SpotSee announced Wednesday that it will provide automotive suppliers and manufacturers with real-time impact, tilt, vibration and location alerts to identify issues within the supply chain through its monitoring devices, SpotBot Cellular.
SpotBot Cellular, a damage-monitoring device, can be placed on automotive parts to track impacts sustained during transit. Auto parts often travel through various warehouses before reaching the final assembly line, providing several opportunities for damages to be incurred. SpotBot Cellular can also be used to record changes in temperature, and tilt and roll conditions. To avoid damage, items like auto glass should remain in an upright position. As such, a SpotBot monitor is attached to ensure minimal movement throughout transportation.
SpotSee is an internet of things end-to-end solution provider that enables customers to spot damage in their operations and see it in real time. SpotSee has developed a low-cost, connected ecosystem that includes its own mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) that delivers data from devices anywhere in the world to customers’ fingertips.
SpotSee devices monitor shock, vibration, temperature and other environmental conditions through its brands such as ShockWatch ShockLog, SpotBot, OpsWatch and WarmMark. The company has a global network of over 300 sales and technical service partners in 62 countries. SpotSee is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with operations in Brazil, Netherlands, United Kingdom, China, Mexico and Graham, Texas.
SpotBot Cellular helps supply chain managers, forwarders, truckers, quality and plant managers easily see where and when impact or temperature damage occurs and the severity of the damage from anywhere in the world. The service enables subscribers to stop damaged shipments early and address damage issues as they happen. It even works inside most refrigerated containers.
The damage information is delivered in real time to the SpotSee Cloud through SpotSee connectivity, a low cost global cellular communication method that works anywhere in the world that there is cellular coverage. SpotSee owns its own mobile virtual network, to provide users with global messaging and cloud service anywhere in the world for less than $10 a month – that’s it – no roaming fees or surprise bills.
Identifying problems as they happen also increases the response to just in sequence (JIS) supply and assembly line issues. A JIS strategy is used to create a more efficient assembly line by delivering parts according to a strict production timeline.
If a piece of operating equipment in a JIS assembly line is damaged, the schedule is delayed, creating large windows of downtime. With real-time monitors in place to alert operators of issues, companies can proactively maintain assembly lines and repair equipment before complete failure occurs. This reduces downtime and any associated costs.
Data collected from monitoring devices is stored in the SpotSee Cloud, which can be accessed from any web-based device. This allows users to access, visualize and analyze their data in real time from anywhere.
“Real-time alerts provide supply chain transparency and allow companies to make necessary changes to ensure safer handling and transportation of auto parts and components,” said Angela Kerr, vice president of product portfolio, SpotSee. “Results vary based on situation, but the damage rate typically drops by 50 percent or more when a monitor is in place.”
