JEDI: Just-in-Time Execution and Distribution Information Support System for Automotive Stamping Operations

Stamping is one of the most complex operations in the automotive supply chain, providing over 400 end items to dozens of assembly plants and service facilities. This operation consists of a complex network of blankers, presses, and subassemblies. Stamping is affected by much variability, such as unexpected machine and tool down time, quality concerns, and customer requirement fluctuations. These facilities typically run a tight schedule, and supply chain visibility is a critical factor in efficient operations. The data pertaining to operations is distributed across several systems including material requirements planning (MRP), plant floor automation, and logistics management. As a result, decision makers are faced with too much data and not enough information. This leads to time loss and effort spent in consolidating and comprehending the data. This chapter describes the Just-in-time Execution and Distribution Information (JEDI) system that collects and integrates relevant data from a set of disparate systems and generates a set of spreadsheet models that represent the stamping production and supply chain status. JEDI not only presents the information in an intuitive way, but also provides what-if analysis capability and decision support for scheduling and distribution.