Ricochet manufacturing enhances customization and efficiency in first responder gear production with advanced cutting technology

Learn how Ricochet Manufacturing enhances customization and efficiency in producing protective gear for first responders through advanced cutting solutions that drive operational excellence.

The challenge: customizing gear to meet specific needs

As a dedicated manufacturer of protective clothing for first responders, both military and municipal, Ricochet Manufacturing is committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of its customers.

To streamline operations and improve productivity, Ricochet identified the need for innovative cutting technology that would enhance order accuracy and reduce waste.

Ricochet Manufacturing faced several challenges in its production process:

Customized Solutions: Required a process that allows for flexibility in producing gear that meets the specific requirements of various fire departments, including pocket placements and trim types.
Order processing efficiency: Needed to minimize the handling of orders and the risk of errors during data entry.
Visibility into operations: Desired greater insight into cutting operations for better decision-making regarding labor and fabric utilization.

The solution: Lectra’s advanced cutting system and integrated management

To overcome these challenges, Ricochet Manufacturing implemented Fashion On Demand, a state-of-the-art cutting system that transformed their production workflow:

New cutting technology: This system enabled direct order flow from customers, reducing data re-entry and minimizing handling times.
Enhanced order control: Improved visibility on what is being cut and facilitated batch processing of orders for better efficiency.
Real-time customer support: The ability for operators to open cases with customer service enhanced communication and responsiveness to issues.

Impact: streamlining production and reducing labor costs

The adoption of the new cutting technology yielded significant improvements:

50% reduction in labor hours: Significant savings in labor time required to cut similar quantities of fabric.
Increased fabric utilization: Enhanced insights led to better fabric management, resulting in reduced waste and improved cost efficiency.
Greater operational efficiency: Production supervisors gained better visibility into operations, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.

Switching to the new cutting system has been a game changer for us. We can now respond to our customers’ needs much faster and with greater accuracy, while also minimizing waste. This has allowed us to maintain a competitive edge in the protective clothing sector.