Yard Management and Shuttle Scheduling for a Major Automotive Manufacturer
Overview
The Automotive Manufacturer has to manage inbound loads as
well as shuttling parts from one plant to the other, all while
utilizing Lean principles of just-in-time delivery.
The operation needs to run like a well-oiled machine to keep the
production lines running.
The Company’s Profile
Country
United States
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
10,000+
INDUSTRY
Manufacturing
BIGGEST OPERATIONAL CHALLENGE
Manual process, long distances, Complex movements
The Challenge(s)
Our client’s team was using C3 Solutions’ legacy yard system, Yard Smart, to manage moves at and between the two plants.
When it came time to refresh their systems, they turned to C3 because we were partners for more than 10 years. They liked and understood the product and felt C3 was very responsive. In addition to inbound freight, there is also a 70-door cross-dock operation that unloads and reorganizes inbound parts for staging on the line. It’s quick and high-volume with more than 50 business processes that require precise timing and organization.
The
C3 Solution
Recognizing the need for a more flexible and integrated system, the manufacturer chose to switch to C3 Yard®. Familiarity with the manufacturer’s operations and the seamless transition to C3 Yard allowed for a tailored solution with minimal new development.
C3 Yard replaced manual methods with an automated system that tracked and optimized movements across the campus, from managing raw materials to dispatching finished goods. The system provided Yard Jockeys with real-time instructions and clear communication with external carriers.
What C3’s Specialist says
“This major Automotive Manufacturer had over 50 business processes they needed us to manage across the two facilities.
It went so well that we are now constantly implementing new processes for them. It’s an extremely strong, collaborative relationship.“
Frederick Turco tte
Director Implementation
The Results
Upgrading from Yard Smart to C3 Yard meant that our client was able to integrate the cloud-based C3 system with its own warehouse management and planning systems.
Keeping Production Moving Without Stock
They feed C3 Yard with all the information about inbound loads, including timing, load type and the shipping plan – which is the roadmap for where each item needs to be and when, under the lean manufacturing principles. Every inbound part has to be correctly sequenced, with perfect precision to keep the lines running, as there is no inventory held on site.
Sustainable efficiency
The system streamlined the tracking and handling of hazardous materials, ensuring that all movements were compliant with safety regulations and environmental standards. By automating these processes, the manufacturer reduced the risk of human error, minimized potential hazards, and maintained a safe working environment.
Clear Communication
With C3 Yard, the department that once relied on radios and paper now operated digitally. Real-time visibility and tracking reduced miscommunication and errors, leading to a more efficient operation.
Why choose
C3 Yard®
With C3 Yard in place, this automotive manufacturer can run its just-in-time operation with the precision it demands, coordinating inbound scheduling, cross-dock activity, and inter-plant shuttles across a 1,700+ trailer yard.
The upgrade from Yard Smart delivered the real-time visibility, tighter sequencing, and streamlined execution needed to keep production lines supplied without carrying on-site inventory.
The result is a smoother inbound plan, fewer unnecessary moves, better use of labor and space, and an ongoing partnership focused on continuously adding new processes and automation.
