Nexteer Launches Digital Trace Manufacturing, a Holistic Approach to Integrating Manufacturing & Design

- Company Wins Frost & Sullivan's Manufacturing Leadership Award for Enterprise Technology

DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexteer Automotive today introduced Digital Trace™ Manufacturing, one of the most advanced, holistic, integrative approach to design and manufacturing systems ever seen in the auto industry. The system uses the latest technologies and data analytics within one common, global architecture.

"To enable Digital Trace™ Manufacturing, we're using a connect-the-dots approach, in which the thousands of data-producing dots around the world are standardized and talk to one another. Each dot represents a machine, process, database, document, workplace robot and so on," said Dennis Hoeg, vice president and North America chief operating officer. "When the dots are connected, the result is one common, global architecture. Digital Trace™ Manufacturing allows Nexteer to deliver a dynamic, comprehensive view of its manufacturing operations in real time, which is a big payoff for our customers, employees and shareholders."

Big Data, Industry Trends & Nexteer's Unique Approach

According to Hoeg, "The results are priceless as we implement future phases, and we expect the benefits to grow even more," added Hoeg. "We are a technology leader, not only in what we do in advanced steering and driveline systems, but how we do it."

Real-World Impact

Ultimately, Digital Trace™ Manufacturing helps quality engineers proactively confirm product quality early in the process, potentially eliminating the need for costly end-of-line testing.

• Using a heat map to visually identify high-risk pallets in real time, allowing service personnel to proactively perform maintenance before an issue occurs
• Tracking and storing serial-number-specific data to measure performance along the manufacturing process
• Keeping a virtual "command center" to analyze the root causes of rejected parts and make quick, corrective actions
• Integrating databases that capture product information so that complete analysis and swift problem-solving are possible
• Implementing MES, which monitors and manages processes in real time across factory floors

Nexteer recognized by Frost & Sullivan for manufacturing expertise

In recognition of its leadership in manufacturing excellence, Nexteer earned a Frost & Sullivan's Manufacturing Leadership Award in 2017 in the Enterprise Technology Leadership category for its global implementation of advanced manufacturing and analysis technologies.

ABOUT NEXTEER

Nexteer Automotive - A Leader in Intuitive Motion Control - is a multi-billion-dollar global steering and driveline business delivering electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steering columns and driveline systems, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving technologies for original equipment manufacturers. The company's global workforce of over 13,000 serves more than 50 customers in every major region of the world. The company has 24 manufacturing plants, three technical centers and 14 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Nexteer Automotive's customers include BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, PSA Group, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China. www.nexteer.com.

Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20171115/1993765-1LOGO