WO2001033483A1 - Standard parts metering system - Google Patents
Standard parts metering system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001033483A1 WO2001033483A1 PCT/US2000/029960 US0029960W WO0133483A1 WO 2001033483 A1 WO2001033483 A1 WO 2001033483A1 US 0029960 W US0029960 W US 0029960W WO 0133483 A1 WO0133483 A1 WO 0133483A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- standard parts
- assembly plant
- metering
- parts
- production
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
Definitions
- the present invention pertains generally to shipping, logistics and control of production processes which involve the shipping, receiving and assembly of numerous parts in production or mass-assembly operations.
- standard parts refers generally to relatively small parts which are boxed in quantity for shipment, and which are used in relatively large quantities.
- Certain non-limiting examples of standard parts are fasteners, such as pop rivets, screws, bolt-nut combinations, plastic ties, adhesive products and other small functional parts.
- Standard parts are typically boxed in mass quantities such as 100 to 1000 or more in relatively small boxes, such as boxes of approximately one cubic foot or less.
- standard parts are warehoused in boxed shipments according to routes by which the boxed parts will be distributed within an assembly plant.
- plant refers to any production or assembly facility where parts are delivered and assembled into subassemblies or finished products.
- the Standard Parts Metering System is a type of internal logistics for logical for logical movement of parts within a plant or assembly station.
- the system defines material flow procedures based upon per shift quantity requirements, to eliminate on-site parts inventory and provide immediate misuse or over-shipment notification.
- Standard Parts Metering is the metering of relatively small or standard parts to an assembly point in shift production quantities (by the box instead of by the pallet) - stabilizing the flow of parts into the production/assembly point. Standard Parts Metering also includes operator initiated replenishment with sequenced deliveries to pedestal production drop zones. The system provides the advantages of:
- Optimized delivery of standard parts based on production usage requirements no over/under shipments); decreased volume of standard parts quantities at consolidation pool operations; reduced transit times - equating to reduction in inventory carrying costs; elimination of on-site inventories - fulfilling line-of-site management requirements; gained process control - greatly reducing expediting costs; disciplined storage and metering procedures (sequencing); clearly identified Production Drop Zone locations and Material Handling routes; pedestal linefeed locations within drop zones - reducing "sprains and strains" claims; line operator replenishment based on actual usage; limited and controlled amount of linefeed storage; utilization of returnable containers (closed loop cycles); immediate notification of part misuse (supplier over-ship or linefeed loss); conformance with parameters of management of external and internal logistics; weekly release data to forecast and build optimized transportation routes; utilization of truck load or LTL logistics to implement milkrun transportation efficiencies; establishment of regional domiciles to significantly reduce transit times and inventory levels; sequenced truckload deliveries to point-of-use docks according to production drop zone locations; time window deliveries coordinated by a Lead Log
- the Standard Parts Metering System (also referred to herein as "SPMS”) is a method and process for managing the flow of standard parts into an assembly facility, such as an automobile factory, which eliminates the need to stock standard parts within the facility, and reduces or eliminates loss of standard parts inventory, and reduces shipping costs associated with standard parts.
- Standard parts are received in a staging or metering warehouse where they are arranged according to a delivery route into a plant. Standard parts are delivered to the plant in the minimum boxed quantities according to the amount needed for the next production shift or cycle. Within the plant, specific drop zones are created to supply one or more line feed workstations with standard parts.
- line feed workstation refers a point at which a worker assembles or attaches standard parts to the product. Workstations are associated with an assembly line, or are discrete stations in a progressive stage assembly operation.
- a standard parts pedestal is provided at each drop zone.
- the standard parts pedestal is, in a preferred embodiment, a support platform such as table of an appropriate size to accommodate a standard parts supply for the associated workstations for one production shift.
- a standard parts pedestal (or simply “pedestal”) is a platform with approximately sixteen to twenty square feet of surface area, elevated two to four feet off the floor.
- a sufficient supply of standard parts for one or more workstations for a production shift is stocked on a single pedestal. Ideally, There is no stock or inventory of standard parts within the production facility other than as present at the standard parts pedestal.
