Mercedes Benz Selects interLink Logistics Technologies to Provide `Wireless Kanban'28 August 2005
Mercedes Benz US International (MBUSI) has selected InterLink Logistics Technologies as their provider for the wireless material replenishment applications at the Vance, AL assembly facility. MBUSI has deployed the TigerLink(TM) Wireless Call Button that is designed for "Just-in-Time" manufacturing environments and provides real time visibility on material status. interLink Logistics Technologies, a leading supplier of wireless hardware platforms, today announced at AUTO-TECH 2005 the companies have completed the second phase of the implementation of the TigerLink(TM) "wireless Kanban" solution.
The TigerLink(TM) Wireless Call Button solution provides Mercedes the capability to utilize the existing 802.11b wireless infrastructure to extend visibility to the "point of activity." The process of requesting material on the shop floor was previously based on a paper-based card system. With approximately 14,000 parts on each M-Class vehicle, it is imperative to have a highly visible, highly automated material replenishment system. In order to provide immediate feedback to the requestor, Mercedes selected the TigerLink(TM) Wireless Call Button for the extended functionality beyond the industry standard wireless connectivity. The TigerLink(TM) solution provides a 4-line by 20-character display to notify the requestor the status of the request. In addition, the lamp on the TigerLink(TM) provides a visual status on the request for areas where the shop floor personnel are not able to view the display. The standard RS-232 port on the TigerLink(TM) also allows for customers to interface into external RS-232 devices such as bar code scanners, scales, and printers that extend the functionality of the TigerLink(TM) solution.
Mercedes Benz has installed the system throughout the Body, Paint, and Assembly areas of both Plant 1 and Plant 2 in Vance. The Rabus Adminstrator Software Suite from InterLink Logistics Technologies allows Mercedes to monitor the activity and to centrally manage the devices on the shop floor. With the Rabus Software, Mercedes can deploy firmware upgrades to all TigerLink(TM) devices with a wireless broadcast update, eliminating the need to physically connect to the devices. In addition, the interface into SAP's Event Driven Kanban module allows a GUI representation of the current status of all material.
"Mercedes Benz US International was looking to extend the functionality of their current wireless infrastructure while addressing the needs on the shop floor," said Mitch Allen, President of interLink Logistics Technologies. "Uniting interLink's wireless materials replenishment system with Mercedes' requirements allowed us to provide greater visibility into the material status, enhanced productivity and a true "Just-in-Time" environment, translating into cost savings. We are very pleased with our partnership with Mercedes Benz, one of the leading automotive manufacturers worldwide and we look forward to extending the relationship in the future."
"Partnering with interLink enables Mercedes-Benz increased visibility on the shop floor," said Andy Daffron, IT Manager for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. "The users have embraced the technology and we have added value to the process of material replenishment. Automating the process of material replenishment and utilizing our existing infrastructure was the goal of the project and we have succeeded in both with a solid solution from interLink."
interLink Logistics Technologies representatives and executives will be on hand Aug. 30-31 at the AUTO-TECH 2005 conference in Detroit, booth #513, to demonstrate the combined offering, providing real-world examples of how lean manufacturing and just-in-time environments can benefit from a wireless two-way communication strategy to help drive additional costs out of material handling, improve customer service and responsiveness and provide a critical link for complete supply chain visibility.
About interLink
interLink Logistics Technologies is a leading supplier of wireless hardware platforms, integration and professional services. Company offerings cross multiple vertical applications and serve as an enabler for improving enterprise applications. InterLink is dedicated to providing technology that improves Supply Chain Execution and enhances Visibility. Whether the application is in Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, Healthcare, or Retail, interLink is uniquely positioned to provide a "one-stop" shop solution for the selection, integration and support process. InterLink's vast experience in the implementation of wireless technology and its total commitment to customer satisfaction provides customers with the assurance of seamless integration and quicker value realization. interLink Logistics Technologies has offices in Atlanta, Detroit and Dallas. For additional information visit www.interlinktech.net.
Contacts
For interLink Logistics Technologies
Sabrina Borg, 770/753-8890
Source: Business Wire
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