#USA #Clean Energy #Manufacturo #Antora #Brean, California

Scaling Clean Energy in the Industrial Sector

Antora is on a remarkable journey towards redefining how clean energy is transformed into dependable industrial power. The company, which specializes in thermal battery technology, is focused on enabling always-on industrial operations by utilizing low-cost clean electricity. Antora's thermal storages, made of solid carbon blocks, can absorb surplus electricity and provide reliable energy when required. However, to evolve from prototype engineering to full-scale production, they needed an operational infrastructure capable of facilitating rapid iterations while ensuring audit-ready traceability. This is where Manufacturo stepped in.

The Transition from Prototype to Production

As Antora transitioned to manufacturing, it faced challenges typical of scaling operations. The need for a robust production system was critical to manage work orders, inventory, and quality assurance while collecting structured data linking test articles to their manufacturing processes. Antora sought out a solution that would support their growth without stalling production activities. Hence, they partnered with Manufacturo, a manufacturing software platform designed for high-complexity environments. This partnership aimed at not just offering software but providing a supportive operational framework.

Why Manufacturo?

Antora’s choice of Manufacturo was influenced by its configurability and scalability. Initially, they implemented fundamental features like work orders and electronic instructions. As the production evolved, they integrated additional functions, including Inventory, Receiving and Inspection, and structured Procedure Runs. The idea was to create a flexible system that could adapt to changing production needs while ensuring essential data capture for repeatability and traceability. Importantly, Manufacturo's team was there to help tailor the software to eliminate friction points and promote efficient operation.

Partnership Dynamics

An integral part of this working relationship was the hands-on approach taken by both companies. Manufacturo’s team worked alongside Antora to quickly configure the system while minimizing the need for extensive consultation. It was crucial for Antora’s production to begin capturing data right away, and Manufacturo's out-of-the-box solutions allowed this to happen seamlessly. The interface was designed for technician clarity, ensuring that operations could be executed with fewer clicks and better accuracy. This floor-first design minimized errors and increased productivity.

The Results

The collaboration yielded impressive results. Antora achieved a single source of truth for their production execution and testing data, leading to cleaner inventory management and improved quality during their operations. The streamlined approach allowed them to move from pilot builds to repeatable processes, thus ensuring reliability in manufacturing. By establishing effective controls linked to their operational models, they minimized manual interventions, enhancing output efficiency.

Future Growth and Focus Areas

Looking ahead, Antora aims to expand its throughput while maintaining quality and audit readiness. The transition from early repeatability towards consistent production rhythms is their next significant goal. Enhancements will be made to test traceability, ensuring that all test reports are systematically linked to builds for tighter feedback loops and quicker issue resolution. Additionally, as their operational processes stabilize, they intend to deepen their ERP synchronization to streamline operations further. This strategy points towards reducing manual handling and ensuring cleaner transitions between production and inventory.

Conclusion

In summary, Antora's partnership with Manufacturo exemplifies how innovation and technology can converge to support clean energy initiatives in the industrial sector. With a focus on establishing controlled and traceable production processes, Antora is well-equipped to scale its operations without compromising on quality or efficiency. As they navigate the future, their commitment to utilizing clean energy resources while maintaining operational excellence remains steadfast. This case highlights the vital role of strategic collaborations in driving industrial innovation and sustainability forward.

About Antora

Antora builds and deploys thermal energy storage to harness low-cost, clean energy for industrial operations. Their American-made thermal batteries deliver reliable heat and power for a variety of industrial applications.

About Manufacturo

Manufacturo offers a comprehensive manufacturing software platform designed to integrate quality, production, inventory, and compliance workflows into a unified system. Their solutions are tailored for complex manufacturing environments, enabling companies to move faster and with greater visibility and control.