The Challenges
CSX had been under increased pressure from
auto manufacturers to reduce overall vehicle transit delays,
diminish dwell times at rail heads, and provide real-time
supply chain integration for vehicle tracking and visibility.
After reviewing their current systems, CSX determined the
best course of action would be to either build a new vehicle
management system or buy an off-the-shelf product. CSX conducted
a thorough requirements analysis and estimated the time to
build a new system would be cost prohibitive.
After reviewing available
off-the-shelf products, CSX selected VinTelligent as the product
most suited to their VDC operations. CSX then conducted an
in-depth review and pilot program to ensure VinTelligent was
the right solution. CSX followed its regimented software evaluation
process that included a thorough technology architecture review
and business analysis. VinTelligent performed well on all
counts and in February 2003, CSX formally selected VinTelligent
as the new vehicle management solution to be deployed system-wide.
The next challenge was how to customize and
deploy VinTelligent at 30 different rail facilities. CSX elected
to segment the deployment into three phases. The first phase
targets VDCs that primarily receive inbound railcars and vehicles
for distribution to local dealerships. The second phase includes
VDCs that ship vehicles outbound to other rail locations throughout
the U.S. The final phase involves implementing VinTelligent
to manage the "plant release" of vehicles from manufacturers'
assembly facilities.
The Result
In September 2003, CSX deployed the first
inbound VDC in Jacksonville Florida, a 67-acre facility
that processes over 12,000 railcars and carries approximately
150,000 vehicles per year. The deployment went without
a hitch and CSX saw no disruption to their distribution center
operations, IT communications or network systems. Manufacturers
now receive more timely vehicle event status. In addition,
ESC trained staff at the Jacksonville site to be proficient
on the system within three days.
The successful on-time deployment
of the Jacksonville VDC was critical to enabling CSX roll
out VinTelligent to its remaining inbound VDCs on schedule.
ESC is deploying VinTelligent at the remaining VDCs at a rate
of two distribution centers per week.
The inbound VinTelligent
system includes the following basic functions:
- Receipt and unloading of vehicles from railcars
- Automated yard planning to maximize the efficiency of
deliveries
- Dynamic self-reconciling physical inventory system
- Radio-frequency data collection devices to capture events
- Real-time event reporting to third-party transportation
providers and manufacturers
- On-line access to management trends and vehicle status
As explained by Andrew Strok, CSX Technology
Vice President of the Automotive Service Group, "Our
desire to provide the best service and assist our customers
with meeting increasing competitive pressures required us
to equip our VDC operations with state-of-the-art technology.
VinTelligent has allowed us to do just that."
Summary
CSX Corporation now has the most technologically advanced
vehicle management system in the industry.Customers can now
get, real-time reporting and event status, thereby providing
them the tools to significantly reduce transit days. This
directly translates into savings for the auto manufacturers.
With VinTelligent, CSX can provide better customer service-a
definite competitive edge in the new vehicle distribution
supply chain.
ESC Contact
Ed Schriger
Embarcadero Systems Corporation
1701 Harbor Bay Parkway
Alameda, CA 94502
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