DaimlerChrysler, which owns Mecedes-Benz, is extending a
pilot IT programme based on an external mobile service to improve
the delivery of components.
The aim is to improve logistics at Sindelfingen, the company's
largest German manufacturing site, which handles 1,550 truck
deliveries a day. The pilot extension takes place in June, and full
roll-out is expected in early 2006.
The project involves using Trendfire Technologies' Real Time Mobile
Logistics (RTML) service to gain greater supply chain visibility.
RTML, which runs on a Nokia 60 series phone, is used each time a
truck driver makes a delivery to the site.
The process kicks off when DaimlerChrysler places a components
order, which is collected through RTML. When the components are
picked up from the supplier, the driver uses a barcode or RFID
reader to scan each item loaded on to the truck.
This information is then presented automatically on the driver's 60
series phone and RTML is updated. The driver can also use the phone
to photograph damaged goods and send the information back to
RTML.
Location-based services then track the truck's journey via the
driver's mobile phone.
When the driver enters the Sindelfingen site, Bluetooth on the
phone is used to authenticate the driver and provides drop-off
locations for the delivery. At the same time, the phone's camera is
automatically disabled, to comply with corporate policy.
The project's big attraction for DaimlerChrysler is its ability to
improve the supply chain simply by issuing drivers with a mobile
phone. No extra software is required by the component supplier or
logistics operator.