Manufacturing Case Studies
Harman/Becker Automotive Systems
Situation
Harman/Becker Automotive Systems manufactures audio, entertainment,
information, and communication systems for the automobile industry. Our
multi-project involvement with the Northridge, California plant’s audio speaker
production focused on productivity improvement. The client wanted to centralize
the setup of a manufacturing process so that when changes, such as component
size, were required, they could be applied to different lines within that plant,
and to production in other plants, as well.
Action
We designed and developed a process that was extensible. Both machine
configuration and operator guidelines could be captured at a single location and
downloaded to all applicable production lines.
One machine configuration, for example, controls torque, or how tight to
drive the screws. The project did not initially include this particular
instruction, but over time, expanded to include instructions for digital
screwdrivers and other machine processes.
Eventually Soltus's solution expanded to encompass multiple lines and plants and countries. Our initial design was proven valid and flexible.
Result
Harman reduced its material costs over the first six months to pay for the
cost of installing the new system. During and after the system changes, Harman’s
lost time and non-conforming product due to configuration errors became zero.
Software Applied
- MS SQL Server
- ASP.NET
- VB.NET
Hardware Utilized
- Rockwell CompactLogix PLC
- Atlas Copco Digital Screwdrivers
- Chicago Pneumatics Screwdrivers
Who We Worked With
- Internal IT Department
- Internal Engineering Department
- Local Industrial Automation Dealers
- Manufacturers