Automotive makers have plants and suppliers throughout the world that design and produce various parts. In the case of Firestone, tires manufactured in the United States were sold in Venezuela, where similar tread separation problems have been reported. To facilitate the data gathering, software providers have integrated e-mail and the Internet and linked other software packages such as CAD to gather market research, historical data, business plans, benchmark data and other design, process and production requirements. Pilgrim Software for example, offers a discussion database on an Internet site that is set up like a chat room and allows authorized users to log in and add to the discussion. Here process flow is charted.
Information includes the operation the part has undergone.
You can t always fly them in or gather everybody at the same time for a conference call. Using Web technology, the entire supply chain can be automated. Your suppliers and customers can participate in the product design. Security and accessibility issues are a concern. APQP software programs include firewalls that allow only authorized users to access the information.