Supply Chain / Logistics

Importance of Choosing The Right Fastener for Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA)

The Next Big Thing in the Product Design Process

Selecting the best fastener for your application can be tough. To make matters worse, not all fasteners are created equally. Choosing the correct fastener design, finish or material type can make all the difference in assembling a quality product.  As such, it’s imperative to choose the right fastener as early on in the design process as possible and this sentiment outlines the notion of Design for Manufacturing (DFM). Let’s take a closer look at the importance of choosing the right fastener and why DFM principles can serve as a guiding light in the journey. 

What Is Design for Manufacturing?

Design for Manufacturing or Design for Manufacturing and Assembly involves optimizing the design of a product for efficiency in assembly, cost and quality.  To embrace DFM, you must engineer or design in a component or bolted joint with these principles in mind during the product’s design stage.

The alternative is to design the product and then choose the fastener. This less efficient practice can lead to inefficient assembly, weak joints or the necessity of special fasteners, which are not readily available or common. Using special fasteners can also:

  • Greatly increase the cost of production
  • Reduce the lifespan of the product
  • Cause product malfunctions
  • Lead to product performance issues

Implementing Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Principles in Fastener Selection

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly should occur early in the development of a product during the design phase. When using this discipline, manufacturing will become efficient and cost effective, since choosing the right fasteners can later define the assembly process and reduce tooling.   While the exact DFM workflow can be tailored to the unique application and part being designed, a few general DFM principles are:

  • Design fasteners and objects for fast and efficient assembly.
  • Work to standardize components and materials to save money.
  • Achieve design simplicity by reducing the number of parts and complications.
  • Minimize the number of manufacturing operations required on fasteners during assembly.

Why Are DFM Principles Important in Fastener Selection?

Design For Manufacturing represents the evolution of product design and can be leveraged to produce products more economically and at higher quality.  No other component in the assembly process can have as broad of an impact on your DFM as choosing the right fastener.  A few key benefits and reasons why fastener selection should be a core focus of your DFM planning:

  • More cost-effective production.
  • Faster time-to-market.
  • Reduction of the product development process.
  • Production will be up to speed quicker.
  • Components can be combined to reduce assembly steps and the number of parts.
  • It detects and removes faults or mistakes.
  • Delivers a higher quality of the product because the design can be enhanced and refined at each stage.
  • It can create a safer working environment.

Contact Bossard for Fastener Selection Assistance 

Fasteners are engineered to hold two parts together. With this in mind, it’s best to avoid adding “higher responsibilities” to simple fasteners and work to achieve design simplicity. A few additional basic rules for choosing the best fasteners are:

  • Fasteners must always be equal to, or better than, the assembled parts.
  • Bolted joints may never be points of weakness.
  • Assembled fasteners should always be controllable as well as exchangeable.

In the end, making fasteners a top priority in the design process by embracing Design for Manufacturing and Assembly principles can unlock all of the aforementioned benefits and more.  Want to implement DFM for your assembly and don’t know where to start?  Bossard’s Assembly Technology Expert Services and Engineers are available to help.

For help with choosing the right fastener for you or if you have other questions about fastener technology, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

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December 09, 2022
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3 Undeniable Ways Bossard’s Kitting Increases Manufacturing Efficiency

Bossard Kitting

Implementing kitting services can open the door to a vast range of benefits for warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Kitting — also referred to as bundling — is a process of combining finished goods or inventory items into individual stock keeping units (SKUs). There are two broad categories of kitting:

  • Product kitting is where finished goods that make up a new product are bundled together.
  • Material kitting explains when items used in the manufacturing process are bundled together. 

In either case, kitting can help streamline processes, simplify inventory management, optimize floor production, and help your warehouse move closer toward lean manufacturing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top efficiency gains our clients experience with our kitting services. 

Maximize Limited Warehouse Floor Space

No matter the size of your warehouse, one thing is for certain — space is at a premium. And when you implement Bossard’s kitting services in your lean manufacturing environment, saving space is one of the most prevalent benefits. By strategically moving component inventory, kitting allows you to dedicate more space to production. 

