ESI Technology to Standardize Manufacturing Processes & Reduce Costs
Boeing, through its subsidiary Tapestry Solutions, has announced that its Enterprise Sensor Integration (ESI) software platform has gone live at BAE Systems’ Nashua, New Hampshire, facility.
The rollout of Tapestry’s ESI is part of BAE Systems’ large-scale effort to standardize and automate the infrastructure for its manufacturing operations.
Plans are now underway to implement ESI at additional BAE Systems’ manufacturing plants in New Hampshire, New Jersey, Texas, and California.
ESI integrates myriad sensor technologies that track, monitor and control assets and workflow processes.
ESI also integrates smart Internet-enabled devices, or Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, into one intelligent and interactive network.
The software harnesses the power of big data and analytics to boost manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
As a sensor-agnostic solution, ESI solves connectivity challenges in the evolving digital landscape.
It also integrates with an organization’s legacy and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and operates in the cloud or on dedicated servers.
“We are pleased to provide BAE Systems with a flexible, sustainable platform that not only integrates with existing networks but is also scalable to allow for future growth,” said Michael Spencer, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing for Tapestry Solutions.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with BAE Systems.”
The ESI installation at the Nashua plant involved the integration of Impinj Speedway Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, Mojix STAR wide-area RFID sensors and readers, and several ERP and asset management/ordering systems.
ESI mirrors Automated Identification Technology (AIT), the sensor integration solution implemented across 50 Boeing assembly plants.
AIT saved Boeing more than $100 million in its first year alone through decreased assembly time, automated asset receipt/payment, enhanced inventory management and improved quality and safety.
The Sensor Revolution
How Enterprise Sensor Integration Is Enabling the Internet of Things
ESI leverages technologies that Tapestry developed for Boeing – the world’s largest aerospace company. At Boeing, the technology is called the Automated Identification Technology - Information Management System, or AIT-IMS.
This technology has interconnected nearly every aspect of Boeing’s asset management and supply chain – not just at a single factory, but across more than 50 Boeing sites.
Among its vast capabilities, the technology:
- Provides automatic notifications when an assembly arrives on the loading dock or is shipped by a supplier
- Monitors assemblies and equipment for improper handling, temperature extremes, and pilferage
- Tracks packages, equipment, tools, and parts as they move through the factory
- Automatically sends a request to accounting to pay the supplier for a part
The sensor integration solution saved Boeing over $100 million in its first year alone and continues to generate savings year after year. It has improved productivity, reduced inventory costs, and increased supply chain velocity.
With AIT-IMS, there is also better situational awareness and actionable decision-support capabilities as well as enhanced safety and security at the assembly plants.
As a result of AIT-IMS’ successful implementation at Boeing, Tapestry launched the commercially available ESI product line in November 2016. Enhancements include a cloud-based platform and integration with sensors that detect temperature, pressure and humidity levels. ESI is scalable for enterprise-level manufacturing and supply chains as well as smaller factories.
Download the White Paper: How Enterprise Sensor Integration Is Enabling the Internet of Things
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