One of the most noticeable trends at the recently concluded CISMA was the large number of companies showcasing hanger systems. For the leaders in this technology, the increase in number of companies supplying the system is not a threat, but an acknowledgment of the growing need and acceptance of the hanger system in Asian countries. “The demand for hanger systems is big in China, India and Bangladesh and it is difficult to meet this huge demand between the top three/four suppliers of the system. With these players the market has options for every pocket and it only enhances the edge which pioneers like us have,” says Richard Fung CS, Managing Director of Singapore Machinery Co. Pte. Ltd., the manufacturers of Smart MRT hanger system.
An old hand, Fung has been associated with the industry since 1969, first working with other companies then establishing his own company in 1977 and selling sewing machines and automation for many years, The Smart MRT was introduced in 1994-95 and has since been a frontrunner in hanger systems. With constant upgradation of the system, the company has kept pace with the needs of the industry. “We are always improving the software and from a simple tagging system earlier we are now using the RFID tags to achieve better accountability and quality. Also, earlier it was all electronic, but now it is computerized. For those investing in our system, more than price it is the benefits that they can get which seals the deal,” says Fung.
Indeed, with advance software, which is the real soul of the whole system, the user company is updated on the happening at the shopfloor in real time. “The boss has the record of how many pieces are coming in a day and the supervisor has all the data that support optimization with regards to production, forecast, pre-planning for production, the salary, the payroll, etc. We also give the company the know-how as to how to see the report and use it,” informs Fung.
With manufacturing in Malaysia, where both the hardware and software are produce and a long history of experience in hanger systems, the company did not face much upheaval during the slowdown period. “Since we target only big and quality manufacturers, the impact of the recession was not so big for us, as these players have sustained business,” reasons Fung.
For greater focus on R&D in hardware, the company is developing a factory in Malaysia. However, it is the R&D that goes into the software which Fung feels keeps them ahead of their competitors as they have very user-friendly software that covers many aspects of the business.
“When the customers have any request or they want to input something, we have a meeting with them and we improvise accordingly. For the system itself, if you want to know the system you have to know it from the starting till the end. I know about the cutting and sewing roll and finishing, I know about textile, yarn and cotton, where you find people with just in-depth knowledge, it’s just not possible. I have the experience to understand needs and give customized solutions, and that is what gives us the edge,” concludes Fung.
