THE CLOCKWORKS CONCEPT

Clockworks reduces costs and improves efficiency in supply chain environments. By using the latest technology, Clockworks links automotive component suppliers to the actual movement of vehicles on automotive manufacturers' production lines. As vehicles move down the line, Clockworks provides a host of planning tools to supplying companies to ensure continuous supply of components.

Line costs are reduced by using internet technology, and software costs are drastically reduced as Clockworks is a modular generic system which can be configured to suit any company's needs. In this way many companies share the development costs, and all benefit from the peace of mind that comes with off-the-shelf software.

Clockworks offers a host of planning tools, in addition to which Clockworks automatically prints detailed call-off information on the supplier's factory floor. These printouts can be configured by component to print kanban tickets, job cards (with a bill of material), assembly lists or picking/packing lists.

Barcode labels can be printed and tracked through the delivery process to ensure that the correct component parts are delivered on time and in the correct sequence with the movement of vehicles on the production line. Full delivery note printing and tracking is standard in Clockworks. ASNs (Advanced Shipping Notices) can be automatically created and sent to the automotive manufacturer before the delivery is made.

For those companies running in a pay-on-consumption basis, Clockworks will track all delivery information and compare this to the self-bill file sent by the automotive manufacturer.

Tracking of component re-sends and the management of retrofit components are recorded to ensure corrective action.

This case study demonstrates the integrated functionality of the Clockworks software.

Clockworks is designed to work in all lean supply environments, but for clarity the case study illustrates a rudimentary supply chain; the principles outlined apply to all supply systems.

As can be seen, Clockworks functions by receiving and interpretting live data from an automotive manufacturer's production line. This data is used by suppliers to feed components to the manufacturer's line in sequence with the vehicles as they are produced.

Clockworks environments

Clockworks is designed to operate in the following environments:

SILS assemble-to-order environment
A supplier assembles and delivers products in sequence with vehicle movements on the OEM's production line.

SILS make-to-order environment
A supplier operates with a short lead-time make to order environment, and delivers product in sequence with the vehicle movements on the OEM's production line.

SILS Pick & pack-to-order environment
A supplier picks and packs components and delivers in sequence with the movement of vehicles on the OEM's production line.

Kanban supply environment
A supplier delivers product on a kanban basis to the OEM which calls off components on a once-daily basis.

Consolidator environment
A consolidator that is based close to the OEM delivers components in sequence with the production line on behalf of suppliers.