Supply Chain / Logistics

Supply Chain Transparency

How Bossard Can Assist with Supply Chain Transparency

Achieving full supply chain transparency represents the ultimate in supply chain and logistics efficiency. The ability to fully leverage data analytics for logistics to pinpoint exactly what is happening with raw materials or work-in-process (WIP) parts at any given stage of a company’s supply chain – with its numerous suppliers, warehousing locations, multiple touchpoints, distribution channels, and in-transit deliveries – is the ultimate goal. However, with that increased synchronization comes the need for user-friendly, cloud-based software solutions that simplify logistics data analysis.

With the onset of Industry 4.0 and the increased adoption of smart manufacturing and smart logistics, companies are hard-pressed to integrate multiple IoT networks, legacy software systems, robotics, automated machinery and equipment, and mobile-optimized digital solutions into a seamless and continuous big data feedback solution – and for good reason.

Supply chain transparency – while sounding great on paper – is a considerable undertaking. Integrating numerous software-based inventory, manufacturing, and logistics data across multiple levels of a supply chain takes strong vendor relationships and stakeholders willing to invest resources, time, and capital in IT infrastructure and digital systems that bring supply chain efficiency to fruition. However, driven largely by a socially active public that demands transparency, increased competition, and multiple global legislative initiatives, the progress toward supply chain transparency is in full force.

The World of Big Data Analytics for Logistics

Companies pursuing supply chain transparency must invest in digital tools that fully leverage real-time big data tracking and analytics, so they can make better, more informed, and more timely decisions. However, the idea that procurement professionals need to constantly review endless amounts of data to make time-critical decisions is far-fetched. The impetus isn’t to inundate supply chain and procurement professionals with big data – so big in fact that they become overwhelmed.

The goal of big data analytics should be to simplify how procurement and supply chain decisions are made – and for that to happen, it takes stand-alone cloud-based digital procurement solutions that leverage machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI). Consider these digital solutions as self-automated systems that lessen the burden on procurement and supply chain professions.

When leveraged properly – and with the right digital tools – big data analytics for logistics can help companies gain numerous supply chain efficiencies. From stand-alone digital inventory solutions that initiate reorders for stock replenishment by tracking real-time part and material usage, to manufacturers that can instantaneously initiate mid-production line switches, to delivering critical data to mobile devices that allow companies to quickly divert in-transit deliveries to faster routes, the possibilities for big data analytics for logistics are endless.

Take the First Step Towards Supply Chain Transparency with Bossard

Bossard’s mobile-optimized and user-friendly ARIMS system empowers procurement and supply chain professionals with time-critical inventory and parts storage data, graphs, and information on usage, replenishment, and consumption through an easy-to-understand and easy-to-use digital interface. By leveraging Bossard’s full line of smart factory logistics solutions – such as SmartBin Cloud, SmartLabel, and SmartLocker – procurement and supply chain professionals can make near-instant decisions that maximize logistic efficiencies.

If you would like to understand how Bossard’s lineup of smart factory logistics solutions can help your business optimize its B and C parts and consumables, contact us now.

 

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Bossard
September 06, 2024
Supply Chain / Logistics
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Advantages of Bossard Kitting and Assembly Services

Bossard Kitting

Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to improve material flow, maximize shop floor space, and adopt lean manufacturing best practices, an e-commerce enterprise wanting to increase revenue while also reducing dead stock or slow-moving inventory, or a warehouse and distribution center wanting to optimize shelf and warehousing space while increasing inventory turnover, there are numerous advantages to product kitting.

Understanding how kitting and assembly solutions work for manufacturers versus how they work for e-commerce enterprises, warehouses, and distribution centers goes a long way to maximizing returns and improving efficiencies. Kitting is a specific process with its own set of procedures and those procedures depend largely upon the type of company that uses it.

Manufacturers Adopting Lean Manufacturing Best Practices

For manufacturers, the kitting meaning is different compared to other companies. In manufacturing, the kitting and assembly process is initiated by the customer’s purchase. The raw materials, parts, tools, and consumables needed to manufacture the finished product are derived from that finished product’s bill of materials (BOM).

The BOM lists every line item required to fulfill the customer’s order. Everything is placed within a bin as a single “kit” and provided to production. That kit then flows through various stages of production as it gradually moves from a semi-finished to a finished product. Employees don’t waste time visiting inventory storage for much-needed parts and consumables.

Kitting in manufacturing eliminates multiple forms of waste. It improves material flow, reduces the burden on inventory space, eliminates wasted technician/production employee time looking for essential parts, consumables, and materials, reduces inventory waste and consumable overuse, and acts as a fail-safe/error-proofing Poka Yoke solution during picking and assembly.

Kitting and Fulfillment in E-Commerce

In e-commerce and warehouse fulfillment applications, kitting allows companies to combine multiple in-demand products with less popular or lesser-known inventory items. Customers receive one kit of different products while the e-commerce enterprise increases sales while decreasing its inventory of slow-moving or dead inventory. Think of a brake assembly for an after-market automotive supplier; calipers, brake pads, and rotors can be included with additional hardware products like locking bolts, shims, seals, pins, and other ancillary support hardware.