- the SPMS includes six primary functions, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 , including:
- management of external logistics i.e., the movement of parts external to a plant or point of assembly, is accomplished by creating an optimal logistics network that will result in the shipment of materials more frequently, in smaller quantities and deliver materials at specified times.
- To manage external logistics requires a disciplined transportation network of the standard part DDL supply base that optimizes conveyance routes to a local metering standard parts warehouse, to improve transit floats, inventory levels and expedite costs.
- the wide variety of standard parts used in the assembly of automobiles, and the large number of standard parts suppliers requires shipping from a large number of diverse places to the assembly plant.
- a standard parts metering warehouse (block 3) is provided in which standard parts are received from the multiple supplier pickup runs, and arranged according to drop-off or delivery route in which the standard parts will be delivered or "metered” to workstations in the assembly plant.
- the standard parts metering warehouse utilizes a warehouse management system which is programmed to stock and control the warehouse according to a metered delivery schedule (block 4).
- the metered delivery schedule is determined by the production schedule of a production facility or assembly plant.
- Received shipments of standard parts are broken down by part number and quantities verified. The shipments can be matched against orders placed through the assembler's computer system, and any discrepancies noted therein.
- the standard parts metering warehouse includes the elements of a location profile (block 7), receiving process (block 8), warehouse management (block 9) and pick/sequence load process (block 10).
- the location profile is preferably close to the assembly plant, both for quick delivery of regularly scheduled shipments, and for "hot loads" to cover unexpected part shortages.
- the broken down loads of standard parts are delivered to the assembly plant by shuttle delivery trucks.
- a bill of lading is checked to verify the trailer number and number of pallets.
- a master packing slip indicating the parts to be received, is produced.
- the pallets are broken down by part number and quantities verified against the master packing list. Any discrepancies are noted. If the shipment is in conformance with the master packing slip, it is booked for payment.
- the standard parts are placed in the warehouse in pre- established stock locations which are related to drop zones within the assembly plant. As further explained, one or more pedestals is associated with each drop zone.
- the boxes are re-labeled in accordance with the invention, with a label which includes both the part number or other identifying information, and a drop zone designator, which corresponds to a physical location within the plant (block 5).
- a correlation is established between the type of standard part, and the location within an assembly plant where the part is used, i.e., attached to an end product such as an automobile.
- the standard parts boxes are then stocked within the metering warehouse according to the drop zone locations and, more specifically, according to a most efficient delivery route to the drop zone locations, or in other words, according to a sequence of corresponding drop zone locations in an optimized intra-plant delivery route.
- FIG. 2 shows a representative routes #l-#5 corresponding to drop zones within a plant which are preferably in some proximate or sequential arrangement which minimizes travel and delivery time.
- FIG. 4 sets forth steps in the SPMS shipping process from the metering warehouse to an assembly plant.
- a pick list and master bill of lading (MBL) is generated, and a standard parts shipment assembled for delivery to the assembly plant.
- the SPMS is production driven, so that only a specified quantity of standard parts required for a single production shift are delivered to the plant.
- Extra stock is preferably held at the metering warehouse, to reduce or eliminate inventory at the factory, and be available in the event of shortages during a production shift.
- step 1 the system receives production use requirement quantities for each drop zone or work station within the assembly plant for each standard part.
- step 2 there is a check for any "hot part" orders, which may occur as there is an anticipated shortage of a particular part. If yes, at step 3 the system generates a pick list for the hot part and at step 4, delivery of the hot part to the corresponding drop zone or workstation is accomplished by proceeding to step 6.
- step 5 the system transfers the standard parts production shift usage data to the warehouse management system database to generate a pick list order at step 6.
- the pick list order is forwarded or communicated to the metering warehouse operations.
- the warehouse management system receives the pick list order and generates an order pick tickets denoting standard part stock location, part numbers, part and quantities and drop zone ID.
- the order pick tickets are picked by drop zone IDs.
- parts are picked from the stock location within the metering warehouse and drop zone pallets are assembled for delivery to the assembly plant.
- the warehouse management system generates individual carton labels which are affixed to the standard parts cartons at step 13.
- An audit of the assembled shipment is conducted at step 14 when and the pallets shrink wrapped at step 15.
- a load out report is generated at step 16 which includes the drop zone pallet pick list, which is attached to the pallet at step 17.
