Page 26 - Remembering ISTEL

Remembering ISTEL

A microcomputer in Land-Rover

One of the early systems implemented in BL using a micro electronics 'chip' is

in the production and material control function for Land-Rover. This is a micro
computer based system which enables Land-Rover to control stocks of made-in
parts and assemblies.

Some 1,600 different
parts are pressed from
steel or aluminium and

fabricated into sub-
assemblies at several

locations or outside
contractors before being
returned to Solihull for
assembly into the vehicle.

The previous system
provided a total stock

figure for each part in all
conditions across all

locations at weekly
intervals, which is of very
limited use in a rapidly
changing situation. By

typing a part number through a simple computer terminal into the micro
computer system parts analysts can now check the stock of any part, at any

location. Warnings about high or low stocks and details of stock movements are
provided daily. All in all as Dick Martin the Manager concerned says, This gives
me a quick response to enquiries and a tighter control at these factories. When
we have a press breakdown or assembly shortage somewhere I can quickly find

out the situation and make a decision.'

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