Business news :BRP optimizes material flow process with real-time locating system by Zebra Technologies

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill., Oct. 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq:ZBRA), a recognized global leader in technologies that extend real-time visibility into business operations, today announced Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) has deployed Zebra’s real-time locating system (RTLS), based on active RFID technology, to lower material flow times and increase efficiency of assembly operations of its Sea-Doo and Ski-Doo recreational vehicles at its plant in Valcourt, Quebec. Zebra implemented a system that includes its WhereLAN III sensors and WhereCall V call pendants as well as its Visibility Server Software to help manage and analyze the RTLS network, enabling efficient inventory and resource management.

Organizations around the world are seeking greater supply chain visibility and stronger capabilities to track assets in their efforts to reduce working capital, improve asset utilization and deliver better customer service. Driving greater efficiencies in assembly operations is an integral part of this business imperative.
In working toward its goal of streamlining its material flow process, BRP wanted to implement a proven, robust and low-maintenance solution that it could easily and efficiently integrate into its existing system. BRP selected Zebra because the company is a reliable partner with proven solutions in manufacturing and its RTLS could meet BRP’s performance requirements.

Zebra worked with BRP, the world leader in design, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorized recreational vehicles and powersports engines, to implement a flexible, long-range wireless call system to help increase efficiencies in its line side assembly within a very short timeline. Previously, assembly line technicians would move to a physical client station to initiate requests for material flow, which resulted in lost time on the floor. Using Zebra’s wireless call system, a technician can press a single button to trigger a call for more materials. This action initiates a replenishment request in BRP’s SAP enterprise resource platform (ERP) to instruct the material handling resources to fulfill the request.

“We are thrilled to work with BRP, which has a rich history of engineering expertise and innovation,” said Stephen Logue, vice president, location solutions for Zebra. “With Zebra’s solution and BRP’s existing ERP system, it can build on this infrastructure with complementary solutions in the future and generate additional efficiencies and cost savings.”

With extensive experience in providing visibility into an organization’s assets and operations, Zebra’s material flow solutions help organizations increase accuracy and efficiency by giving them the tools they need to track and manage materials throughout their operations. Zebra’s wireless call system uses its ISO-standard WhereNet technology, which provides the longest range RTLS capabilities and performance in all environments, and can interface with existing ERP systems or with Zebra’s material flow solutions. Its long tag-to-sensor range gives end users real-time visibility and status information on their assets with a cost-effective RTLS network infrastructure.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and Zebra Technologies
October 30, 2012