As a part of the kitting process, Bossard — a leading third-party logistics provider — takes responsibility for storing the manufacturer’s parts. This immediately allows more space for production, granting your workers more space and improving safety. Kitting also mitigates expensive manufacturing storage space that was previously necessary for storing different components. And when manufacturers save on storage space, they will refrain from utilizing unnecessary packaging and generating trash, which are each the antithesis to lean manufacturing. 

Improve Productivity with Kitting

Anytime parts are not kitted, assemblers will have to waste time searching through your inventory, request to pull parts, and then log their usage. Whether off-site or on-site, curated and pre-sorted kits can lead to time savings and reduced labor costs by ensuring the right parts are easily accessible when needed. When the kitting is combined with managed inventory, these two processes allow suppliers to make sure products are readily available to support daily production. More so, it allows suppliers to retain ownership of inventory until it is required. As a bonus, when items are shipped in a kit, they are less likely to experience order fulfillment errors.

Increase Volume and Improve Assembly Speed

Kitting allows parts and components to be bulk processed vs individually when every order arrives. And when manufacturers outsource this functionality, it will almost immediately equate to savings in money and time. While the outbound side of the inventory is where most inventory-based companies generate the most profit, it’s most likely the most labor-intensive. Kitting can lead to increased volume and faster assembly by ensuring parts are delivered to the point of use, which saves manufacturers time on the line. 

Contact Bossard for Expert Kitting Services

At Bossard, our experienced logistics and warehouse staff are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and unrivaled expertise to efficiently handle all of your warehouse C-part kitting and assembly needs. We offer decades of experience helping facilities unlock the countless benefits of kitting. And when you partner with Bossard, we will work to unlock all of the benefits that kitting services can offer your facility. 

Contact Bossard today for expert kitting services. 

 

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July 22, 2022
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Two Customer Success Stories: How Bossard Adds Value

Expert Walk

Success comes in many forms, but when you partner with Bossard for fastening solutions and manufacturing expertise, success comes in all forms. And you don’t have to take our word for it! Simply ask any of our clients for their own success stories. Let’s take a quick look at how clients partnered with Bossard for success. 

Tailor-Made Solutions Drive Excellent Results

Since 1866, Borgers has been associated with engineering premium textile components. Johann Borgers GmbH mainly focuses on delivering custom solutions for commercial vehicles and automobiles. The manufacturer produces coverings and absorbers for trunk loading floors, sidewalls, rear window shelves, as well a host of other essential components. No matter the application, each component depends on reliable fastening solutions. The spectrum of materials employed ranges from:

  • Thermoplastic carriers
  • Duroplastic carriers
  • Polyurethane films
  • Needle felts
  • Genuine leather applications
  • And more

But when introduced to Bossard’s new MM-Welding technology, they immediately recognized the potential for real economic benefits. 

Bossard’s New MM-Welding Technology Is a Perfect Fit

The MM-Welding technology utilizes ultrasonic vibration to push thermoplastic fasteners through the top layer of porous sandwich materials without any preliminary processing or drilling. The friction between the component and fastener surface morphs the surface of the fastener into the connecting material. Due to the hardness of the material, the fastener manages to retain its shape and can be immediately loaded following the connection process. 

Mark Maibom, Industrial Engineer Expert, Johann Borgers GmbH explains, “The MM-Welding® technology appeared to be tailor-made for us since so many of our products are based on the porous PUR sandwich components for which the process was developed.” Because utilizing this innovative solution only takes a second, Bossard’s MM-Welding technology was an instant improvement and led to efficiencies. 

Previous conventional joining methods always required extra work and came with limitations. Specifically, the team at Borgers had to pre-process and post-process the drill hole; or they were required to factor in longer drying times and longer hardening times. With Bossard’s MM-Welding technology, the team projects significant cost savings in the future.  

Garo Poland’s Success Story Is Highlighted by a 33% Reduction in Inventory 

Garo Poland is the biggest manufacture of electric vehicle charging systems in Northern Europe. Specializing in electrical installations and systems, this innovative firm is committed to lean management and innovation. And for several years, Garo has turned to Bossard for our SmartBin logistics systems to help achieve it’s lean manufacturing goals.

