Yard Management Systems Automation of Ford Assembly Plants

Managing yard operations efficiently in the automotive manufacturing sector is crucial. Traditional yard management systems (YMS) often rely on outdated manual systems that are slow and highly susceptible to errors. These inefficiencies can lead to significant bottlenecks, increased operational costs and strained customer relationships. Relying on spreadsheets and phone calls to manage critical logistics is a reactive rather than proactive management style.

Ford’s adoption of AutoVentive’s yard management solution has set a new standard for supply chain optimization technology.  It has transformed logistical operations and significantly enhanced the yard management process. Discover how this technology addresses these challenges and propels your operations toward efficiency and reliability.

How much does not having yard management solutions at your facility cost you?

Time costs money, and this is more evident in the absence of an effective YMS. Traditional YMS often rely on manual processes that are time-consuming, prone to errors and negatively impact overall customer service. Such inefficiencies cause significant disruptions, from yard congestion to loading and shipping delays, ultimately affecting throughput.

According to a Deloitte Insights survey report, shipment delays had the most significant impact on the manufacturer’s supply chain, often resulting in lost customers, additional compensation to keep the customer, damage to brand image and reputation, compounded delays and more. This waste can amount to millions due to a failure of human-controlled processes. 

 

Additionally, relying on spreadsheets and phone calls to manage dock scheduling and dock management exacerbates the risk of manual errors, leading to detention and demurrage fees as trucks wait beyond their scheduled times. These manual systems fail to provide the real-time visibility and scheduling flexibility needed to adapt to dynamic operational demands, resulting in poor resource allocation and inefficiencies in yard operations.

Investing in a reliable yard management systems, such as AutoVentive’s solution adopted by Ford, can transform your logistics operations and drive efficiency and reliability in your supply chain. It’s time to consider the cost of not having a modern yard management solution.

Whitepaper: Ford Assembly Plants

Recognizing the challenges, Ford has proactively modernized their yard operations by implementing a robust yard management software solution. By integrating advanced yard management technology, Ford enhances its outbound processes and sets a new standard in the industry for operational efficiency.

The supply chain optimization software facilitates better coordination, improves metrics tracking and supports analytics to monitor and enhance key performance indicators (KPIs). It transforms yard management processes by reducing reliance on manual processes, minimizing detention fees and significantly boosting customer service efficiency.

By automating complex yard operations, companies like Ford respond to current challenges and position themselves for future scalability and success in the automotive industry. This strategic move enhances yard operations and significantly contributes to broader supply chain optimization tools.

For detailed information about Ford and AutoVentive’s partnership, download this whitepaper.

What is AutoVentive YMS?

AutoVentive YMS is a secure, cloud-based yard management solution that automates and optimizes critical processes within the automotive supply chain from the time an automobile leaves the OEM production line until it reaches the dealer or final customer.

Implementing AutoVentive’s Yard Management Systems Solution at Ford

At Ford’s assembly plant in Ohio, switching from manual methods to AutoVentive’s advanced yard management systems has dramatically improved operations. This change means better handling of dock scheduling and management, which used to be slow and error-prone due to old-fashioned manual methods. By making these areas more efficient, Ford has reduced problems like scheduling conflicts and delays in getting trucks loaded and unloaded, leading to smoother operations and better alignment with modern supply chain practices.

Complete Visibility

AutoVentive’s YMS enhances the plant’s efficiency by providing a clear view of all equipment, shipments and staff activities. This complete visibility is essential in the busy setting of an automotive assembly plant, allowing for quick and informed decisions based on up-to-the-minute data. Managers can better track equipment usage, improve how tasks flow throughout the plant and ensure that all parts of the yard work well with production needs.

Better Coordination and Communication

Moreover, this system helps better coordinate and communicate among yard staff, seamlessly linking various parts of yard operations. This ensures that everyone’s efforts align with what’s needed right now, boosting overall productivity. By using AutoVentive’s YMS, Ford improves how its yard operates and sets a new standard for using technology to manage supply chains, keeping every aspect of yard operations precise and under control.

