Latest reason for the hold on GT's/Rumours on the Holds/Update on the Holds/Holds
FR500 Member
Joined: July 1, 2008
Posts: 3,352
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From: Oxford, UK
Good point though, the Blend number would be useful for resetting the line(s). Still, I imagine that it would take a fair bit of effort to physically pull (semi)-completed parts off of the lines at various points. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, just commenting on the amount of work that goes into QC'ing the production process.
Last edited by PTRocks; Jun 16, 2010 at 08:16 PM.
Member
Joined: June 16, 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Finally!
I'm new to this forum guys so if I have posted improperly, I apologize. My original ETA was 5/29. It got moved to 5/30 (?). Then, the ETA was gone and my dealer said June or July. I heard from my dealer today and here is what the message said, "Hey Dave, great news ! As of yesterday,your Mustang is on a train headed towards Chicago,where it will be picked up by a truck and brought here. I don't have an exact ETA, but we're guessing within maybe 10 days it could be here...I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for your patience.......The wait is almost over " I also got a message from Ford Customer Care saying, "Our records indicate that your 2011 Ford Mustang is in transit. There are a great number of variables that may affect production scheduling and delivery:" blah, blah, blah. They must be shipping them like crazy. Hopefully, we will all have them soon.
Red Candy 2011 GT Premium, 6sp, 3.73 gears.
Red Candy 2011 GT Premium, 6sp, 3.73 gears.
Banned
Joined: June 11, 2010
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
Certain points in the line are a "call ahead" point, if you will. In our plant, an underbody structure (floor, firewall) with "x" rotation number (intended for a specific VIN) is built on a dimensionally set skid with an RFID tag attached. It goes from robot station to station; the RFID tag is read and tells the robot what vehicle it is (in our case and Edge/MkX, Flex or MkT) and calls that specific program (each model uses a different one). It doesn't matter what order it arrives at the station; it can be Edge, Edge, Edge, Flex, Edge, MkT, Flex -- it doesn't matter. The blend is set at a specific ratio but that can change if, say, we sell a boatload of Flexes in a specific month. (and this kind of addresses "Corvettedreamin's" mention of running a batch of verts or coupes at one time. They can, and sometimes they do, but they don't have to. They can vary the order of build based on order mix, stock on hand, worker jobload, etc. That's what makes a plant a "flex plant.)
When the underbody is complete on its line and the tag is read, the computer calls ahead to "2" bodyside lines (left side and right side) where the whole side assemblies are constructed, in order; this a "commit point", because the left and right sides have to arrive at the same point (just before the framing buck**). In forethought, we have spare "failsafe" bodysides (on storage hooks) at certain points in the bodyside line -- these failsafes are not commited to a specific rotation number. If a weld inspector pulls a part for inpection; the robot pulls the part out and puts it onto an inspection cart, then picks up the failsafe and puts it back into the system to replace it. Then a new failsafe is ordered in the system and when it gets to that station it gets put back on the failsafe storage hook.
If the system works right (and it usually does), the bodysides and underbody arrive at a marriage station where they are held in location (dimensionally), roof supports are added, and the whole thing is tacked together. **This is the point at which the car is considered "bucked". After this point, if a shell is pulled out, a whole new shell is ordered right from the start in underbody (the whole process starts over). But it's not that big of a delay (it gets pushed back maybe 4 hours), and all that really happens is that your VIN gets reassigned to a new skid. After the bucking point, the body shell carries on where many more parts and welds are added as well as the features like doors and fenders, etc.
The call ahead process repeats itself at many points in the system. The "Just in Time" means of doing business now; when the car reaches a certain point, seats are ordered from up the street, pre-assembled dash panels, engines, etc are all ordered to arrive in order at their marriage station.
