Auto Assembly Line Sequence Verification System (SVS) by RT Systems

The following is an overview of SVS features and benefits. We will tailor a solution to your needs based on requirements.

SVS can be used by automotive parts suppliers whose facility feed an auto assembly plant. SVS provides error proof sequencing of components going to the assembly process. SVS guarantees the last step of the supply chain, getting the parts to the line is performed error free. SVS runs on a Windows PC network, and utilizes portable RF terminals with integrated 2D scanners to provide the necessary real time error proof technology.

The Sequencing Process - The modern vehicle assembly line has a logistics challenge getting all of the correct parts to the assembler on the line all of the time, due to the many vehicle options. To satisfy all these options, line feed component sequencing is used. This is the last step in the Just in Time (JIT) supply chain process. The component must move from a warehouse near the assembly plant to the line station in the exact order of the vehicles coming down the line.

Sequencing Problem - Human error can cause a component to be put in the wrong container slot at the sequencing facility. If this happens, the container is delivered to the assembly point, the assembler will reach into the container for the next component and find the wrong one (a blue door panel for a tan interior auto). This can cause the line to shut down until the problem is fixed and this is very costly.

Sequencing Solution - SVS receives an electronic broadcast from the automotive assembly plant, typically when a vehicle exits the paint booth. Each part request includes the plant assigned sequence number and part number required (or numbers for an assembled item). SVS Functions include:

Sequence Labels and Runsheets - SVS is configurable and can print sequence labels and container runsheets at sequencing locations from networked thermal transfer and laser printers.

Picking - Operators pick components as instructed by the run sheet, labels them and places into the correct in sequence slot in the container designed especially for that component.

Verification - SVS supports many configurable verification methods by commodity. SVS verifies that the components are in the exact position within a container (forward or reverse sequence, with or without gaps) by scanning the sequence labels as follows (sample verification method):

Scan the component bar code label and sequence bar code label
SVS interrogates the database in real time from the RF terminal to verify component sequenced correctly
If SVS notes a sequence error, an alarm message is sent to operator
Scan the container number once filled
At the shipping dock, RF users scan verified containers onto trailers and SVS verifies that the containers by commodity are loaded in the proper reverse sequence to aid in unloading at the assembly plant.

SVS provides error free sequencing by printing and enforcing label scanning for the component sequence schedule and verifying real time with the sequence database using RF terminals. SVS verifies that the component goes into its correct container location and that the container is loaded in the trailer in the correct unloading sequence.