Automotive Industry

Production Line WIP Tracking Implementation for Electric Vehicle Assembly Plant

Real-time work-in-progress tracking system deployment across 4 assembly lines for a leading EV manufacturer, enabling precise production monitoring and quality control.

4
Assembly Lines
12,000+
Components Tracked
98.7%
Tracking Accuracy
6 Weeks
Implementation Time

Client Overview

A rapidly growing electric vehicle manufacturer needed to implement a comprehensive work-in-progress tracking system across their new assembly facility. With production ramping up to meet increasing demand, they required real-time visibility into component flow, assembly progress, and quality checkpoints.

Industry
Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
Facility Size
850,000 sq ft assembly plant
Production Volume
250 vehicles per day across 4 lines
EV Assembly Line

The Challenge

The client faced significant challenges in tracking work-in-progress across their complex assembly process, leading to production delays and quality issues.

Limited Visibility

No real-time tracking of components and subassemblies moving through the production line, making it difficult to identify bottlenecks or locate specific units.

Quality Control Gaps

Manual quality checkpoint documentation led to inconsistent records and difficulty tracing defects back to specific production stages or component batches.

Inventory Discrepancies

Frequent mismatches between system records and actual component locations on the production floor, resulting in production delays and excess safety stock.

Production Metrics

Lack of accurate cycle time data and production efficiency metrics made it challenging to optimize processes and identify improvement opportunities.

Our Solution

We deployed a comprehensive RFID-based WIP tracking system integrated with the client's manufacturing execution system (MES).

RFID Infrastructure

Installed 48 RFID readers at strategic checkpoints across all 4 assembly lines, with automated data capture at each production stage.

  • Fixed portal readers at line entry/exit
  • Workstation-mounted readers at quality gates
  • Mobile handheld readers for exception handling

Real-Time Dashboard

Developed custom dashboards providing live visibility into production status, component locations, and quality metrics.

  • Line-by-line production status
  • Component traceability and genealogy
  • Automated alerts for exceptions

MES Integration

Seamlessly integrated tracking data with existing MES and ERP systems for unified production management.

  • Bi-directional data synchronization
  • Automated work order updates
  • Quality data integration

Implementation Approach

Week 1-2
Infrastructure installation and network setup across all assembly lines
Week 3-4
System configuration, MES integration, and dashboard development
Week 5
Pilot testing on one line with process refinement and staff training
Week 6
Full deployment across all lines with ongoing support and optimization

Results & Impact

The WIP tracking implementation delivered significant improvements in production efficiency, quality control, and inventory accuracy.

23%
Reduction in cycle time per vehicle
98.7%
Component tracking accuracy achieved
41%
Decrease in WIP inventory levels
67%
Faster defect root cause identification

Key Achievements

Enhanced Traceability
Complete component genealogy enabling rapid recall management and quality issue resolution
Improved Throughput
Increased daily production capacity from 250 to 308 vehicles without additional resources
Real-Time Visibility
Live production dashboards enabling proactive decision-making and bottleneck resolution
Quality Enhancement
Automated quality gate enforcement reducing defect escape rate by 34%
"The WIP tracking system has transformed our production operations. We now have complete visibility into every vehicle moving through our assembly lines, enabling us to optimize flow, improve quality, and scale production efficiently. The implementation was seamless and the results exceeded our expectations."
Director of Manufacturing Operations
Leading Electric Vehicle Manufacturer

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