Yes, we have changed our serial number process. Why did we change process? We did this for several reasons. First, with the mandated addition of the "USBC" to the serial number, we feared our old process would cause even more problems for those ball drillers who use vacuum on their drills. The new serial number would certainly be an improvement to them. Second, we wanted to tie the ball serial number to our label system and bar-coding. This is called total serialization control. Now, as the label is generated all of the information on that ball is captured in our ERP system. You can call us with a ball serial number now and we can tell you when that ball was made, the top weight, gross weight, pin distance, to whom it was originally shipped and the exact time of the exact day it was shipped. Inventory control and supply chain management is a very important part of our business. This serial number process change is yet another positive step for Ebonite in that area. Third, we wanted to get a cleaner, sharper look to the serial so we went to a new technology. This is our first experience with this technology but we are learning fast. Like always, we work hard at improving our improvements. I can't think of a single aspect of our product line that we aren't currently working on to improve. The serial number is just one.
Honestly, we have had some process problems with the new technology but we are working hard on learning and improving it. Right now we are able to get a depth of 0.030†deep. We have had some around 0.010†but that is not where we want to be. Just this week we have identified three things that will improve our serial number process.
Our goal is to improve our serial and logo process by getting the depth to 0.050". This would mean if a person resurfaced a ball enough times for a 0.050" logo or serial to disappear the ball would be illegal (according to USBC) in size anyway. They key is keeping the same sharp look without increasing costs.
Our mantra at Ebonite is continuous improvement. It's what we do. We work hard at improving those things that are important to you. We listen, so thank you for the comments.
Sincerely,
Brian L. Hickey
Director of Manufacturing
Ebonite International
