Tracking trucks-simple is best

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 8/1/1998

Sometimes a simple method of tracking work-in-process works best. At this GM plant, vehicle bodies are tracked from the automated paint shop, through the AS/RS, and on to final assembly by punched metal tags.

Each skid has its own set of identical tags for identification-one metal tag (a heavy metal strip) is mounted parallel to the skid's lengthwise dimension, one tag is perpendicular. Holes of varying sizes are punched in the tag to encode it with the skid's number. Tag numbers are then read by photocell eyes at critical points in the route from painting to final assembly.

Within the AS/RS the computer system for sequencing jobs first associates, later disassociates the specific skid number with a particular WIP vehicle, depending upon whether the skid is entering the AS/RS or leaving it enroute to further assembly.

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