The downside to the "Just in Time" system is that we carry very few "spares". So when things do go wrong, they can really gum things up. Last year, we had to shut down production in a few of our facilities because a plant in India which makes a part for the transmissions found in a number of our vehicles shut down from a week or two of labour unrest (and they were non-Union btw). That's how time-critical things are in a modern auto plant. Something like a box of unique fasteners not arriving on time can shut us down, strange enough. If a plastic injection machine at a parts supplier goes kaput, it doesn't take long for the plant to run out of parts (ie think maybe A-Pillars). According to the system doctrine, we should never be warehousing more than a day's stock, and (I think) 6-12 hours seems to be the target. That's the way most business operates now, not just at Ford but all over.
FR500 Member
Joined: July 1, 2008
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, UK
Not too much of a nightmare; but to keep it simplest:
Certain points in the line are a "call ahead" point, if you will. In our plant, an underbody structure (floor, firewall) with "x" rotation number (intended for a specific VIN) is built on a dimensionally set skid with an RFID tag attached. It goes from robot station to station; the RFID tag is read and tells the robot what vehicle it is (in our case and Edge/MkX, Flex or MkT) and calls that specific program (each model uses a different one). It doesn't matter what order it arrives at the station; it can be Edge, Edge, Edge, Flex, Edge, MkT, Flex -- it doesn't matter. The blend is set at a specific ratio but that can change if, say, we sell a boatload of Flexes in a specific month. (and this kind of addresses "Corvettedreamin's" mention of running a batch of verts or coupes at one time. They can, and sometimes they do, but they don't have to. They can vary the order of build based on order mix, stock on hand, worker jobload, etc. That's what makes a plant a "flex plant.)
When the underbody is complete on its line and the tag is read, the computer calls ahead to "2" bodyside lines (left side and right side) where the whole side assemblies are constructed, in order; this a "commit point", because the left and right sides have to arrive at the same point (just before the framing buck**). In forethought, we have spare "failsafe" bodysides (on storage hooks) at certain points in the bodyside line -- these failsafes are not commited to a specific rotation number. If a weld inspector pulls a part for inpection; the robot pulls the part out and puts it onto an inspection cart, then picks up the failsafe and puts it back into the system to replace it. Then a new failsafe is ordered in the system and when it gets to that station it gets put back on the failsafe storage hook.
If the system works right (and it usually does), the bodysides and underbody arrive at a marriage station where they are held in location (dimensionally), roof supports are added, and the whole thing is tacked together. **This is the point at which the car is considered "bucked". After this point, if a shell is pulled out, a whole new shell is ordered right from the start in underbody (the whole process starts over). But it's not that big of a delay (it gets pushed back maybe 4 hours), and all that really happens is that your VIN gets reassigned to a new skid. After the bucking point, the body shell carries on where many more parts and welds are added as well as the features like doors and fenders, etc.
The call ahead process repeats itself at many points in the system. The "Just in Time" means of doing business now; when the car reaches a certain point, seats are ordered from up the street, pre-assembled dash panels, engines, etc are all ordered to arrive in order at their marriage station.
The downside to the "Just in Time" system is that we carry very few "spares". So when things do go wrong, they can really gum things up. Last year, we had to shut down production in a few of our facilities because a plant in India which makes a part for the transmissions found in a number of our vehicles shut down from a week or two of labour unrest (and they were non-Union btw). That's how time-critical things are in a modern auto plant. Something like a box of unique fasteners not arriving on time can shut us down, strange enough. If a plastic injection machine at a parts supplier goes kaput, it doesn't take long for the plant to run out of parts (ie think maybe A-Pillars). According to the system doctrine, we should never be warehousing more than a day's stock, and (I think) 6-12 hours seems to be the target. That's the way most business operates now, not just at Ford but all over.