Our cutting-edge material management solutions have been instrumental in driving efficiencies in their production process. To help facilitate lean management at Garo, seven locations are equipped with Bossard SmartBin Systems that oversee more than 900 order items. With an average of 22,700 fastening solutions being processed every day, processes must be under control. And Bossard’s interactive supply chain platform —ARIMS— material management is more predictable and leaner. 

ARIMS Is the Best Inventory Management Software

With the goal of a fully efficient operation, the right material must be at the right place every time. And Bossard’s ARIMS platform helps ensure the right C-parts are available when needed. Enhanced by cloud technology associated with the ARIMS platform, the generation and sorting of procurement orders are optimized.

In addition, SmartOrdering with ARIMS provides a myriad of demand forecasts and improved procurement processes for supply chain optimization. Ordering and delivering processes can be consistently optimized by leveraging historical data and artificial intelligence. The automated process helps limit employee workload and leads to time savings.

Supply Chain Optimization Reduces Inventory by 33%

 

One of the key tell-tale signs of success for Garo is that they have been able to reduce inventories by a masterful 33%. This means that less capital is tied up, and they can rededicate resources to driving their core competencies — including innovation potential. 

 

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May 27, 2022
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Smart Factory Logistics to Know Your Parts Usage and Not be Caught Unprepared

ARIMS

Your Kanban system may have worked adequately so far. However, it does involve constant attention from your suppliers, shippers, and warehouse staff so that products enter and leave your warehouse in a timely manner. You also have to juggle inventory levels and fulfillment requests to ensure that you process orders promptly and with the correct quantities.

How does your current Kanban system stack up when challenged with unforeseen events?  When headlines forecast supply chain interruption or material shortages, do you have the usage data on hand to ensure your assembly line won’t be stopped in the days ahead?  Despite your vigilance, you’re sometimes caught unprepared when stock levels don’t match what’s on record or you don’t have enough information to predict what to stockpile when JIT replenishment is not viable anymore. This can cause you to delay shipments as your staff scrounge for the needed products.  Bossard helps you avoid these pitfalls by implementing Smart Factory Logistics to automate your B- and C-parts management and providing real-time data from your work cells and supermarket using the Internet of Things.

Starting with Systems

We can start the transformation of your facility with these productivity boosts:

·         Bossard Code works with your existing logistics system by putting barcodes or QR codes on your existing bins and containers. When you need to reorder, you can scan the code through the ARIMS Mobile App on your smartphone and place a replenishment order. Real-time order status appears on the app.

·         SmartCard puts RFID cards to work with your existing logistical systems. When a product is out of stock, you throw the RFID card into an electronic mailbox, which triggers a reorder.

·         SmartBin uses a container that is attached to a weight sensor. When the stock level falls below a specified weight, the SmartBin sends a replenishment order automatically.

·         SmartLabel Cloud consists of the modular SmartLabel, which sits on any of your bins and containers. The easy-to-read e-paper display shows all relevant product information, such as the name and ID number. When the quantity runs low, push a button to place an order. The display then shows the delivery date, order quantity, and order status, which are updated in real-time.

·         SmartBin Cloud integrates the two previous technologies into one encompassing system. The SmartBin automates ordering when the weight sensor detects that the stock level has fallen. The SmartLabel, which is attached to the bin, displays all relevant product and ordering information.

·         SmartLocker secures your high-value items in an intelligent cabinet. It allows access only if you’re authorized by an RFID card. It automatically transmits all inventory and ordering information to the ARIMS dashboard.

Putting It Together

The ARIMS platform streamlines your supplier base by integrating all your suppliers.  It helps you coordinate both the material and information flow from a single point of contact. You benefit from a more efficient workflow, full transparency, and improved predictability. Make better decisions about your supply chain by analyzing big data in real-time.

 

Access your data on the go.  Get real-time data anywhere with the ARIMS Mobile app on tablet or smartphone. Manage your inventory, check orders, and analyze intelligent analytics on the factory floor, in the warehouse, or wherever else you are.