Comprehensive Benefits of AutoVentive AV Track Sheets

AutoVentive’s AV Track Sheets are at the core of Ford’s transformation, providing a robust framework for the yard management solution. Key features include:

Handheld Rail Car AEI Scanning

• Eliminates manual human errors in misreading rail car identifiers. 
• Eliminates issues with graffiti and visibility. 
• Cuts track sheet generation time in half. 
• Umler integration pulls rail car type. 
• Marks bad orders, including drive-through and non-loaders. 
• Alerts to inbound embargoed rail cars and those marked for dismantling. 
• GPS verification for track alignment. 
• Features audio and vibration alerts. 
• Integrated bar code scanner and camera for survey and inspections. 
• The operator can scan safely from inside the vehicle.

Automated Electronic Track Sheets

• Automated Track Sheets sent to vested parties upon completion. 
• Electronic Track sheets saved for visibility and accountability.

Geolocation Track Position Verification

• Conducts initial one-time geo audit of rail tracks. 
• Guards against incorrect track alignment. 
• GPS tracking verification for spotting, loading and dispatching.

Switch Outs and Billing

• Electronic switch-out generation and management. 
• Minimizes rejected switch-outs. 
• Electronic report seals and headlight orientation.

Industry Standards

• Complies with current and emerging industry standards. 
• Meets AAR Compliance Standards. 
• Scans rail seals for cross-border shipments.

Broader Impacts on Ford’s Operations

Deploying these advanced features in yard management technology has significantly improved Ford’s operational efficiency. By embracing a comprehensive yard management solution, Ford has optimized its outbound processes and set a benchmark in the industry for effectively managing large-scale yard operations using transportation management systems.

The Distinctive Edge of AutoVentive’s Telematics Vehicle Tracking System

Designed by a team with decades of automotive and logistics industry experience, our telematics vehicle tracking system leverages leading software and hardware technology to give you end-to-end visibility and analytics on all assets, shipments and workforce activities. This system is tailored to meet the specific needs of your automotive logistics operation, offering real-time visibility of all yard assets and activities from a single location. It scales to meet the needs of your business, whether for a single yard or multiple global facilities.

Here are crucial elements that distinguish this system:

Comprehensive Real-Time Tracking

The system provides real-time visibility into the location and status of every vehicle within the yard. This capability is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and ensuring that yard trucks and jockeys are used efficiently, reducing idle time and enhancing throughput.

Integration with Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

AutoVentive’s solution seamlessly integrates with existing TMS and warehouse management systems (WMS), creating a cohesive platform that enhances yard management processes. This integration facilitates smooth outbound loads and outbound truck management, improving overall shipping and loading workflows.

Customizable Alerts and Notifications

The system has customizable alerts that notify yard personnel and management of critical events, such as unexpected arrival times or potential congestion issues. These alerts allow timely interventions to prevent demurrage and detention fees.

Users can facilitate communication for two-way data transfer between the web and handheld devices, bringing timely and actionable information to everyone in your organization.

User-Friendly Interface and Mobile Device Compatibility

The user interface is designed for ease of use, enhancing the user experience by allowing yard personnel to access vital information via any mobile device. This accessibility ensures that all team members receive clear instructions and updates no matter their location in the yard.

The system is compatible with Android devices built for the industry, such as the Zebra TC75 or L10. Rugged Android devices deployed among departments empower users with quick access to data and a simple, reliable means for inputting or updating information. 

Data-Driven Insights and Analytics

AutoVentive’s system offers powerful analytics tools that track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to yard operations. These insights allow management to make informed decisions that improve yard management processes and customer service.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review supports initiatives for data-driven solutions, “Gathering and analyzing this data can help enable manufacturers to reduce business risk and become more agile by identifying potential supply issues, increasing efficiencies, and giving customers more accurate timelines.”

These distinguishing features of AutoVentive’s telematics vehicle tracking system streamline operations and significantly enhance the scalability and adaptability of yard management solutions. By leveraging such advanced capabilities, companies can ensure they are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern logistics and supply chain optimization.

AutoVentive Yard Management Systems For Streamlined Operations

Ford’s integration of AutoVentive’s Yard Management Systems and AV Track Sheets has set a benchmark in the automotive industry for enhancing operational efficiency and effectively managing yard operations. 

AutoVentive’s tailored solutions, comprehensive support and scalable technology ensure that businesses can adapt to the dynamic demands of supply chain management. AutoVentive’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer support further solidifies its role as a leader in providing innovative yard management solutions.

Request a demo on how we can streamline operations and improve throughput.