Tweet me!Valtra has automated the material supply process and material buffer management with RFID at its Suolahti tractor manufacturing plant. The RFID system implemented by Vilant Systems triggers replenishment orders based on material consumption movements directly to the suppliers. Goods receiving is automated with RFID enabled conveyors and RFID gates at the dock doors and material stock levels are maintained in real time. The system improves material handling efficiency and reduces manual errors. The real time material inventory information and inbound shipment data enable prevention of material shortages.
Process
Valtra's system is based on RFID enabled forklifts that read material pallets while transporting them from the material buffer to the consumption area and trigger replenishment orders. The system is based on pallets that have reusable RFID tags. Goods receiving dock doors and inbound conveyors are equipped with RFID readers for automatic goods reception. Vilant's RFID software controls the RFID readers and integrates the information to Valtra's ERP system.
The Vilant Server 5 RFID software system presents real time inventory information of the material buffer. For each material a target buffer amount is set. For single materials the buffered quantity can be followed. The buffered amount, pending replenishment orders and inbound shipments are visible. The information is based on Valtra's RFID readers and readers deployed to suppliers.
Benefits
The material flow visibility provided by the RFID system can improve material availability at the factory. Goods receiving automation saves labor cost in the inbound process. Real time visibility of goods movements enhances control and inventory information is more accurate. The real time replenishment for material consumption improve inventory cycle time. In total the RFID system improves many areas of material flow. Improving material flow is one of the key components of modern Lean production improvement methodology.
About Valtra Oy
Valtra Inc. develops, manufactures, markets and services Valtra tractors. Valtra is the leading tractor manufacturer in the Nordic countries and the second most popular brand in Latin America. The company has manufactured tractors since 1951, but its historic roots reach back until 1832. Valtra tractors are built in the most advanced factories in the industry at Suolahti, Finland, and Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. Valtra tractors are now sold in over 75 countries worldwide. Valtra is a worldwide brand of the AGCO Corporation, the third-largest manufacturer of agricultural equipment in the world.
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