Armbruster Engineering: Hello Mr. Schröder, please briefly introduce yourself and the AWO.
Lars Schröder: My name is Lars Schröder, I work as a production manager in the AWO district association in Siegen. The AWO Siegen-Wittgenstein Olpe district association has 7 workshop locations for people with various physical, mental or psychological impairments. Currently, around 200 specialists look after around 1,000 employees, and we attach great importance to inclusion and professional reintegration.
Armbruster Engineering: What products are manufactured here in the company and who is your customer clientele?
Lars Schröder: As a workshop for people with disabilities, our focus is on rehabilitation and empowerment, whilst also producing a variety of products for local businesses. Our production includes assembly and packaging orders, metal processing including CNC machining, printing technology, laser technology and electrical assembly.
Armbruster Engineering: And who has the opportunity to work here at AWO?
Lars Schröder: As already mentioned, we are a workshop for people with disabilities. These people have the opportunity to work in our workshop in order to receive targeted professional support. Our ELAM workplaces offer people with disabilities a wide range of opportunities for professional participation and personal development, regardless of their limitations
Armbruster Engineering: How many ELAM jobs do you currently have and do you plan to expand these further?
Lars Schröder: We have been using the ELAM system for around 2 years and are pioneers in our network. We have 6 stationary systems and 5 mobile tablets. Our goal is to further expand the computer assistance systems and to invest specifically in the individual support of our employees.
Armbruster Engineering: What are the reasons for expanding the ELAM system and what strengths do you see in it?
Lars Schröder: We were looking for a flexible and versatile system that could grow with our needs. ELAM offers flexible interfaces and easy administration, which allows us to quickly create new work instructions.
Armbruster Engineering: What tools do you currently use with ELAM?
Lars Schröder: We use pick-to-light modules, projectors, torque wrenches, scales and hand-held scanners.
Armbruster Engineering: Would the work be possible for employees without ELAM?
Lars Schröder: Our goal is to adapt the workplaces to the possibilities of our employees. ELAM enables us to make more complex work accessible to a larger group of people.
Armbruster Engineering: What does ELAM mean for the employees themselves?
Lars Schröder: ELAM is an enrichment because it enables people to accomplish tasks that they would not be able to do without this system.
Armbruster Engineering: Thank you very much Mr Schröder.
