Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) is installing one of the region's largest wireless communications zones to electronically manage the flow of parts for the production of the 2007 ford edge and Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicles, Paddock Talk reported.

The wireless blanket will cover the entire 5.4 million ft 2 (486,000 m 2) complex and will include a Highway 407-like shipping lane for trucks delivering key components right to the assembly line. The transponder-equipped fleet will take just-in-time delivery to a new level.

"Wireless tracking is the next wave in supply-chain logistics and will complement the plant's conversion to flexible manufacturing," said Frank Gourneau, OAC plant manager. He cited an example of how a wireless and flexible plant could provide a competitive edge:

"Imagine for a moment that a dramatic spike in fuel prices creates a flurry of customer orders for hybrid versions of Ford Edge. Our flexibility will allow a quick increase in production of these models and wireless communications will help to get hybrid parts and components to the final assembly area at the precise moment they are needed and in proper sequence. The process is seamless and there's never a need to stockpile parts."

Dubbed "Fast Gate", the dedicated lane will be similar in principle to the system employed on Ontario's Highway 407 -- the world's first all-electronic, open access toll road. Vehicle-mounted transponders will trigger the main gate to open and instantly record the time and location of the vehicles entering the site.