Digital transformation is old news. There is not an industry in the world that hasn’t been impacted as technology changes the way tasks are completed, from high-tech startups to more traditional legacy companies. What continues to be new and exciting are the ways that different sectors are implementing new technologies and taking full advantage of the digital transformation and opportunities that are available to them.
The automotive industry is a prime example of an industry that was once considered old-school and set in its ways. Surprisingly, automotive manufacturers and others in the field are among the biggest embracers of technology and solutions that can increase efficiency.
In May, 2023, Deeyook was one of many startups to participate in EcoMotion Week in Tel Aviv, a week-long gathering of the smart mobility community filled with presentations, innovations, and networking opportunities. Location technology was a hot topic at EcoMotion Week, and it is clear that there are many important applications of Real-Time Location Services (RTLS) in the automotive industry.
Why is RTLS Crucial to the Automotive Industry?
The purpose of RTLS is to provide clear and precise visibility into where any asset is in real-time, improving operational efficiency. This is a game changer for the automotive sector for a number of reasons:
Long Production Process - there is a long journey from the moment an idea for a new vehicle is conceived to the final product coming off the production line. Throughout that process, inventories, including many small components, have to be managed.
Preciseness Matters - one missing part in a completed vehicle can lead to costly recalls later on. Knowing exactly where each component is at all times will prevent anything slipping through the cracks.
Risk of Bottlenecks - if a certain tool or crucial part is not in the right place at the right time, the entire production process can be held up, leading to unexpected costs and delivery delays.
The need for location tracking does not end once the car comes off the assembly line. Fleet operators and car dealerships can also benefit from RTLS. In those cases, the assets being tracked are the cars themselves rather than the components and machinery used on the factory floor.
RTLS in the Automotive Factory
Automakers are racing to outdo each other with better and smarter vehicles. There is no time (or money) to waste, and any tools that can help improve efficiency are welcomed. The automotive industry has already been plagued with supply chain challenges due to chip shortages and other effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and many of these challenges are not expected to ease any time soon.
While manufacturers’ hands may be tied when it comes to external supply chain issues, they can take extra steps to ensure that once they do acquire the parts they need, the production process runs smoothly and quickly. With RTLS, automakers can:
Track inventory of individual parts
Know exactly where in the production process each vehicle is
Monitor the location of expensive equipment and tools
This information will allow for faster, better and data-driven decision making. Inventory can be managed and restocked in time, production can be optimized to prevent missed deadlines, and potentially expensive delays due to missing equipment or unplanned bottlenecks can be prevented.
RTLS for Fleet Operators
The fleet management industry is growing fast at a rate of 16%, and is expected to be valued at $70 billion by 2032. Among the many challenges that fleet operators face is the large number of manual tasks they must do. With so many cars to manage, fleet managers can end up wasting unnecessary time and resources on searching for a particular vehicle and deciding how to assign which car to which driver.
With a RTLS installed throughout the fleet, managers can have a continuous view into exactly where each vehicle is at any given time. This will make it much easier to schedule drivers’ time knowing that the relevant vehicle will be available and in a specific location.
By always tracking the location of each car, fleet managers can also analyze where each vehicle goes and how many hours it is on the road. This information can be used to ensure that driving time is balanced and that there are not some cars that are being over-driven while others are sitting idle.
RTLS for Car Dealerships
As car salespeople tend to get a bad reputation for being overly aggressive, customer experience is an important element for car dealership managers to address. Fortunately, RTLS provides dealerships with another tool in their arsenal that can help enhance the customer experience while also improving operational efficiency.
When a potential buyer enters the dealership and expresses interest in a certain type of car, the salesperson can immediately locate the relevant vehicle. Especially on a large lot, this can save precious time, allowing salespeople to be more efficient and serve more customers. It can also prevent customers from getting frustrated and leaving without making a purchase.
The benefits continue for those dealerships that also run service centers. One of the main complaints that drivers have about bringing in their car for service is the waiting time and not knowing when the car will be ready. A RTLS means the dealership or service center is able to provide the customer with real-time information as to exactly where their car is and when it will be ready.
The Deeyook Advantage
While the benefits of a RTLS for automotive factories, fleet managers, and dealerships are clear, not all location tracking systems are created equal. Deeyook has distinct advantages over other solutions on the market:
Ubiquity - Deeyook leverages existing Wi-Fi infrastructure which allows it to operate everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Other solutions that rely on GPS, for example, will lose coverage if an asset enters a tunnel or is in an indoor or underground parking garage. Deeyook’s coverage is seamless, no matter where the item goes.
Precision - Knowing the general vicinity that a piece of inventory or equipment is in helpful, but only to a degree. Every minute counts, especially in the manufacturing process, and being able to pin down the exact precise location of an asset can save significant time that translates into cost savings.
Scalability - Because there is no need to invest in infrastructure, Deeyook’s solution can be scaled up as needed with little advance planning. It’s easy to start using Deeyook in one section of a factory or inventory warehouse and then add more locations as needed.
Contact Deeyook today to discover how RTLS can give your automotive business the edge it needs to succeed.