Auto-Receiving and seat tracking with RFID in the supply chain of the automotive industry

This paper describes the analysis of current state and technologies that are used in the supply chain process of seats at Ford. Also the limitations posed nowadays by the existing networking procedures that equipment and services suppliers face with OEMs are discussed. Limitations currently used in network level in terms of product planning and control process, information exchange are discussed and analyzed. Also some constraints in network structure and function are mentioned. Based on the obstacles a conceptual model for network visibility with concepts of data exchange interfaces, supporting the information flow and material flow among the participants in the network are described. Finally, the concept of network visibility enabling fast and accurate data exchange among the participant is analyzed and described by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).