A scheme to electronically tag one of the basic tools of all manufacturers could save those manufacturers millions.

Researchers at the University of Warwick's Warwick Manufacturing Group are working with Ford's Premier Automotive Group to use RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identity Tags) to put an end to this problem. The savings that can be gained by such technology are enormous - each missing stillage costs hundreds of pounds, but more costly is the loss in production occasioned by the hold-ups caused by not having a stillage full of key components in the right place at the right time. The component suppliers themselves are subject to unnecessary and unwarranted costs as they are forced to change production runs to accommodate the lack of stillages in a loop. When the situation reaches a critical point, substantial costs are incurred sourcing alternative packaging and emergency transport to ensure the car line is not held waiting for the parts to arrive.

By electronically tracking each stillage substantial savings can be made and relationships between supplier and manufacturer can be considerablely enhanced as the system eliminates many of the disputes common between supplier and the manufacturer as to the current location of stillages.  www.iarc.warwick.ac.uk