.: Automating Vehicle Tracking and Management for Automotive OEMs
By:Billy Bert
Category:Home / Technology / GPS
WhereNet marries vehicle management software, wireless real-time locating system to help process vehicles
Santa Clara, CA — August 12, 2004 — Wireless tracking specialist WhereNet Corp. this week rolled out a new vehicle tracking and management system designed to automate workflow for automotive manufacturers, distributors and rental car companies.
WhereNet said its new vehicle tracking and management system (VTMS) software, based on the provider's real-time locating system (RTLS) technology, can help companies reduce processing and labor costs, improve quality and expedite delivery of vehicles by one to three days.
"Offline processes are frequently a forgotten segment of lean manufacturing, but new technology solutions are now available to drive efficiency and optimization in this area," said Bill McBeath, chief research officer for ChainLink Research. "Without human intervention, the WhereNet system can automatically record accurate, real-time data about the location of every vehicle as they make their way through the various stages of offline processes. This is a very useful tool: by proactively alerting managers to potential bottlenecks, they can take action to improve the flow and, in the process, reduce order-to-delivery cycle time."
The VTMS application is intended to help automotive manufacturers, distributors and rental car companies to track and optimize the processing of every vehicle, as well as conduct flow analysis for continuous improvement and optimized throughput and quality.
Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can use VTMS in offline areas to manage post-assembly verification and test processes, as well as quality repair, containment and shipping zones, according to WhereNet. Vehicle processing centers and fleet and rental car operators can use VTMS to increase the velocity of their distribution hubs and improve customer service, the provider said.
The return on investment in the solution, according to WhereNet, will come in the following areas:
* Reduced on-site dwell time, enabling better yard throughput and increased responsiveness to dealer and customer demands.
* Reduced labor cost for vehicle processing, as the WhereNet system automates and directs much of the work flow.
* Higher-quality vehicles as the system ensures that no vehicles with known quality defects get shipped. The system also enhances quality by ensuring that no process steps are missed and that every vehicle departs in accordance with dealer/customer specifications. In addition, since the vehicles are processed in the most efficient manner as a result of intelligent move requests driven by the WhereNet system, they are moved less frequently and therefore are less likely to incur damages during processing procedures.
The system works as follows: When new vehicles roll off the assembly line in a factory or upon arrival at vehicle processing centers, each vehicle is assigned an active RFID WhereTag transmitter that is "married" to the vehicle identification number (VIN).
The WhereTag remains on the vehicle until it has been processed and is ready to ship to its final destination — either directly to a dealership or to a processing center. The WhereNet RTLS architecture includes an array of WhereLAN locating access points that capture and calculate the location of every tagged asset within an accuracy of 10 feet. The local-area network also leverages WherePort devices that trigger the WhereTag to emit a signal when entering or leaving a specific zone, enabling more granular data capture information.
By tracking and automatically recording the arrival, dwell and departure time for each vehicle at every step of the process, the solution generates constant location data as well as a historical record of the vehicle's progress through the offline certification, repair and containment areas. Beyond the obvious ability to locate a unit on demand, the tracking data is also used to monitor such things as adherence to process, process cycle time and dwell time analysis for offline areas.
Typically, a VTMS solution is integrated with a manufacturer's quality management system, introducing the ability to plan, execute and monitor processing within the dynamic offline environment, WhereNet said. The system detects quality-hold vehicles, preventing them from inadvertently slipping into the delivery chain where rework costs at dealerships average more than five times the cost of a factory repair.
WhereNet also said that its system incorporates business rules and system alerts based on customer order status and dwell time. Then a logical hierarchy of rules manages the processing of every vehicle in accordance with its assigned status so that critical orders are processed before lower-priority units. Users cannot deviate from the proper sequence without overriding the system and generating an exception report.
"Although we have delivered tremendous value for the automotive industry for several years, we consider our new VTMS solution as a green-field opportunity to directly impact the distribution chain beyond the factory," said Tom Bacon, vice president of the automotive division for WhereNet.
Article keywords: sure vehicle tracking, tracking system, vehicle tracking, tracking, vehicle, car tracking system, car tracking, car
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Billy Bert writes for www.surevehicletracking.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.
