Material Flow Optimization

Problem

Customer needing to leverage IIoT to improve material flow across facility

Years of low production rates causing significant machine downtime issues and long order fulfillment times

Minimal organizational structure in place to drive Digital Transformation

Actions

Implemented IIoT platform to provide Material Tracking and Location System (MTLS) to provide real-time part and order tracking

Deployed RFID beacons to provide visual aids for crane operators

Reorganized queues to minimize double moves and in-process crane usage

Developed material traceability analytics integrated with production control

Results

  • Reduced flow time from 30 days to less than 5
  • Increased factory output 5X by eliminating in-process crane moves and streamlining rail car loading
  • Integrated analytics, IIoT platform with production control and inventory management systems
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