Mobility ROI Weekly - Week of August 1, 2011

This weekly ROI (return on investment) report includes ROIs that I come across in my weekly enterprise mobility and mobile data collection research.  My goal is to create an archive of mobility ROIs that we can all use when we are called upon for them.  I hope you find this useful.

John Deer Factory Uses Wi-Fi Sensors to Increase Efficiency

John Deer has increased productivity in a factory in Illinois by employing Wi-Fi enabled sensors that track the progress of materials along the production line.  The sensors are specifically designed to help notify welders throughout the manufacturing stages when materials are running low.  The reported ROIs are:

• The company has seen a 40 percent increase in efficiency in welding due to improvements in material replenishment and fewer delays caused by waiting for materials in its welding areas.
• The system has reduced the amount of time to assemble an average row-crop planter vehicle by 5 percent
• Provides awareness for the number of materials left in a “kitcart” so that supplies never completely run out for assembly workers.

Read original source here.

Electronic Ear Tags Help UK Farms Detect Sick Animals

Newcastle University is testing a new way to detect sick animals by using electronic sensors attached to animal ear tags.  By monitoring the amount of time each animal spends at the feeding trough farmers can observe animals with unusual eating habits.  The expected ROIs are:

• The ability for farmers to detect sick livestock before animals are too ill to recover.  Helps extend the life and production of the animals which increases the value of these assets. 
• Early detection prevents the spread of disease which helps maintain a healthier and more valuable herd.
• Allows farmers to efficiently monitor the status of the herd remotely.

Read original source here.

RFID Sensors Help Mining Companies Eliminate Paperwork

Ascendent ID recently introduced an RFID tracking system for companies involved in the mining industry.  The system is designed to track materials being shipped to and from mining sites by large trucks.  The reported ROI's are:

• RFID tracking has allowed mining companies to eliminate a significant amount of paperwork and administrative costs that were required when shipping materials.
• RFID tags can be used as physical access permits that allow them into construction zones and mining site.  This improves security, safety and loss by authorizing only trucks with tracking tags to enter these areas. 
• Using RFID sensors increases efficiency by automating data logs and eliminates time spent on paperwork.
• Eliminating data entry and paper processing errors through automated data collection improves the accuracy and efficiencies of many business processes.

Read original source here.

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Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst, SAP Mentor Volunteer

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Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.