Nissan North America, Inc. announced earlier that it will be using WhereNet Locatable real-time locating system (RTLS) technology to automate both its inbound supply chain and outbound delivery chain.
The automaker partners with WhereNet Corp., a leader of wireless solutions, to strengthen continuous improvement initiative at its four-million square foot assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi. Said partnership is aimed at improving the North American vehicle production, labor productivity, and auto parts Nissan quality.
"Amidst soaring demand and several new model introductions each year, the WhereNet system gives Nissan the agility to manage its inbound supply chain on a just-in-time basis to support flexible manufacturing processes. predelivery processes to bring more new vehicles to the marketplace faster, "said Chantal Polsonetti, vice president of manufacturing advisory services for ARC Advisory Group.
The Canton assembly plant of the automaker is capable of producing 400,000 vehicles annually. It assembles Nissan Maxima auto parts and other significant vehicles of the automaker. Nissan Altima sedan, Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs, Quest minivan, and Titan full-size pickup truck are also produced in said plant.
"As one of the most efficient vehicle manufacturers in North America – according to the 2006 Harbor Report – Nissan is setting the standard for manufacturing by embracing new technologies like WhereNet to continue improve processes," said Tom Bacon, vice president of the automotive division for WhereNet. "WhereNet's locatable active RFID system provides a critical foundation for flexible manufacturing as it enables automakers to manage multiple models with meticulous precision, ensuring that the right part is delivered to the assembly line just in time. chain, WhereNet also drives efficiencies on the outbound side, accelerating delivery of new vehicles to dealers through our industry-first, automated VTMS solution. "
In the partnership with WhereNet, Nissan also expects to reduce labor cost, on-site time time for parts and vehicles, improve responsiveness to customers, and to produce high-quality vehicles as ensured by the system. This is because the system also immediately detects quality defects in vehicles since; rework costs will be prevented.