Problem: Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges with Data Analytics
JTEKT Corporation's North America Automotive Steering Business Unit faces complex
challenges in fabricating power steering assemblies. With hundreds of machines across
multiple plants and various processes involved, it is crucial for automotive OE suppliers
to have robust quality control procedures in place to avoid costly recalls and customer
safety issues. JTEKT needed a comprehensive system to support process control,
eliminate the risk of faulty parts, and effectively record and maintain process data from
numerous machines. Additionally, compliance with a new traceability mandate was
required to ensure 100% traceability of sub-assemblies and final products, along with
maintaining a component genealogy.
Solution: Leveraging IGear for Intelligent Manufacturing
To meet these challenges, JTEKT implemented IGear SQUEAKS software, integrated
with ASSIST. This revolutionary technology enables real-time collaboration among
frontline workers and production managers, promoting effective human-to-machine
interaction. With features like mobility, wearables, and role-based workflow and
analytics, IGear delivers mission-critical information to the right personnel, ensuring
clarity, ownership, accountability, and responsiveness. SQUEAKS has become the
preferred communication protocol for major manufacturers worldwide, supporting better
decision-making, closed-loop collaboration, and significantly improved production time
and quality assurance.
Results: Enhanced Visibility and Decision-making Support
JTEKT has experienced drastic improvements in the visibility of production data,
enabling real-time evaluation of meeting production targets. With valuable insights and
decision-making support, problems can now be quickly resolved to avoid costly line
stops, ultimately mitigating disruptions and optimizing production efficiency.