Global supply chain management - it is all coming together
December 2000
System Integration & Control Systems Design
While most manufacturers are focusing on improving the efficiency of their supply chains on a local level, there are many who have to do so on the international playing field while coping with the additional complexities in logistics management that this entails.
"One of the most vital and determining factors in coping with complex supply chain logistics is asset tagging and tracking," says Mike le Plastrier, MD of Futuristix-Wonderware. "Today, we have tools that help manufacturers cope with this and other issues in a more integrated way than ever before while focusing on the company's real business issues. The InTrack implementation at Toyota's warehouse at Prospecton, for example, tracks every single accessory, part and component from the moment of loading in Japan until the item is unpacked at its final destination in Durban. This level of control provides Toyota with unprecedented levels of control of all stock items as well as dramatic cost and time savings." The totally automated Manufacturing Logistics Centre (MLC) was designed, installed and fine-tuned for Toyota South Africa by Streamworks Group, a South African leader in the field of supply chain management and industrial information technology. The system has enabled Toyota to manage their cargo flow from the time of shipping until it is physically dispatched to the various production plants in such a way as to complete scheduled assemblies on time despite problems with harbour backlogs.
In fact, Toyota is now leaving all its stock in the harbour and only drawing what is needed for that day's production requirements. The system also provides rapid turnaround from the time of placing a phone call. Once at the factory, it takes just 22 minutes to de-van the container and the stock is then available - a total of harbour-to-production time of just one and a half hours.
"Such flexibility and control was unheard of just a few years ago but it is rapidly becoming part of everyday reality and will soon be as commonplace as standard stock control. When such a tracking system is integrated with production planning and Customer Order Management (COM) systems, manufacturers have an unprecedented level of flexibility to compete profitably while focusing on their business objectives. This bottoms-up approach to manufacturing is getting the attention of an increasing number of local and global players alike. These players are starting to operate ERP and financial systems in their right context while allocating more resources to solutions that will directly contribute to the success of their operational and production processes - those that create the wealth.
"So supply chain management is taking on yet another dimension. From a supplier half a world away to a customer who will probably soon be able to see his or her car graphically assembled in realtime over the Internet. A pipe dream? Probably not. Because reality IS starting to become stranger than fiction - and far more productive."
Further reading:
The state of the SI industry remains strong
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...
The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...
Flexible and precise dispensing technology
Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...
System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...
Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
Read more...
EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.
Read more...
PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.
Read more...
Five smart machine trends you need to know
Adroit Technologies
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.
Read more...
printer friendly version