This article delves into the critical application of industrial mobile computing solutions in extreme environments. Through the practical case of the global tire manufacturing giant Bridgestone, it demonstrates how SEUIC's rugged mobile computers assist in the digital transformation of its high-temperature vulcanization workshops. It addresses the failure challenges of traditional data collection methods in harsh industrial environments, providing reliable support for process optimization and real-time inventory management.

User Background​

Bridgestone Corporation is a world-renowned tire manufacturer and a leader in the global rubber and tire industry. Since its establishment in 1931, Bridgestone has consistently upheld the corporate philosophy of "Serving Society with Superior Quality," always providing products that meet the diverse needs of its customers. Bridgestone operates in over 150 countries, with 51 tire plants, 112 associated plants, and six technical development centers located in Tokyo, Akron, Rome, Wuxi, Yokohama, and Bangkok, respectively. In 2018, Bridgestone's total sales revenue was 3.6501 trillion yen. It is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers and consistently ranks among the Fortune Global 500.

Challenges​

With the increasing demand for manufacturing intelligence, Bridgestone faces severe challenges in its core tire production processes. In vulcanization workshops where ambient temperatures exceed 50°C, traditional data collection equipment and methods struggle to operate stably. High temperatures cause frequent failures of conventional equipment, while reliance on paper records is inefficient and error-prone. This inability to meet the need for real-time, accurate data collection for warehouse processes (such as goods inspection, inbound/outbound management) severely constrains the improvement of production efficiency and inventory management levels

Traditional data collection in tire workshops relies on paper records. In vulcanization workshops with ambient temperatures exceeding 50°C, conventional equipment often malfunctions. This highlights the urgent market need for industrial mobile computing devices suitable for harsh, high-temperature industrial environments that can guarantee stable operation

Through the industrial mobile computer solution for tire high-temperature workshops, Bridgestone achieved real-time data collection for warehouse processes (including mobile operations, goods inspection, inbound/outbound management, and inventory counting). Simultaneously, it ensured that data could be entered accurately and swiftly at every stage of warehouse management, enabling the company to efficiently maintain and control inventory levels while providing timely and accurate inventory data.

The SEUIC industrial mobile computer solution adopted by Bridgestone is designed for harsh industrial environments:

• Rugged Industrial-Grade Design: SEUIC mobile computers utilize special durable materials and structural designs, enabling them to withstand high-temperature workshop environments exceeding 50°C for extended periods, fundamentally addressing the core pain point of equipment reliability.
• Stable Network Connectivity: The devices are equipped with high-performance Wi-Fi modules combined with proprietary signal optimization algorithms, effectively overcoming the shielding and interference of wireless signals by steel structures within the vulcanization workshop, ensuring stable, real-time data transmission in complex environments.
• Full-Process Paperless Application: This solution has been successfully integrated into Bridgestone's high-temperature workshops and warehousing operations, achieving full-process paperless operations from data collection to system entry. This not only improves work efficiency but also reduces errors and delays associated with paper-based workflows.