Parts Tracking in Automated Assembly

Assembly automation systems without parts tracking are rapidly becoming a rarity. Data requirements range from simple inprocess status (e.g. accept/reject, model) to full product traceability (detailed data for each part produced, referenced to serial number and production dates). Most fall somewhere between the two, such as management information (number of parts produced, downtime, number of rejects, etc.) or statistical quality control (sampled analog test data). Some use a combination of all these categories. Others requirements include implementation of cell control or CIM, tied to a plantwide computer network.