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The manufacturing story of FSK

FSK Electronics SA (FSK) has been supplying security and monitoring companies worldwide with wireless communication technology, since 1994. FSK specialises in the manufacture of a wide variety of Radio Frequency (RF) and GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communication) based technology, providing secured wireless communication between monitored sites and responding control centres.

FSK’s transmission technology consists of reliable communication systems which are used for signal transfer and response. Data signals are transmitted simultaneously via multiple mediums including GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), RF and Internet Protocol (IP). The dual transmission of mediums ensure ­complete signal integrity, giving security/monitoring companies and alarm/network users peace of mind.

Historically FSK products were designed specifically for use in the security industry, but innovations into GSM and IP technologies expanded product ranges beyond its niche market, allowing for many more monitoring applications, which include individual, equipment and environmental monitoring.

Most recently, FSK has ventured into the manufacture of home security systems, and launched the Rhino 68 System – an alarm system built in South Africa, for African conditions.

This alarm system is available as either a 6-wired or 8-wireless zone input system – or any combination. FSK has been able to provide this system at high quality and low cost due to effective and efficient processes implemented at manufacturing level.

Manufacturing capabilities

As a specialised electronics manufacturer, it is important to note that electronics assembly and production processes consist of numerous individual stages, each of which needs to work together in order for the finished product to be of high quality. In SA there is the further challenge of providing high-tech products at a low cost in order to be competitive on a global scale.

The decision to internally manufacture FSK products was not one that was taken lightly. With the global trend to outsourcing, and the associated potential savings in costs for certain manufacturers, FSK decided to retain the majority of the production process in-house in order to control the quality of product that would go out into the local (and international) market. Besides quality assurance, FSK also believes that it is a strong promoter of the development of skilled electronics specialists within South Africa, known for high levels of unemployment and skills shortages. Currently FSK Electronics produces approximately 10 000 product units per month, and employ 80 staff members in the factory.

The future

The reality is that the manufacturing sector has changed – bringing both opportunities and challenges – and neither business owners nor policy makers can rely on old answers in the new manufacturing environment.

FSK will be focusing on bringing costs down and increasing efficiencies across the production processes over the next five years. This will include a strategy of optimisation where lean principles will be applied across the manufacturing processes and stages.

Contrary to global trends, FSK Electronics will also move towards bringing all key components which may be outsourced at the moment, back under the company’s control. This will help reduce costs and create a sustainable company with a competitive edge, most importantly through the flexibility to rapidly change products to suit customers.

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