- a master bill of lading (MBL) for the shipment is generated at step 18 and a copy of each drop zone load out report attached to the MBL at step 19.
- the MBL is used to issue an ASN in an information management system.
- An ASN or a unique identifier in an information management system tied to the assembly operation is used to adjust BOH records in the warehouse management system.
- the pallets are sequenced loaded onto a shuttle for delivery to the assembly plant at step 23.
- SPMS SPMS-related short term evolution
- SPMS standard parts warehousing and metered delivery processes
- very accurate information is available on quantities and locations of standard parts in the plant at all time. Return tracking of parts not used in a production shift can be made upon each subsequent delivery to the drop zone pedestals. This information can be used to constantly adjust subsequent shipments from shift to shift, to avoid overstock within the plant, or repeated part shortages which requires costly expedited shipping.
- a spreadsheet identifying part numbers with corresponding drop zones provides a quick summary of the running inventory/usage of standard parts within a plant. Further detailed information on the in-plant inventory, such as number of cartons or boxes at a drop zone, and daily consumption are also provided.
- Column 51 lists the different standard parts numbers.
- Column 52 designates the corresponding drop zones.
- Column 53 designates the mlf (multiple line feed) number.
- Column 54 is for notes on the installation site or for the part.
- Column 55 lists an optional standard part which can be substituted if necessary.
- Column 56 lists the number of parts per unit.
- Column 57 lists a total daily usage for each part.
- the SPMS also includes a multiple line feed (mlf) process which tracks and monitors standard parts usage at drop zones where variations in the assembly operation will change the standard parts consumption rate. For example, a car to be built with a four cylinder engine will use a different number of standard parts than a car to be built with a six cylinder engine. This can result in shortage or excess of standard parts at any given workstation. However, through information on the proposed production during a shift, the variation in the number of standard parts required at any given drop zone for a shift, and the running "inventory" of standard parts at the drop zone pedestals throughout the plant, adjustments to the standard parts shipments can be made to match production, and thereby eliminate the costs of over- or under-stock of standard parts.
- FIG. 6 shows a representative multiple line feed replenishment matrix correlating drop zones to standard part numbers, vehicles types, cross-reference part numbers, and daily and shift production scheduled usage. As further illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, this information can then be continuously monitored and updated throughout a production week to keep an accurate running account of standard parts.
- Column A lists a specific drop zone I.D. for each workstation in an assembly plant.
- a line feed I.D. can be denoted, to identify the production line to which the Drop Zone corresponds.
- Column C is for the standard part numbers.
- Column D identifies the end product to which the standard parts are attached, such as 'vehicle type'.
- Column E is the per unit pull amount.
- Column F is for a cross-reference part number, which may be a substitute part or a corresponding part.
- Column G lists part usage for shift production schedule.
- column I lists shift usage requirement.
- Column J is a predictable quantity adjustment amount.
- Column K is a minimum pack quantity.
- Columns L-Q are running quantities for each of the shifts for an entire day, such as Monday, including Monday AM BOH (column L); Monday AM safety stock at end of shift (column M); order quantity (column N); Monday PM BOH (the total of (N . K) + M); Monday PM safety stock at end of shift (column P); and Monday PM order quantity (column Q).
- the drop zone delivery aspect of the metering cycle includes the basic elements of: giving the shuttle load data to the deliverer; establishing a time window delivery schedule, which may include point-of-use unload dock destinations, and accommodation for returnable containers; unloading at the plant according to the delivery schedule; sequence loading returnable containers (e.g., pallets) at specified docks; empty returnable containers marshaled at the docks for reload; return to the metering warehouse; follow material flow route within metering warehouse; stop at each production drop zone location according to drop zone tags on returnable containers; fill returnable containers placed on pedestals; return to dock to have empty containers off-loaded; place racks in pre-assigned marshaling area.
- FIG. 7 sets forth an alternate summary of the process.
- Step 1 covers shuttle delivery of standard parts to the assembly plant, or returnable pallets, according to predetermined delivery times for each shift.
- Step 2 covers metering warehouse tug routes predetermined according to assembly plant workstation sequences.
