Autoliv Textile and VIA Strike Multi-Plant Deal
8 November 2000
Autoliv Textile Division and VIA Information Tools, Inc. Strike Multi-Plant Deal To Implement Man-IT Software Systems at Various North American Facilities
ROCHESTER, Mich.--Nov. 8, 2000--VIA Information Tools, developers of the most flexible Traceability, Lot Tracking and In-Line Sequencing software systems available to the automotive manufacturing industry, announces that its Man-IT(TM) (Manufacturing Information Tool) systems will be implemented in various Autoliv Textile Division factories in North America.According to Greg DeLaere, VIA Information Tools President and CEO, "Autoliv is a worldwide leader in automotive safety, a pioneer in seat belt and airbag technology. With Man-IT, leading technology extends beyond Autoliv's products through their manufacturing processes. As a result, all major automobile manufacturers in the world benefit from Autoliv's technology commitment. This agreement complements Autoliv ANA Division's decision to standardize on Man-IT throughout their worldwide facilities. Autoliv Textile Division has begun implementation of Man-IT in their Ogden, UT facility. Subsequent installations in the U.S. and Mexico are scheduled throughout 2001.
"Customer-driven changes at all levels of automotive manufacturing are occurring more rapidly than ever before," continued Mr. Delaere, "especially as custom manufacturing gains widespread acceptance. As car and truck makers respond to changing customer preferences and demands on a daily basis, suppliers of all types must be equally responsive. Improving internal manufacturing processes for parts suppliers, automotive systems companies and the automakers is the driving force behind every element of Man-IT.
An example of Man-IT's capabilities is our new In-Line Sequencing System," Mr. DeLaere added. "The Man-IT In-Line Sequencing System enables auto manufacturers to employ just-in-time techniques, because it significantly reduces time cycles while adding flexibility to meet OEM delivery demand. The Man-IT In-Line Sequencing System allows manufacturers to build and ship products synchronized to an OEM's daily assembly sequence, which the parts maker can accept electronically via EDI or XML over the Internet, generating a specific delivery order for each individual component. This means parts arriving at the final assembly point are merely `dropped in' at exactly the right time, every time. The major benefits of this approach include reduced manufacturing cost, increased quality, increased throughput and significantly improved customer relationships," he concluded.