Certain points in the line are a "call ahead" point, if you will. In our plant, an underbody structure (floor, firewall) with "x" rotation number (intended for a specific VIN) is built on a dimensionally set skid with an RFID tag attached. It goes from robot station to station; the RFID tag is read and tells the robot what vehicle it is (in our case and Edge/MkX, Flex or MkT) and calls that specific program (each model uses a different one). It doesn't matter what order it arrives at the station; it can be Edge, Edge, Edge, Flex, Edge, MkT, Flex -- it doesn't matter. The blend is set at a specific ratio but that can change if, say, we sell a boatload of Flexes in a specific month. (and this kind of addresses "Corvettedreamin's" mention of running a batch of verts or coupes at one time. They can, and sometimes they do, but they don't have to. They can vary the order of build based on order mix, stock on hand, worker jobload, etc. That's what makes a plant a "flex plant.)
When the underbody is complete on its line and the tag is read, the computer calls ahead to "2" bodyside lines (left side and right side) where the whole side assemblies are constructed, in order; this a "commit point", because the left and right sides have to arrive at the same point (just before the framing buck**). In forethought, we have spare "failsafe" bodysides (on storage hooks) at certain points in the bodyside line -- these failsafes are not commited to a specific rotation number. If a weld inspector pulls a part for inpection; the robot pulls the part out and puts it onto an inspection cart, then picks up the failsafe and puts it back into the system to replace it. Then a new failsafe is ordered in the system and when it gets to that station it gets put back on the failsafe storage hook.
If the system works right (and it usually does), the bodysides and underbody arrive at a marriage station where they are held in location (dimensionally), roof supports are added, and the whole thing is tacked together. **This is the point at which the car is considered "bucked". After this point, if a shell is pulled out, a whole new shell is ordered right from the start in underbody (the whole process starts over). But it's not that big of a delay (it gets pushed back maybe 4 hours), and all that really happens is that your VIN gets reassigned to a new skid. After the bucking point, the body shell carries on where many more parts and welds are added as well as the features like doors and fenders, etc.
The call ahead process repeats itself at many points in the system. The "Just in Time" means of doing business now; when the car reaches a certain point, seats are ordered from up the street, pre-assembled dash panels, engines, etc are all ordered to arrive in order at their marriage station.
The downside to the "Just in Time" system is that we carry very few "spares". So when things do go wrong, they can really gum things up. Last year, we had to shut down production in a few of our facilities because a plant in India which makes a part for the transmissions found in a number of our vehicles shut down from a week or two of labour unrest (and they were non-Union btw). That's how time-critical things are in a modern auto plant. Something like a box of unique fasteners not arriving on time can shut us down, strange enough. If a plastic injection machine at a parts supplier goes kaput, it doesn't take long for the plant to run out of parts (ie think maybe A-Pillars). According to the system doctrine, we should never be warehousing more than a day's stock, and (I think) 6-12 hours seems to be the target. That's the way most business operates now, not just at Ford but all over.
(rimshot)
GT Member
Joined: February 24, 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I'm new to this forum guys so if I have posted improperly, I apologize. My original ETA was 5/29. It got moved to 5/30 (?). Then, the ETA was gone and my dealer said June or July. I heard from my dealer today and here is what the message said, "Hey Dave, great news ! As of yesterday,your Mustang is on a train headed towards Chicago,where it will be picked up by a truck and brought here. I don't have an exact ETA, but we're guessing within maybe 10 days it could be here...I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for your patience.......The wait is almost over " I also got a message from Ford Customer Care saying, "Our records indicate that your 2011 Ford Mustang is in transit. There are a great number of variables that may affect production scheduling and delivery:" blah, blah, blah. They must be shipping them like crazy. Hopefully, we will all have them soon.
Red Candy 2011 GT Premium, 6sp, 3.73 gears.
Red Candy 2011 GT Premium, 6sp, 3.73 gears.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 8, 2004
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 7
From: Cincinnati, OH
Thank you for the explanation. This definitely gives a window into what happens in a flexible manufacturing facility, as well as the implications of when things don't work according to schedule.
