ASI DATAMYTE: Driving Best-In-Class Quality in Manufacturing

Rick Bump, President and Joel Ronning, Chairman

As a global leader in the development and deployment of hardware and software related quality management solutions, ASI DATAMYTE’s focus for over four decades has been to enhance quality management initiatives on the manufacturing shop floor. Aligning with AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) standards, ASI DATAMYTE delivers a suite of products that support a closed loop process around quality planning, collecting data, controlling processes, deployment, and feedback for overall process improvement. The company’s main product lines include software around Quality Planning (APQP), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Reporting Services, Gage and Tool Management; as well as hardware devices including portable data collectors and high precision torque audit wrenches.

In the late 1960s, the company developed the quality industry's first handheld data acquisition systems. Due to this longevity in the marketplace, the company holds deep-seated brand recognition on the automotive factory floors for its "Datamyte” hand-held devices. Partnering with large global automotive OEMs, and Tier 1 and 2 suppliers, the company is a true innovation leader in the automotive space.

In this interview with ASI DATAMYTE executives Rick Bump, President, and Joel Ronning, Chairman; they share some insights about the organization's quality management solutions, its unique value proposition, and roadmap for the future.

What are the trends prevailing in the marketplace currently and how is ASI DATAMYTE injecting these trends?

The AIAG and the German Association of the Automotive Industry, or VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie), have been cooperating in automotive quality management systems since the advent of the second edition of ISO/TS 16949 and VDA. In early 2019, the AIAG organization plans to release their new combined harmonized standard for the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) process. This single set of FMEA requirements will ease the burden on suppliers. ASI DATAMYTE has long been an AIAG member and implements the requirements around the standards within the framework of its products to help its clients be in compliance with industry norms.

Another trend that will continue to impact the automotive manufacturing arena is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) movement. Our strength lies in agnostic data collection from most types of gages, sensors, and machines, storing it and providing reporting that drives positive quality improvements. Smart collection devices backed by robust, modular software provide a data hub from which notifications and alerts, hierarchically appropriate timely reporting, and richer BI/ERP/MES integrations can be easily shared. ASI DATAMYTE provides the agility and visibility that manufacturers need to be successful through data that is automated, reliable and actionable. This leading company will continue to innovate, and drive new solutions and tools to continue to improve real-time data accessibility, and ultimately improved quality management.

In your interactions with the CIOs of leading companies, what sense do you get of the challenges they face and how do you help your clients with your solutions?

The biggest challenge in automotive manufacturing is automating quality information processes. It is crucial to get the right information, to the right person at the right time to increase quality. ASI DATAMYTE makes things easy for CIOs. We solve the problem of how to gather data from multiple sources, or silos in the organization, including production floor data from variable data stations, gages, sensors, and CMMs. Then we consolidate all gage and machine data into a single database, which provides the basis for traceability of the data in the organization. The simplicity of this structure eliminates manual data entry work and creates a platform from which all types of reporting and integrations can be created.

ASI DATAMYTE provides the agility and visibility that manufacturers need to be successful by providing real-time, hierarchically-appropriate data that is automated, reliable and actionable

Serving multiple industry verticals since inception, the breadth of our experience only strengthens when we apply the learnings from several industries to a single solution. Many of our clients have multiple plants across geographies and continents. We are entrenched with many of our clients at the foundational level, and therefore our relationships span decades. Our solutions are modular and scalable which make them the perfect fit for large global customers.

Could you share a use case scenario wherein you helped a client overcome their challenges?

ASI DATAMYTE partners with a large electric automobile manufacturer on its final inspection requirements around residual torque measurement and data collection. The company was searching for a cohesive, mobile solution that would help drive efficiencies in process and labor on the shop floor, as well as provide a data collection platform that fits their requirements. ASI implemented a trio of solutions to accomplish this. With the wireless Lightstar Torque Wrench, combined with the 600 mobile Data Collector and TranSend II software across assembly lines; we were able to significantly improve the process, saving time and labor costs. ASI DATAMYTE solutions ensure data integrity through patented torque algorithms. An operator can identify areas where torque readings are out of spec to potentially avoid costly recalls that would otherwise be found down the supply chain once the vehicle is owned by the consumer. Another large automotive client has implemented the same solution and has been able to significantly lower their recall reserve funds by over 30 percent, as they have justified that they have better control of the risk factors through their torque inspection process utilizing ASI solutions.

What differentiates ASI DATAMYTE from its competitors?

With a vision to improve quality initiatives around increasing customer satisfaction, reducing costs, mitigating risks, and meeting compliance, ASI DATAMYTE provides software, hardware, and services for driving best-in-class quality across multiple industry verticals. No other competitor comes close to having the breadth of industry experience and the ability to implement globally. This extensive experience allows ASI to leverage its collective knowledge and apply it to specific client solutions and implementations. It is unique in the quality management industry to offer both integrated software and also be a hardware manufacturer. The benefit is that our solutions work together seamlessly, are extremely high quality and highly accurate.

Our solution for residual torque final inspection uses a patented angle restart algorithm that provides a very precise, accurate reading. Combined with the wireless data collection, ASI DATAMYTE provides a powerful, durable solution that accomplishes audit objectives: identify areas of non-compliance and reduce risk.

How do you envision the future of ASI DATAMYTE?

Over the years, ASI DATAMYTE has expanded its footprint across many locations globally, including Germany, Belgium, China, Mexico, Brazil, and India, which is a reflection of the strides the firm has made since its inception. The company's system integrators and distributors are situated across the globe to address the sales and service requirements of customers located in over 40 countries. ASI DATAMYTE is placing its best foot forward toward the development of new technologies aimed at improving product lines and keeping pace with the rapid technological evolution that is influencing the automotive industry.