Groupe PSA is using a new track and trace technology provided by IBM and Sigfox to more accurately monitor and control the movement of packaged parts between its suppliers and assembly plants.
The digital system, called Track&Trace, uses IBM’s cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, including Watson IoT, along with Sigfox’s international 0G network, which connects devices to the internet. Feeding information from the containers at several junctions in the inbound process into the digital system, it allows the carmaker to optimise container rotation between supplier sites and its factories.
“We are constantly looking for technological solutions to meet with the needs of our factories and to be as efficient as possible,” said Yann Vincent, executive vice-president of manufacturing and supply chain at Groupe PSA. “This Track&Trace system allows us to know, individually and in detail, where our containers are located. This technological advance allows us to optimise our rotation loops and to prevent incidents. It is a real disruption and a new step in the digitalisation of the supply chain.”
The deployment follows a consultation and collaboration project between the three companies designed to bring the internet-linked technology to scale. It is now being used at several sites in the carmaker’s inbound network.
IBM, Sigfox and Groupe PSA said they planned to offer the tracking platform to other European manufacturers in 2019.
Read more about some of the latest innovations in packaging and container management here.
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