It also demonstrates how much work there is to continue to drive cost out of the system in order to keep prices reasonable and ensure a profit at volume.
Well done!
Bullitt Member
Joined: April 28, 2010
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda MD
If your car is on a rail, this story might cause heart failure. Watch at own risk.
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-trai...,5069399.story
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-trai...,5069399.story
Member
Joined: April 28, 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
They are shipping! My dealer just called to say my 5.0 was loaded on a rail car yesterday. It's almost three weeks on the train to Calgary, but at least I know it's on the way. Ford must really be trying to ship all the sold cars, so many of you seem to be sharing your good news here in the last couple of days. Finally!!! (I'm not going to say it took long enough).
Cobra R Member
Joined: April 3, 2010
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
If your car is on a rail, this story might cause heart failure. Watch at own risk.
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-trai...,5069399.story
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-trai...,5069399.story
Bullitt Member
Joined: April 28, 2010
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda MD
Nothing. It's generic. Usually means taken by convoy to the final location as far as I can tell. Mine says convoy and it just left the railcar today... I hope. (After spending 55 days alone, lost, abandoned... in Ramp 51).
Last edited by HokieCodeMonkey; Jun 17, 2010 at 06:21 PM.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 15, 2010
Posts: 999
Likes: 0
From: DC Metro Area
Wait, you confirmed this? Or are you going by CorvetteDreamin's status?
Legacy TMS Member Pr
Joined: January 31, 2008
Posts: 5,665
Likes: 39
From: PR
Not too much of a nightmare; but to keep it simplest:
Certain points in the line are a "call ahead" point, if you will. In our plant, an underbody structure (floor, firewall) with "x" rotation number (intended for a specific VIN) is built on a dimensionally set skid with an RFID tag attached. It goes from robot station to station; the RFID tag is read and tells the robot what vehicle it is (in our case and Edge/MkX, Flex or MkT) and calls that specific program (each model uses a different one). It doesn't matter what order it arrives at the station; it can be Edge, Edge, Edge, Flex, Edge, MkT, Flex -- it doesn't matter. The blend is set at a specific ratio but that can change if, say, we sell a boatload of Flexes in a specific month. (and this kind of addresses "Corvettedreamin's" mention of running a batch of verts or coupes at one time. They can, and sometimes they do, but they don't have to. They can vary the order of build based on order mix, stock on hand, worker jobload, etc. That's what makes a plant a "flex plant.)
When the underbody is complete on its line and the tag is read, the computer calls ahead to "2" bodyside lines (left side and right side) where the whole side assemblies are constructed, in order; this a "commit point", because the left and right sides have to arrive at the same point (just before the framing buck**). In forethought, we have spare "failsafe" bodysides (on storage hooks) at certain points in the bodyside line -- these failsafes are not commited to a specific rotation number. If a weld inspector pulls a part for inpection; the robot pulls the part out and puts it onto an inspection cart, then picks up the failsafe and puts it back into the system to replace it. Then a new failsafe is ordered in the system and when it gets to that station it gets put back on the failsafe storage hook.
If the system works right (and it usually does), the bodysides and underbody arrive at a marriage station where they are held in location (dimensionally), roof supports are added, and the whole thing is tacked together. **This is the point at which the car is considered "bucked". After this point, if a shell is pulled out, a whole new shell is ordered right from the start in underbody (the whole process starts over). But it's not that big of a delay (it gets pushed back maybe 4 hours), and all that really happens is that your VIN gets reassigned to a new skid. After the bucking point, the body shell carries on where many more parts and welds are added as well as the features like doors and fenders, etc.
The call ahead process repeats itself at many points in the system. The "Just in Time" means of doing business now; when the car reaches a certain point, seats are ordered from up the street, pre-assembled dash panels, engines, etc are all ordered to arrive in order at their marriage station.