 

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May 20, 2022
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How To Integrate Pick-by-Light and Put-to-Light Technology in Your Last Mile Logistics

Pick-to-Light

Last Mile Management takes charge of the milk run: the process of bringing B- and C-parts from a central storage area to the work cells where they can be used for production. To make this part of the supply chain more efficient, Last Mile Management encourages the quickest flow of materials through the use of Pick-by-Light and Put-to-Light solutions from Bossard. These functions form part of the SmartBin and SmartLabel systems in Smart Factory Logistics and are integrated by the ARIMS platform.

Pick-by-Light

Last Mile Management starts the milk run by generating a digital pick list in the ARIMS Mobile App so that the employee can take the list to the warehouse or assembly area. When the run starts, the App lists the required material and activates the Pick-to-Light function: an LED lights up in the SmartBin or SmartLabel, so the employee knows where to get the material from the storage area.

If several materials are involved, the LEDs light up sequentially to show how to get the items in the most efficient order. As soon the employee acknowledges the pick-up, the LED of the next material lights up.

This function eliminates errors and speeds up picking.

Put-to-Light

Put-to-Light comes into play after the employee picks the material and brings it to the work cells. The ARIMS Mobile App lists the box that must be refilled and activates the Pick-to-Light function. An LED lights up on the SmartBin or SmartLabel, so the employee knows which box to fill and does not spend valuable time searching.

This function speeds up finding boxes and eliminates misplaced materials, which makes putting materials into work cells more efficient and less time-consuming.

Smart Factory Logistics

Smart Factory Logistics is a Bossard innovation that contains the following physical systems.

  • SmartLabel attaches to an existing container and displays information about the contents including, name, ID number, real-time order status, and date. The push of a button initiates refill orders.
  • SmartBin is a container with a built-in weight sensor that monitors its stock levels. When the stock goes down to a specified level, the SmartBin orders a refill automatically.

Both components can incorporate LEDs for the Pick-to-Light and Put-by-Light functions. They do not require a power source since they operate on batteries that can last as long as five years. They communicate with the rest of your smart factory, such as the ARIMS platform, and Bossard through the SmartLabel Cloud and SmartBin Cloud.

You can keep track of and manage these systems using the ARIMS interactive digital platform, which works on a desktop or portable personal device that you can take to the warehouse. It lets you monitor your stock in real-time and analyze orders, deliveries, and location with reports that can be exported to other software.

More Information

If you want more information on how Pick-by- and Put-to-Light can work for your application or are considering Smart Factory Logistics for your business, please contact your local Bossard agent.

 

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February 18, 2022
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How To Increase Productivity in Your Supply Chain

Increasing employee productivity in your supply chain rewards you with higher profitability, lower operational costs, reduced waste, and improved customer service. Traditional methods, such as making communication more efficient, improving training, and developing procedure standards, still work. But they take time and expense to execute and measure. A more cost-effective and quicker strategy is to depend on Bossard’s Smart Factory Logistics.

Advantages

Optimizing your production and manufacturing gives you an edge over your competitors and drives growth. Our Smart Factory Logistics gives you the following advantages:

  • Increases your agility.
  • Responds automatically to fast-moving market demands.
  • Improves predictability with software analysis.
  • Makes your processes leaner by reducing management, material handling, and inventory holding costs.
  • Customizes different manufacturing environments for maximum flexibility.
  • Improves productivity continuously with expert advice.

We implement the Internet of Things in your facility, which enables your machines and computers to communicate seamlessly with each other for real-time insight into your C-part usage. Because we make managing your C-parts leaner and more transparent, you can focus on the core competence.

How It Works

Bossard offers both physical systems and a software platform to automate your supply chain.

Systems

Our Smart Factory Logistics systems consist of the following components, which you can customize to your requirements.

