Component tracking
Component tracking is a system that can be used to determine the location and transport route of a component . In most cases it is a module in a production planning and control system .
Component tracking is mainly used in production lines . It is used to monitor the production flow. All objects whose movements are to be tracked are given an electronic identifier.
Once a component has been identified, information such as owner, origin or content can be assigned to the object. In some cases there is also information about the material of manufacture, production date, production batch, and product number.
In production processes, there can be interruptions if information that is required for further action is not immediately available. Such interruptions are avoided with component tracking.
When determining the location, it can be determined where a component is currently located and when it will reach its destination.
During assembly, a subordinate component (attachment) can be assigned to an upper component (main component). Such hierarchies of components can be mapped as part of component tracking.
Systems for recording fault and operating messages are integrated into some solutions for component tracking. Some applications for component tracking also allow messages to be forwarded via media such as fax , e-mail , SMS or as spoken text ( telephone ).