Product Tracking and Flow Control

Abstract

This chapter describes the techniques for following the movement of product as it passes through the various manufacturing steps, techniques for controlling this movement, and some of the ways of reporting product status. Modern tracking systems are computer-based with real time entry of data at the reporting points using a combination of manual and automatic input techniques described later in this chapter. The Product Tracking technique provides, by physically identifying the product, a means for self correction of counts and absolute physical accountability each time product movement is recorded. The chapter illustrates by example how this movement is reported. It examines the control of product flow into a cell from a reporting point and control within the cell between reporting points. Product flow control within the cell then diverts the product to an alternative machine or prevents it from entering the machine where damage to the product or machine can occur.