  • SmartLabel – This intelligent modular label attaches to your existing storage units that hold stock. All stock information, such as name, identification numbers, real-time order status, and delivery date appears on the label, which communicates with other parts of the system through the SmartLabel Cloud. The display uses e-paper to make it readable under all lighting conditions. Its battery lasts for up to five years. Pushing a button on the label triggers ordering.
  • SmartBin – This stand-alone box contains built-in weight sensors that constantly monitor stock levels through the SmartBin cloud. When the stock lowers to a reorder point, the SmartBin sends a replenishment order to Bossard automatically. We then consolidate all your ordered items into one shipment that is sent to your dock or point of use.
  • SmartLocker – You can store valuable stock in the SmartLocker, which can only be accessed using the correct RFID card. Stock levels and reordering are also automatic.
  • SmartCard combines RFID technology with the original kanban card. The card corresponds to a storage container. When the stock goes down to a minimum point in the container, the employee drops the card into an electronic mailbox, which then sends automatically sends ordering information to Bossard.

Platform

ARIMS is an interactive digital platform that ties our Smart Factory Logistics systems together to increase supply chain productivity and improve lean management. Because it works in the cloud, you can access it from the office desktop or on the factory floor through the ARIMS Mobile app that is downloaded to your personal device. It has the following functions.

  • ARIMS Analytics lets you analyze your orders, deliveries, locations, and articles in real-time through reports, graphs, and tables that you can export.
  • ARIMS Interactive lets you directly submit change requests, customize system options, and view past and current changes.

 

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February 11, 2022
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How to Optimize Your Supply Chain Logistics

#2 - How to Optimize Your Supply Chain with Smart Factory Logistics

A key factor for success in a marketplace that is quickly changing is improving your logistics processes. We offer Smart Factory Logistics that will optimize your production and manufacturing while reducing your total cost of ownership (TCO).

Using the Internet of Things, we can manage your B- and C-parts. You can begin with simple logistics management solutions and then move on to a fully automated supply chain.

Logistics Solutions

You can get started by automatically tracking inventory levels and replenishing stock with the following Smart systems.

  • SmartLabel Cloud. This solution uses an intelligent label that can be stuck to existing inventory management systems, like containers or bins. The label displays all needed product information, quantity, real-time order status, and delivery date. When stock is running low at the point of use, workers can push a button to place an order, which is automatically and wirelessly transmitted to your supplier. When the new stock arrives at the container, another button push confirms the refill.
  • SmartBin Cloud. SmartLabel Cloud is combined with SmartBin flex, which is comprised of a box with weight sensors for transmitting current stock levels. When that level goes down to a certain point, the system automatically places an order. Because the SmartBin flex is wireless, it can be installed on the factory floor or anywhere else. It can also be installed in trolleys as part of SmartBin mobile or in Kanban pools for SmartBin Classic.
  • It allows you to store high-value items, which can only be accessed by SmartCard holders with the correct permissions. The SmartLocker also automatically transmits refill requests to the ARIMS dashboard, as explained later.
  • Combining the original kanban card and RFID tech, this card can become part of any production process. When an item goes out of stock, the production worker can throw the RFID card into an electronic mailbox, which automatically transmits refill requests.

Interactive Control

An important part of the supply chain optimization process is how you interact with it. ARIMS is Bossard’s interactive platform that lets you track orders, manage inventory, and analyze intelligent reports to make your management of B- and C-parts more efficient and predictable. This digital platform implements Industry 4.0 for your production through the following functions:

  • ARIMS Interactive lets you submit change requests, view the status of existing changes, and customize system parameters.
  • ARIMS Analytics creates reports and other analytics to reveal your orders, deliveries, items, and locations at a glance. You can easily visualize and export tables and graphs, so production data is transparent and always at your fingertips.
  • ARIMS Mobile puts all the functions of ARIMS on Android and iOS devices, so you have full control wherever you are, including the production floor. You can check orders, find your items, and view relevant information in real-time.
November 19, 2021
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The Most Innovative Things Happening with Supply Chain Logistics

#4 The Most Innovative Things Happening With Supply Chain Logistics

Supply chain logistics stand out as an essential piece of your manufacturing enterprise. It represents an efficient and profitable way to transport goods, services, and information from the initiation point to the destination. Bossard has been at the forefront of innovating this critical component with smart factory solutions.

