Traceability ''to a T''
From the very start to the very end of the production process, data of each step that is relevant to the product or its quality is gathered for traceability tracking and to make it available for (statistical) data analysis. Statistics is a very powerful tool in a production environment. A small set number of tasks is repeated endlessly in our production machinery, and when monitored closely for deviations this can contribute largely to improved product quality and efficiency.
The new Cleantron production line is set up specifically to make this type of data analysis possible. At the start of the production line, each individual battery cell is tested for quality, the data is logged and then linked to the unique serial ID of the Battery Pack. This happens fully automated with all relevant information (both product and process) at each subsequent step too: cell placement, welding, programming and end of line testing.
By using unique keys and setting up the infrastructure to store this data in an easily accessible manner, at any moment during the product lifetime, we can exactly determine which individual cells, electronics and other important parts have been used in which Battery Pack. We can see what process settings were used, what the results of the process were and of course what the results of the final quality control steps were. In case any questions arise at a later date as to what happened during production and which components were used, this information is only a click of a button away. This perfects the traceability of Cleantron Battery Packs.
By using statistics and combining the data of multiple Packs, quality performance of production can be monitored and used for improvement initiatives. To accomplish this, Cleantron uses industry best practices such as Statistical Process Control, an advanced analytical technique for looking at quality data used in many high-tech industries (such as automotive). By setting the process limits based on observations and then using the statistical technique to check for deviations, any errors in the process can be caught early on. This means that problems can be solved in the process before they even have a chance to affect product quality. This leads to a more stable process, less rejected product and a deepened understanding of what is happening during the production of our Battery Packs.
