BMW Implements Perceptron's New Flexible Measurement System To Reduce Time and Cost in Product Launch
System First Used for 2003 Roadster Launch
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 28 -- Perceptron, Inc. today announced that BMW chose its AutoGauge(TM) FMS robot-based flexible measurement system to improve quality and reduce time and cost from its new model launch. The new system was used for diagnosing and correcting line and tooling problems early in the launch process at BMW's Spartanburg, SC, plant, where the 2003 Roadster debuted. The car will move into European dealerships in spring of 2003.
BMW chose the Perceptron system based on its ability to be used during the launch phase of a new tooling program when the production line is being ramped up to speed, as well as during the operational phase when the plant is producing at full line speed.
"We've added specific features to AutoGauge(TM) that benefit the vehicle launch," said Bill Corriveau, Perceptron's senior vice president. "Our experience shows if you can increase the number of saleable vehicles produced during the ramp-up phase from 20 to 25 per hour, one week ahead of schedule, you have created significant profit for the vehicle manufacturer. An automaker who uses AutoGauge(TM) to reduce launch time can pay for the system with increased profits before the plant reaches full line speed."
AutoGauge(TM) checks the dimensional quality of all body-in-white and major sub-assemblies as they move through the production process. At the reduced line rates found during launch, the AutoGauge(TM) system is programmed to measure a large number of points on each car body coming through the line. Quality information is immediately available for review and analysis on the network throughout the manufacturing plant, so manufacturing problems can be rapidly detected and corrected. Debugging tooling, part and process problems can be reduced from hours to minutes, contributing to a faster ramp-up to full production.
BMW also collects valuable data from coordinate measurement machines (CMMs). Other companies that use only the data from traditional CMMs to diagnose launch problems can take several hours to collect and analyze measurements from a single vehicle removed from the production line. During that time the assembly line continues to produce vehicles with uncorrected manufacturing problems.
BMW prides itself on doing things in innovative ways, to gain a competitive advantage. Adding the AutoGauge(TM) system supplies additional data the company doesn't get from their CMM system. Getting AutoGauge up and running early, in the launch phase, gave BMW a competitive advantage.
About Perceptron
Perceptron produces information-based process improvement solutions for industry as well as technology components for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and other manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron's process management solutions to help them improve quality, shorten product launch times and reduce overall manufacturing costs.
Headquartered in Plymouth, MI, Perceptron has approximately 215 employees worldwide, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, Netherlands, France, Brazil, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.perceptron.com .
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