PSL Datatrack has reached a landmark 20 years as a Technical Member of the British Turned Parts Manufacturers Association (BTMA) in 2023.
The BTMA is known as ‘THE’ trade association for UK manufacturing companies producing precision turned parts and machined components, aiming to develop and promote all aspects of the industry on both a domestic and a global basis while acting generally in the common interest of its members since it was founded circa 50 years ago.
As a Technical Member of the BTMA, PSL Datatrack has played an active role in supporting Manufacturing Members with its expertise in production control software, designed to streamline the entire production process from quotation to invoice. “We are proud to be the only supplier of production control software to be a member of the BTMA, an association representing the best of the best of British Manufacturing,” comments Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack.
Since PSL Datatrack joined the association in 2003, the subcontract precision engineering industry as a whole has made great strides forward and benefitted from advancements in machining technology and software that have improved both manufacturing methods and business processes. PSL Datatrack has assisted many subcontractors – not just BTMA members – in making the move from time-consuming manual production administration to a powerful, industry-focussed system.
Geoff sees membership of the BTMA as offering many major benefits, besides networking, to any active member irrespective of size, expertise or experience. “It’s a platform for all members to exchange views and experiences for the benefit of others – whether through formal face-to-face meetings, via online discussions or at organised formal and social events. We may be operating in different markets and facing different operational challenges, but we support each other through shared experiences,” says Geoff. This reaffirms the association’s strapline, Stronger Together.
The BTMA Officers assess the suitability of all applicants; membership is awarded and not just purchased, as is the case with some trade associations. It is a quality-driven association and all members should be seen as adding value by playing an active part in it, attending meetings and offering support.
A number of PSL Datatrack customers are Manufacturing Members of the BTMA. One of the early companies to adopt the software was Wealdpark Limited, whose Director Phil Smith is a past president of the BTMA. “We have successfully invested in PSL Datatrack modules over a number of years. They have helped us transition from our outdated spreadsheet-based method to a system where all the administration associated with any order is automatically recorded, progressed through the shop floor and is fully traceable,” comments Phil, who was able to consult with fellow Manufacturing Members already using PSL Datatrack over the suitability of the software.
Geoff concludes: “The BTMA does an excellent job in educating and supporting all of its members. Alongside interaction with other organisations, membership also has many other advantages from both a credibility viewpoint and practical benefits, including access to technical and market reports and training. We look forward to continuing our membership for another 20 years!”
Click here to listen to a recent podcast explaining more about the BTMA, Wealdpark Limited and how they work with PSL Datatrack.
To find out more about the BTMA, visit www.btma.org or contact Peter Hobbs, Director, by emailing [email protected].
