Veronica L Harden

US Patent:

8463426, Jun 11, 2013

Filed:

Oct 29, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/608699

Inventors:

Carla Rogers - Dillon SC, US
Veronica Harden - Florence SC, US
Nancy Baker - Florence SC, US
Kazuhiko Honda - Florence SC, US

Assignee:

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Tokyo
Midwest Express Inc. - East Liberty OH

International Classification:

G06F 7/00

US Classification:

700215, 701469, 235375

Abstract:

A computerized bulk parts control system and method. Parts are repacked (consolidated or divided) and palletized to prevent production problems such as unnecessary shortages of parts. Parts are traced from departure at a supplier's facility to arrival at a manufacturer's facility and then to production line side delivery. Traceability data is collected at various stages in the parts transportation, repacking, and delivery processes. The traceability data allows the manufacturer to evaluate information regarding the impact of late shipments and short shipments as well as changes in the production schedule. The computerized system and method creates a “part history” for each part that facilitates its delivery to the right place at the right time. The history allows the manufacturer to trace parts to their origins which is important for many quality control activities. The history also allows the manufacturer to track and replace parts used outside of a normal production sequence.