Precise tracking for Porsche

The sports car manufacturer Porsche required complex, innovative software to increase its production efficiency overall as well as enhancing the application management processes for its prototype vehicles. For this purpose, the carmaker was looking for an automated, reliable RFID solution that could be used to track the development and movements of its disguised prototypes in the development centre and on test drives.

Background

Porsche commissioned noFilis/MHP to install the Kathrein RFID system on site. The aim was to identify precisely which individual components were alternately installed in the various prototypes in the course of numerous speed, performance and function tests. The car manufacturer also wanted to be able to visualise, track and analyse the most recently recorded location of each prototype vehicle. In this way Porsche was seeking to minimise the risk of prototypes being spotted by unauthorised individuals prior to market readiness.

Kathrein solution

Kathrein fitted 200 components with their own EPC-UHF-RFID tags. An individual, readable ID is assigned to each RFID tag which carries specific information such as the serial number and other relevant details. After test completion, the vehicles drive through an RFID gate where all components are automatically identified and the data generated is then forwarded. The RFID system also enables Porsche to locate and track the prototypes on a zone basis.

Results

The Kathrein RFID solution met the very highest expectations of the premium manufacturer. As requested, the full-service solution enables Porsche to precisely identify and monitor which components are installed in exactly which prototypes during the tests. This significantly streamlines the previously highly complex documentation processes, reducing the risk of human error to virtually zero. Porsche can also find out in real time where its prototypes are located. All in all, the carmaker can achieve significant cost cuts while also benefiting from much improved data quality and a minimised risk of industrial espionage.