.: New GPS Articles
1). GPS Tracking System - Safety for Your Kids and Peace of Mind for You
Has your kid recently obtained a driving license? Now you are probably constantly worried if she or he is driving safely. And you also wonder where they go. There is a little piece of modern technology that can help parents who are worried about whereabouts of their children - it is called GPS tracking system.
2). GPS and Other Emergency Contact Devices
This article contains infomation about GPS and other emergency contact devices.
3). Satellite Phone Benefits and Information
Satellite telephones are the ultimate communication device when you need contact in a remote and secluded part of the earth. State-of-the-art modern technology has ensured that no matter where we are located we can connect to all parts of the World in a matter of seconds.
4). Erase "Lost" From Your Vocabulary, Get GPS
GPS is the new-age device that helps you, like some omnipresent being, know where you or your vehicle are every minute of the day and night.
5). Overview of Satellite Navigation Systems
Reading a map and trying to find out where on earth you are before realising you are well and truly lost may be a thing of the past. No longer do you have to be capable of reading a map thanks to satellite navigation systems.
6). Automotive Navigation System Making Driving Less Stressful
Driving has become a lot easier with the introduction of automotive navigation system. Now you do not have to worry while you drive because this system makes sure that you reach your desired destination without wandering aimlessly.
7). Consumer Reports on GPS: What the Experts Have to Say
Consumer reports on GPS (Global Positioning System) devices say that GPS locators can be a very handy and fun device to own for both professional and recreational purposes.
.: Top GPS Articles
1). Tracking Your Children With GPS
From the moment children are born their parents naturally worry about them. Are they hungry? Are they warm enough? Are they sick?
Soon parents face the surrounding dangers as toddlers start to crawl, walk and run. The hazards seem to be everywhere. As any parent knows, the concerns only become deeper seated as children get older. Safety is all a parent can think about - especially when their children are not with them.
2). GPS Handheld Mapping Devices - What Is The Difference?
So many companies that offered GPS handheld mapping devices are operated today. Some of them are just among those many outstanding GPS handheld mapping providers such as Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance, and much more.
3). Using GPS for Fishing!
Some things you can do with GPS on your fishing trip include:
1. Patterning
2. Recording casting areas, scouted regions, and shoals
3. Plot exact coordinates of that 'perfect fishing spot' and go back whenever you'd like
4. Add your own journal, notes, and even digital pictures memorable locales
5. Create your own custom routes as well as maps
6. Use the GPS as a planner prior to voyaging off on the trip
7.
4). GPS Tracking--the Smart Way to Protect Your Child
Whether it is your vehicle or your child, there are GPS tracking devices that can help you keep track of or locate them anytime, anywhere. It is more dangerous today for your children than at any other time in history. So putting a small GPS tracking device on their person to keep track of them is not as silly as it might sound. Today’s GPS tracking devices no longer require a line of site to the sky in order to work.
5). Global Positioning System (GPS) : A Complete Review
The system of knowing one's exact position on this earth is known as the 'Global Positioning System'. Precise positioning of any location can easily be done with the help of this System. If anyone has a Global Positioning System receiver and if the sky remains clear then no one is going to be lost on this Earth. The receiver is a pocket-sized gadget that makes us inform about our exact position on this earth at any moment.
6). GPS: Applications And Uses
What are the uses for GPS? There are many, both for individuals, corporations, and the government.
Military
The military uses GPS technology to guide missiles, track and control forces and facilities, and more. GPS has allowed command and control of forces to greatly advance their effectiveness. Using GPS, units can report their exact location to command central, and easily find directions to other locations.
7). Do You Know Where Your Teen Is? You Do With Spy Matrix GPS
Spy Matrix GPS is the ultimate in car tracking technology. It is easy to use, easy to hide, and easy to follow. It is the perfect way for you to know where your car is now, and where you car was. Plus, this is a portable device, allowing you to transfer it to different cars at need. You can have peace of mind knowing where your car is it all times. And when you have teenagers, you can know where they have your car, thanks to the Spy Matrix GPS.