The kit is marketed and sold as a single item – which often requires a single designated inventory SKU. Like manufacturers, e-commerce enterprises and warehouse fulfillment can free up valuable shelving and inventory space, reducing picking and packaging errors, and reducing per-unit shipping costs while providing the customer with increased value.

The best e-commerce enterprises borrow from lean manufacturers by creating streamlined warehouses with multiple lean packaging workstations where kitting specialists have instant and immediate access to each product. Inventory replenishment for these packaging workstations is handled by support employees.

For e-commerce, warehousing, and distribution centers using product kitting systems, order fulfillment times are drastically reduced while still being able to offer multiple inventory SKUs or kits to accommodate customized orders.

Bossard – Your Kitting and Assembly Solutions Provider

Fastener Solutions
Learn More About Kitting

Long recognized as a global market leader in fastener technology, Bossard combines its premium-quality fasteners with C-part management, logistics, and warehouse strategies and digital solutions that provide increased productivity and bottom-line savings. Regardless of whether you’re a manufacturer, e-commerce enterprise, warehousing fulfillment, or distribution location, our logistics and warehouse subject-matter experts can help you with unparalleled insight and guidance on adopting product kitting solutions.

To learn more about Bossard’s kitting and assembly solutions and how our cutting-edge digital logistics tools can maximize your business, contact us now.

 

 

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Bossard
August 16, 2024
Production, Lean Manufacturing, Supply Chain / Logistics, Fastener Technology, Total Cost of Ownership
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Optimize Your Last Mile

Optimize Your Last Mile Management

Bossard Solutions: Last Mile Management

With the rise in Industry 4.0 and the increased adoption of smart factory manufacturing and smart logistics solutions, companies are working double overtime to adapt and improve their digital supply chains. Needing to constantly improve time-critical deliveries, companies often progress at breakneck speed when leveraging different digital solutions for improved logistics inventory management up until they get to the last mile management – where, unfortunately, they often encounter issues.

Last mile management system from Bossard

Last-mile management is aptly named because it focuses on optimizing restocking times by effectively speeding up the last-mile delivery from a given warehouse, storage hub, or facility to the customer. While real-time data tracking is an essential aspect of today’s digital inventory management solutions, it doesn’t completely solve the problem. This is largely due to the complexity involved in manual inventory counting and disjointed inventory tracking systems within warehouses coupled with having to properly track and monitor delivery and drivers in real-time.

Optimize Your Last Mile with Bossard

Replenishment process with Bossard Last Mile Management

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3
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Demand request
At the work cell, a demand request is triggered semi- or fully automated – depending on the system.

Digital picking list
The demand request is online transmitted to the Bossard software ARIMS and is added automatically to the digital picking list.

Central storage locations
With the help of a digital picking list, the material can be efficiently picked at the supermarket, pre-assembly, warehouse, etc.

Optimized route plan
The milk run / water spider receives a route plan to replenish the work cells: path-optimized, paperless, reliable and time-saving.

Automated Procurement Solutions

Inventory management in logistics requires a digital solution predicated on a predictive analytics model – one where a cloud-based logistics and inventory management software tracks current usage and anticipates future demand to initiate a reorder, long before inventory counts are depleted. Simply put, it’s the difference between manually reordering when inventory counts are too low and hoping for flawless last-mile management execution versus relying on an automated procurement solution that optimizes replenishment times.

These automated procurement solutions must do more than just track inventory counts. They must do more than just provide a visual representation of current inventory volumes on a laptop or mobile screen. In essence, they must be stand-alone systems that operate independently and initiate reorders without procurement professionals having to manually do it themselves.

Success requires a digital automated procurement solution that tracks current usage in real-time, accounts for infrequent spikes or decreases in usage, and then generates a predictive model of future consumption. That usage data is then leveraged with historical delivery/transit times so that a reorder is initiated at the right time for the right volume.

Combining Automated Software with Proven Hardware

To ensure that last mile management operates seamlessly, today’s automated procurement solutions must be stand-alone, self-operating systems requiring minimal human intervention. They can’t rely on manual processes where users register inventory picks with barcode scanners or RFID scanners. Instead, cloud-based automated procurement solutions must be matched with proven hardware solutions.

Today’s smart scales are incredibly accurate and repeatable weighing systems. When combined with electronic shelf labels (ESLs), they ensure immediate data transfer on all things usage related. When linked to today’s automated procurement solutions, this effective combination can track real-time inventory usage and counts, effectively becoming the backbone of the automated procurement solution.

Optimizing Last Mile Management with Bossard

Bossard’s cloud-based SmartBin smart scale system combined with its SmartLabel (ESL) form an effective combination and multifunctional solution to optimizing logistics inventory management and last mile management. Both solutions are linked to Bossard’s user-friendly ARIMs Mobile iOS and Android App – an intuitive interface that simplifies inventory logistics and supply chain management.

