The Problem
A Ford Motor Company manufacturing facility operated motor starter test cells with no automated data collection or integration with their Manufacturing Execution System (MES). Test results were recorded manually, creating data accuracy issues and delays in production reporting. There was no RFID-based part tracking and no direct interface between test cell equipment and the plant’s ERP system, leaving management without real-time production visibility.
The Approach
Capnetix designed and implemented a full automation solution for the motor starter test cells, including automated data collection from test equipment, RFID-based part tracking throughout the test process, and a direct MES interface for real-time production reporting. Robotics were integrated into the test cell workflow to handle part movement, and a bidirectional ERP interface was built to synchronize production data with enterprise systems automatically.
The Result
The Ford facility achieved fully automated test cell operations with real-time data flowing from the plant floor to MES and ERP systems. Manual data entry was eliminated, RFID tracking provided accurate part genealogy throughout the test process, and management gained real-time visibility into test cell throughput and quality results.