.
2. Cost Savings
The system has optimized maintenance and inventory management, leading to:
- A 20.2% reduction in total maintenance costs
- A 76.7% decrease in costs related to unexpected repairs, as most issues were addressed proactively.
3. Improved Equipment Reliability
By tracking equipment histories and analyzing failure patterns, EcoMaint has increased equipment lifespan by an estimated 10%. The system’s OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) analytics have helped ANT Industries identify and address inefficiencies in machine utilization.
4. Streamlined Inventory Management
EcoMaint’s inventory module has reduced spare parts inventory costs by 10-20% by ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing overstocking. Automated alerts for low inventory levels have prevented production delays.
5. Enhanced Workforce Efficiency
The mobile app and automated work order system have reduced the administrative burden on maintenance staff, allowing them to focus on high-value tasks like process improvements. The system has also reduced the need for maintenance personnel by 10-20%.
6. Data-Driven Decision Making
EcoMaint’s comprehensive reporting and dashboard features provide real-time insights into equipment performance, maintenance costs, and inventory status. This has empowered ANT Industries’ leadership to make informed decisions about equipment investments and maintenance strategies.
VI. Real-World Impact: A Case Study in Success
The success of ANT Industries implementing CMMS EcoMaint mirrors the results achieved by other Vietsoft clients. At ANT Industries, the system has streamlined operations across its 752 pieces of equipment, including CNC machines and powder coating lines. Mr. Nguyễn Thế Tân, the project leader, emphasized the system’s impact: “EcoMaint has transformed our maintenance operations, providing clarity and control over our assets. Our team is more proactive, and our equipment is more reliable, which directly contributes to our production goals.”
VII. Why CMMS EcoMaint is Ideal for Vietnam’s Manufacturing Sector
CMMS EcoMaint’s design makes it particularly suited for Vietnam’s manufacturing landscape, where many businesses operate a mix of automated and semi-automated equipment. Its key advantages include:
- User-Friendly Interface: The system is intuitive and accessible, even for employees with limited technical expertise.
- Scalability: EcoMaint supports multi-site operations, making it ideal for companies like ANT Industries with multiple facilities.
- Cost-Effectiveness: With competitive pricing and a rapid ROI (typically within six months), EcoMaint is accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Localization: Developed with input from Vietnamese universities, the system addresses local challenges, such as managing aging equipment and integrating with legacy systems.
- Cloud-Based Flexibility: The cloud-based platform allows access from any device, ensuring flexibility for on-site and remote teams.
Vietsoft EcoMaint is a leading CMMS solution, enabling manufacturing enterprises to manage maintenance scientifically and efficiently. With over 20 years of digital transformation experience, Vietsoft delivers a tool that supports preventive and predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and optimizing operational costs.
Explore the CMMS EcoMaint solution here. Contact us for consultation via hotline: 0986778578 or email: sales@vietsoft.com.vn.