The downside to the "Just in Time" system is that we carry very few "spares". So when things do go wrong, they can really gum things up. Last year, we had to shut down production in a few of our facilities because a plant in India which makes a part for the transmissions found in a number of our vehicles shut down from a week or two of labour unrest (and they were non-Union btw). That's how time-critical things are in a modern auto plant. Something like a box of unique fasteners not arriving on time can shut us down, strange enough. If a plastic injection machine at a parts supplier goes kaput, it doesn't take long for the plant to run out of parts (ie think maybe A-Pillars). According to the system doctrine, we should never be warehousing more than a day's stock, and (I think) 6-12 hours seems to be the target. That's the way most business operates now, not just at Ford but all over.
Certain points in the line are a "call ahead" point, if you will. In our plant, an underbody structure (floor, firewall) with "x" rotation number (intended for a specific VIN) is built on a dimensionally set skid with an RFID tag attached. It goes from robot station to station; the RFID tag is read and tells the robot what vehicle it is (in our case and Edge/MkX, Flex or MkT) and calls that specific program (each model uses a different one). It doesn't matter what order it arrives at the station; it can be Edge, Edge, Edge, Flex, Edge, MkT, Flex -- it doesn't matter. The blend is set at a specific ratio but that can change if, say, we sell a boatload of Flexes in a specific month. (and this kind of addresses "Corvettedreamin's" mention of running a batch of verts or coupes at one time. They can, and sometimes they do, but they don't have to. They can vary the order of build based on order mix, stock on hand, worker jobload, etc. That's what makes a plant a "flex plant.)
When the underbody is complete on its line and the tag is read, the computer calls ahead to "2" bodyside lines (left side and right side) where the whole side assemblies are constructed, in order; this a "commit point", because the left and right sides have to arrive at the same point (just before the framing buck**). In forethought, we have spare "failsafe" bodysides (on storage hooks) at certain points in the bodyside line -- these failsafes are not commited to a specific rotation number. If a weld inspector pulls a part for inpection; the robot pulls the part out and puts it onto an inspection cart, then picks up the failsafe and puts it back into the system to replace it. Then a new failsafe is ordered in the system and when it gets to that station it gets put back on the failsafe storage hook.
If the system works right (and it usually does), the bodysides and underbody arrive at a marriage station where they are held in location (dimensionally), roof supports are added, and the whole thing is tacked together. **This is the point at which the car is considered "bucked". After this point, if a shell is pulled out, a whole new shell is ordered right from the start in underbody (the whole process starts over). But it's not that big of a delay (it gets pushed back maybe 4 hours), and all that really happens is that your VIN gets reassigned to a new skid. After the bucking point, the body shell carries on where many more parts and welds are added as well as the features like doors and fenders, etc.
The call ahead process repeats itself at many points in the system. The "Just in Time" means of doing business now; when the car reaches a certain point, seats are ordered from up the street, pre-assembled dash panels, engines, etc are all ordered to arrive in order at their marriage station.
The downside to the "Just in Time" system is that we carry very few "spares". So when things do go wrong, they can really gum things up. Last year, we had to shut down production in a few of our facilities because a plant in India which makes a part for the transmissions found in a number of our vehicles shut down from a week or two of labour unrest (and they were non-Union btw). That's how time-critical things are in a modern auto plant. Something like a box of unique fasteners not arriving on time can shut us down, strange enough. If a plastic injection machine at a parts supplier goes kaput, it doesn't take long for the plant to run out of parts (ie think maybe A-Pillars). According to the system doctrine, we should never be warehousing more than a day's stock, and (I think) 6-12 hours seems to be the target. That's the way most business operates now, not just at Ford but all over.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 21, 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Bridgeport, Ct
well i waited for the phone to ring all da yesterday ( Thur. ) placed several calls to the sales manager.. NONE OF THEM returned. when he PROMISED to call and track the vehicle.. i'm not taking this lightly. if you make a promise to do something you should follow through.. man i cant wait to get that survey..