Automotive RFID Systems support lean manufacturing.February 8, 2006 -
Quick-Start Wireless Part Replenishment System includes line-side or work cell wireless push-button triggering system that communicates real-time, consumption-based demand from factory floor to material handling functions in plant. Quick-Start Scrap Tracking and Management System streamlines non-conforming materials processes at manufacturing facilities. All scrap and vendor-reject material processes, as well as rework processes are supported within system's configurable NCM process flow.
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Original Press release
WhereNet Corp.
2858 De La Cruz Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA, 95050
USA
WhereNet Announces 'Quick-Start' Program for Automotive Industry; Tier One Suppliers Can Now Deploy Low-Cost, Flexible Systems to Support Lean Processes in Just Two Weeks
WhereNet's De Facto Standard Active-RFID Wireless Applications for OEM's to Extend Upstream to Automotive Supplier Community; Proven Technology Assists Cash-Strapped Industry by Squeezing Out Inventory Carrying Costs and Optimizing Production
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 26 /-- WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today its "Quick-Start" program to provide tier one automotive manufacturers with low-cost, flexible systems in support of lean manufacturing initiatives. WhereNet's quick-start offerings -- designed to be deployed in less than two weeks -- include its Wireless Part Replenishment System and Scrap Tracking & Management System.
Specifically tailored for the embattled automotive industry, this first-of-its-kind program gives suppliers a low-risk method of evaluating WhereNet's active RFID-based Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) technology applications that are deployed globally by major automotive manufacturers -- including BMW, Ford, and General Motors -- and are widely recognized as the de facto standard for the OEM community.
"WhereNet's quick-start program is a logical extension of its industry-leading applications to enable tier one automotive suppliers to reap the same cost-saving benefits that OEM's have realized for years," said Lee Grubb, former chief financial officer for Detroit Diesel. "Given today's tough economic climate in the automotive industry, manufacturers need to get creative and find new ways to get 'lean and mean.' WhereNet's proven active RFID-based solutions have raised the bar for the industry to embrace more lean, flexible manufacturing processes to quickly adapt to changing market demands."
Leading industry analysts agree that automotive manufacturers must embrace technology like RFID in order to fundamentally change their business processes. According to AMR Research's November 2005 research, titled "Auto and RFID: What's the Roadblock?": "The problem is, however, real operational excellence and true lean principles require more than the basics. Manufacturing operations must push for better practices in material management, including asset tracking, which is where RFID can be useful if used at an industry level."
"Quick-Start" Wireless Part Replenishment System for Lean Material Management
The WhereNet Wireless Part Replenishment System improves lean material flow in manufacturing plants. The system includes a line-side or work cell wireless push-button triggering system that communicates real-time, consumption-based demand from the factory floor to the supporting material handling functions in the plant. Benefits of the system include:
-- Increased visibility of plant floor demand
-- Reduction in plant floor inventory, carrying costs, and floor space
-- Improved labor productivity
"Quick-Start" Scrap Tracking & Management System
The WhereNet Scrap Tracking & Management System (STMS) is an application designed to streamline the non-conforming materials (NCM) processes at manufacturing facilities. All of the scrap and vendor-reject material processes, as well as the rework processes, are supported within STMS' configurable NCM process flow. Benefits of the system include:
-- Reduction in scrap and material loss
-- Improved labor productivity and visibility to non-conforming materials
-- More accurate documentation of scrap and vendor-rejected material (to support accounting processes and compliance initiatives including Sarbanes-Oxley)
"We have listened to the market and developed the first-of-its-kind 'Quick Start' program to help the automotive supplier community quickly cut costs by enabling leaner processes," said Gary Latham, director of industry marketing for WhereNet's automotive division. "With these easily deployed, low-cost, no risk offerings, we expect the tier one community to quickly adopt our technology further building out our automotive ecosystem upstream to suppliers."
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the WhereNet "Quick-Start" program is based on the configuration requirements of a customer's system and the size of the installation. Available now, a basic WhereNet system begins at approximately $10,000. For more information, contact "Quick-Start" sales at 248-224-4388 or quickstart@wherenet.com.
About WhereNet Corp.
WhereNet is the first company to deliver a single wireless location and communication infrastructure that reliably and cost-effectively manages valuable mobile resources and delivers a complete return on investment within 6-12 months. Based on patented, standards-compliant technology resulting from a collective 100+ years of development, the WhereNet real-time solutions enable companies such as BMW, Ford Motor Company, and NYK Logistics to reduce inventory, lower operating costs, and improve operations. The company has received the Henry Ford Technology Award; was recognized for strong ROI by Computerworld; was ranked among the top 10 in the InfoWorld 100; and has been recognized as a wireless innovator by Forrester Research, Computerworld ROI, Frontline Solutions, Plant Engineering, and Supply Chain Systems magazines. WhereNet is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and has offices throughout the United States and Europe. For more information, visit the WhereNet Web site at www.wherenet.com, or call 408-845-8500 (in the U.S.) or +32-3-286-84-50 (in Europe).
NOTE: WhereNet is a registered trademark of WhereNet Corp. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Sally Kenvin of WhereNet, +1-408-845-8524, or skenvin@wherenet.com
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