4.1. Synchronized parts supply
For this case, the manufacturer created 49 racks in which to
place the synchronized parts supply. The racks were designed to
hold the parts as a unit load without the need for a container, with
the parts either hanging using a hook or laying on the racks and
using the element of poka-yoke to avoid mistakes and encourage
the First In First Out (FIFO) concepts.
Fig. 2 shows the process flow for the synchronized parts supply
from the local suppliers to the manufacturer. The suppliers receive
the information for the WIP sequence from production planning
through the line status monitoring at the MES portal. Next, the
parts are prepared in the racking based on the sequence which
means that when the parts arrive at the receiving area in the manufacturer’s plant, the parts are already in sequence and are synchronized
with the assembly line.