Getting Smart

To make your factory smarter in the 21st century, Bossard created ARIMS, a platform that gives you full control of your visible supply chain. It enables you to monitor inventory, orders, supply, and demand through intelligent analytics, making your B- and C-part management fully transparent.

The following ARIMS functions improve the efficiency, predictability, and ultimately, profitability, of your supply chain.

  • ARIMS Analytics exposes your items, orders, locations, and deliveries to reports, graphs, and tables that can be exported into everything from other software to word processing applications. You can now access real-time data to make decisions about your manufacturing.
  • ARIMS Interactive helps you manage your assembly changes by requesting changes and looking at the status of open and past change requests. You can adjust system parameters to fit how you do business.
  • ARIMS Mobile puts all the ARIMS functions into an app that you download to your Android or iOS device. You’re no longer tied to one location but can find items, check orders, and view information from wherever you are, even if you’re on the production floor.

The Systems

The physical side of Smart Factory Logistics comes together in the following cloud-based solutions of the industrial internet of things.

  • SmartBin Cloud measures the stock that the SmartBin contains in real-time using the vibrations of the bin when someone removes an item. When the stock drops to a minimum level, a replenishment order goes via SmartBin Cloud to Bossard. Relevant information, such as stock level, order status, and delivery date appears on the bin label.
  • SmartLabel Cloud includes a SmartLabel that attaches to your existing containers and contains the same information as the SmartBin label: stock level, order status, and delivery date. Users can push the label button to replenish stock. The order is sent via SmartLabel Cloud to Bossard.

At Bossard, we then consolidate all your ordered items into one shipment for efficiency and economy before sending it to you. Depending on our agreement, we can deliver the order either to the dock or point of use, such as a specific shelf in your warehouse.

Advantages

These Bossard innovations offer your facility the following advantages:

  • Full transparency with the information you need appearing on the label at the point of use and in the ARIMS platform.
  • You can now meaningfully analyze big data to improve predictability and efficiency.
  • The system integrates all suppliers to streamline the supplier base.
  • It also coordinates the flow of materials and information.

If you want to know more about how our innovations can improve the logistics of your supply chain, please contact your local Bossard agent.

SOURCE

https://www.michiganstateuniversityonline.com/resources/supply-chain/logistics-fundamental-to-supply-chain-success/

 

 

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Challenges and Solutions of Supply Chain Management

4 Supply Chain Solutions for Your Organization with Bossard

7 Easy Steps to Get Ready For Industry 4.0

October 29, 2021
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Managing Supply Chain Disruption in Your Organization

Managing Supply Chain Disruption - reviewed

As a successful business that meets your customers’ needs, you’re used to working around supply chain disruptions. Throughout the year, you may deal with labor strikes that delay deliveries and increase lead time, factory malfunctions that reduce part supplies, and fuel increases that drive up the price of materials.

But the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the past year-and-a-half have been unprecedented in shutting down entire industries and countries. You’ve had to adjust your actions on the fly to deal with all the challenges. The key to success has been shifting to remote control and automation.

To help with both, Bossard implements Smart Factory Logistics through ARIMS as well as SmartBin Cloud and SmartLabel Cloud.

Controlling the Flow from Anywhere

ARIMS, our interactive supply chain platform, improves your supply chain by tracking orders, offering access to intelligent analytics, and digitally managing your inventory. You gain full transparency of your B- and C-parts.

Its main components include ARIMS Analytics for an overview of your locations, orders, deliveries, and articles through reports and graphs, and ARIMS Interactive, which lets you submit change requests, customize system parameters, and view current and past changes.

The most important component for preventing supply chain disruption is ARIMS Mobile, which uses Android and iOS devices to give you full control of all functions wherever you are, even if you’re on the production floor or at a remote location. You can find an item, view related information, and check orders in real-time through your personal device.

Automating with Real-Time Data

While ARIMS focuses on software to enhance Smart Factory Logistics, SmartBin and SmartLabel Cloud focus on hardware. It fully automates ordering by recognizing demand, managing orders, and replenishing stock with deliveries.