- Step 3 covers workstation drop zone delivery, where the actual delivery of individual standard parts containers to the workstations pedestals is accomplished by stopping the tug wheels at a designated line feed location or marker. A Hi/Lo then removes the standard parts pallet from the tug and places it on the drop zone pedestal. Empty pallets are placed at a designed collection area, to be picked up in a pallet collection run by the tug on return to the metering warehouse.
- Step 4 covers workstation line feed replenishment, where a pick list, identifying part and quantity data, is attached to a drop zone pallet, labeling of standard parts boxes (drop zone and shift specific data); and all drop zone pallets are offloaded or emptied by the end of each shift.
- each standard part box delivered from the metering warehouse to the plant includes a label which identifies the part number, drop zone I.D.. order number and line feed I.D.
- the metering warehouse needs only the part number and drop zone location to make any additional shipments of standard parts which may be required.
- the SPMS inevitably identifies part shortages, the situation can be investigated to make appropriate production changes. For example, engineering specification might call for only two fasteners for a particular part, which in reality requires three or more. Changes to engineering or production processes can thus be made from information provided by the SPMS. This is a function of the standard parts control aspect of the invention.
- Parts control may also extend back to suppliers by monitoring the standard parts metering warehouse inventory. Chronic shortages of parts can be identified and a back order report generated. Similarly, repeated "hot rush" calls from the production line workers will identify certain parts which should be inventoried at higher levels. A hot rush expedited shipping process can be integrated through the metered delivery process through the use of air freight and special runners, without otherwise disrupting operation of the SPMS. Importantly, because the location and quantity of all standard parts in a plant is known through the SPMS, an out-of-stock situation can be covered by "borrowing" the same standard parts stock from another drop zone which may have a temporary supply.
- the invention thus provides a system and method for metered delivery of standard parts to a production facility, and for accurate real-time accounting of standard parts inventories.
- the use of a metering warehouse in accordance with the system fully exploits the logistical advantages of consolidated shipments from standard parts manufacturers.
- close proximity of the metering warehouse to the production facility enables the production facility to operate with as little as per-shift substantial space savings within the factory, and a safer more productive working environment.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU13551/01A AU1355101A (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-10-31 | Standard parts metering system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16300699P | 1999-11-01 | 1999-11-01 | |
US60/163,006 | 1999-11-01 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2001033483A1 true WO2001033483A1 (en) | 2001-05-10 |
WO2001033483A9 WO2001033483A9 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
Family
ID=22588055
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/029960 WO2001033483A1 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-10-31 | Standard parts metering system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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AU (1) | AU1355101A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001033483A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4827423A (en) * | 1987-01-20 | 1989-05-02 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Computer integrated manufacturing system |
US4937742A (en) * | 1986-04-08 | 1990-06-26 | A. C. Nielsen Company | Automated system for statistically analyzing data characteristics of shipments of coupons to identify instances of coupon shipment parametric abnormalities |
US4985988A (en) * | 1989-11-03 | 1991-01-22 | Motorola, Inc. | Method for assembling, testing, and packaging integrated circuits |
US5936860A (en) * | 1997-03-28 | 1999-08-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Object oriented technology framework for warehouse control |
US6026378A (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2000-02-15 | Cnet Co., Ltd. | Warehouse managing system |
-
2000
- 2000-10-31 WO PCT/US2000/029960 patent/WO2001033483A1/en active Application Filing
- 2000-10-31 AU AU13551/01A patent/AU1355101A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4937742A (en) * | 1986-04-08 | 1990-06-26 | A. C. Nielsen Company | Automated system for statistically analyzing data characteristics of shipments of coupons to identify instances of coupon shipment parametric abnormalities |
US4827423A (en) * | 1987-01-20 | 1989-05-02 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Computer integrated manufacturing system |
US4985988A (en) * | 1989-11-03 | 1991-01-22 | Motorola, Inc. | Method for assembling, testing, and packaging integrated circuits |
US6026378A (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2000-02-15 | Cnet Co., Ltd. | Warehouse managing system |
US5936860A (en) * | 1997-03-28 | 1999-08-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Object oriented technology framework for warehouse control |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001033483A9 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
AU1355101A (en) | 2001-05-14 |
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