With ARIMS Mobile, you’ll instantly be able to view time-based usage graphs, current inventory counts at multiple storage locations, and critical information on automated replenishment orders and lead times.

If you would like to learn more about how Bossard can partner with your company to dramatically improve last-mile management, contact us now.

 

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Bossard
July 26, 2024
Inventory, Supply Chain / Logistics
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Understanding Smart Factory Logistics in Industry 4.0 with Bossard

Optimizing Your Supply Chain Strategy in Industry 4.0

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming traditional factories into smart, interconnected systems by integrating multiple digital technologies into manufacturing processes. This evolution involves cloud computing, real-time analytics, AI, IoT networks, Big Data, automation, and mobile-optimized platforms. These technologies collectively ensure that manufacturers have the resources they need precisely when they need them, reducing working hours and optimizing the workflow.

While the concept may seem overwhelming at first, breaking it down reveals a simple progression. The First Industrial Revolution utilized water and steam power, the Second harnessed electricity for mass production, the Third introduced automation and computers, and now, the Fourth Industrial Revolution relies on real-time digital integration within manufacturing environments.

The Evolution of Inventory Management

Understanding smart factory logistics starts with recognizing the limitations of traditional inventory management. Inventory costs are influenced by stockouts, overstocking, pilferage, damage, financing, and obsolescence. Companies have long struggled to control these costs using outdated, manual tracking methods. Static solutions like Excel spreadsheets cannot capture real-time data or facilitate collaboration across systems within a manufacturing facility.

Even barcode RFID scanners, while an improvement, depend on flawless human operation. A single missed scan can distort data, requiring a more reliable solution.

Learn More About Bossard’s Smart Factory Logistics

Elevate Your Manufacturing Efficiency with Smart Factory Logistics in an Industry 4.0

Environment

Smart Factory Logistics leverages sensors, integrated software, AI, machine learning, and embedded solutions. These technologies connect real-time material usage, production throughput, and machine output to web-enabled systems and mobile devices, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Integrating this data into a company’s operational software—such as MRP, ERP, and CRM systems—enhances decision speed and supply chain efficiency. Bossard’s Smart Factory Logistics solutions exemplify these advancements.

Bossard’s Smart Factory Logistics Solutions

SmartBin Cloud
SmartLocker
SmartVendingCloud
ARIMS

 

SmartBin Cloud : The SmartBin Cloud system features motion-triggered sensors that provide real-time inventory updates with every pick or refill. Coupled with Bossard’s SmartLabel System, it automates replenishment orders when inventory reaches a preset threshold. The system integrates seamlessly with Bossard’s ARIMS network, making replenishment data accessible from anywhere on the shop floor.

  • Eliminates the need for RFID barcode scanning for B and C parts and consumables.
  • Utilizes the latest cloud technology with encrypted security protocols.
  • Offers real-time inventory counts accessible through ARIMS via mobile devices or laptops.

SmartLocker: Designed for high-value items, SmartLocker employs machine-learning technology to automate the reorder process. Real-time inventory data is instantly available through ARIMS, providing immediate notifications once replenishment is initiated.

SmartVendingCloud: This solution features an RFID access-controlled automated vending machine, ideal for high-volume consumables and MRO parts. Like other Bossard solutions, SmartVendingCloud is integrated with ARIMS for easy access to real-time data.

ARIMS: Fully Integrated Supply Chain Solution

ARIMS is the ultimate platform for managing B and C parts and consumables. Its user-friendly interface leverages cloud-based functionality to provide real-time inventory tracking and material usage data. With features like advanced analytics and mobile optimization, ARIMS enhances supply chain efficiency and predictability across your entire manufacturing plant.

Conclusion

Incorporating Smart Factory Logistics into your manufacturing processes is not just a step forward—it’s a leap into the future of Industry 4.0. With real-time data integration, enhanced decision-making, and increased supply chain efficiency, Bossard’s solutions offer a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced industrial landscape.

Take the Next Step

Ready to transform your manufacturing processes with Smart Factory Logistics? Contact Bossard today to learn how our cutting-edge solutions can help you achieve unparalleled efficiency and precision. Visit our website or speak with a representative to get started on your journey to Industry 4.0 excellence.



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Bossard
June 18, 2024
SmartBin, Production, Digitalization, Lean Manufacturing, Supply Chain / Logistics
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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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Bossard
December 09, 2022
Production, Supply Chain / Logistics, Fabricated Metal Products, Fastener Technology
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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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Bossard
July 22, 2022
Production, Supply Chain / Logistics
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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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Bossard
May 27, 2022
SmartBin, Supply Chain / Logistics, Fastener Technology
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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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Bossard
May 20, 2022
Production, Supply Chain / Logistics
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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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Bossard
February 18, 2022
Supply Chain / Logistics, Uncategorized
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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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Bossard
February 11, 2022
Supply Chain / Logistics
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