It begins with a weight sensor that is triggered by motion. Every time someone picks up an item, stock information is updated in real-time. You can then monitor the real-time stock level at any time. When enough stock has been depleted, a replenishment order can be launched automatically or at the push of a button.

SmartBin Cloud

SmartBin Cloud implements Smart Factory Logistics using bins that are filled with stock. It can be integrated into your existing layout without changing your infrastructure. Taking stock from the bin triggers vibration sensors that measure the stock level in real-time. This information is sent via the cloud to Bossard.

Stock that goes down to a certain point initiates a replenishment order. We consolidate the ordered items into one shipment that is sent to either your loading dock or directly to the point of use, depending on your preference. Stock information, order status, and delivery date appear instantly on the label in front of the SmartBin.

SmartLabel Cloud

SmartLabel Cloud functions similarly to SmartBin Cloud but relies only on modular labels that can be placed in your existing storage units. To initiate a replenishment order, you push a button on the label, which then sends the information to Bossard to be filled and delivered to you.

How We Can Help

If you have any questions about the components of Smart Factory Logistics and how it can help you improve supply chain resilience, please contact us today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

 

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Challenges and Solutions of Supply Chain Management

4 Supply Chain Solutions for Your Organization with Bossard

7 Easy Steps to Get Ready for Industry 4.0

September 03, 2021
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4 Supply Chain Solutions for Your Organization with Bossard

Supply Chain Solutions For Your Organization with Bossard

Improving your supply chain performance can increase your production efficiency while optimizing manufacturing and production. If you face some of the following common challenges, Bossard can provide supply chain management solutions through Smart Factory Logistics.

You have a good inventory management system in place, complete with a storage system but you want some automation.

SmartLabel Cloud consists of an intelligent label that attaches to any kind of storage bin. The E-paper display, which remains visible under all kinds of lighting conditions, shows configurable product information, real-time order status, order quantity, and delivery date. Touching a button on the label lets you release orders. A long battery life frees the SmartLabel Cloud from maintenance and its built-in wireless technology allows for communication with your inventory management system.

You need a way to store and manage inventory.

SmartBin flex refers to our bin that integrates a weight sensor at the bottom. It then wirelessly communicates stock levels and demand to other areas of your inventory management system. The unit operates individually, so it can go wherever it is needed: such as at the assembly line or work cell. This system reduces ordering and delivery times and encourages lean manufacturing without human intervention.

The SmartBin can also go on mobile trolleys that can communicate wirelessly and are battery-powered. You can then move the trolley to wherever your SmartBin collection is needed. For assembly lines and supermarkets, SmartBin Classic supports centralized and decentralized Kanban pools ranging from just a few grams per bin or up to 1,000 kilograms per pallet.

You want to isolate your high-value inventory with separate storage.

When you want to isolate valuable items and consumables from the rest of your inventory, you can store them in SmartLocker, which is essentially a cabinet with doors that can only be opened through an RFID card. It automatically keeps track of who is accessing what and tells you when inventory needs to be replenished. All information is wirelessly transmitted to ARIMS, Bossard’s Interactive Supply Chain Platform.

Your supply chain needs to be automated.

ARIMS, our exclusive supply chain management software, gives you control of your logistics by enabling you to actively manage inventory, track orders, and access intelligent analytics. Because it is cloud-based, you can access it from any point in your facility using Android or iOS devices, or at specific areas such as a manager’s office.

You can check orders, stock levels, and deliveries in real-time, and make immediate changes. You gain a complete overview of your items, orders, deliveries, and location, which you can analyze through graphs and reports that are easily exported.

 

This interactive supply chain platform lets you coordinate the flow of goods and materials, integrate all suppliers, and streamline your supplier base. You gain increased efficiency, full transparency, and data that is directly available at the point of use.

Want more information?

These are just some of the many solutions that can improve your productivity. If you have questions about any of these or want to implement them at your facility, please contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.             

 

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20% gain in efficiency with one rivet

Logistics costs reduction thanks to SmartBin

June 11, 2021
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