| Written by Mark Buzinkay
Staging across industries
Staging refers to preparing, organising, or temporarily holding items, equipment, or processes across various industries. Its application varies widely, but the underlying concept remains consistent: ensuring readiness and efficiency before final deployment or execution.
In the logistics and supply chain industry, staging involves temporarily organising goods, vehicles, or materials in designated areas before transportation or delivery. For example, Amazon utilises staging areas in its fulfilment centres to group packages by delivery route, optimising the loading process for delivery drivers. This ensures that packages are loaded in the correct sequence, minimising delivery time and enhancing customer satisfaction. A 2018 report by Supply Chain Dive highlighted Amazon's use of technology-driven staging to reduce delivery times and improve efficiency in its growing e-commerce network (1).
In construction, staging refers to setting temporary structures, materials, or equipment for specific project phases. For instance, scaffolding is a form of staging that provides access to elevated work areas. A notable business case is the construction of the Shard in London, where carefully planned staging ensured the seamless delivery and assembly of steel components for the skyscraper's iconic structure. The Shard's construction relied heavily on detailed staging plans to manage its complex logistics and timeline within a constrained urban site (6).
In software development, staging refers to a pre-production environment used for testing and quality assurance. For instance, Netflix employs a staging environment to test updates and new features before rolling them out to millions of users. By simulating real-world conditions, developers identify bugs and performance issues, ensuring the live platform remains stable. This approach, outlined in a case study by DevOps.com (2), underscores the importance of staging in maintaining customer trust and minimising downtime.
In manufacturing, staging refers to organising materials and components in preparation for production. At Tesla's Gigafactories, staging areas near assembly lines are critical for maintaining production efficiency. Materials are sorted and delivered just in time to avoid bottlenecks, ensuring the seamless production of electric vehicles. This lean manufacturing approach is documented in Tesla's 2021 Annual Report (5), which emphasises the role of staging in achieving operational excellence.
In event planning, staging involves preparing equipment, decorations, and logistics before an event. For example, Coachella, one of the world's largest music festivals, relies on extensive staging to set up stages, sound systems, and attendee amenities across the vast desert venue. As noted in Billboard (3), months of preparation ensure that the festival runs smoothly, showcasing the role of staging in large-scale event execution.
In aerospace, staging refers to the organisation of rocket stages or payloads for a mission. SpaceX, for instance, meticulously stages rocket components at launch sites. The company's reusable rocket technology requires precise staging to ensure components like the first-stage booster are ready for recovery and reuse. This innovative use of staging has been highlighted in SpaceNews (4), which discusses SpaceX's efficiency in reducing the cost of space exploration.
In healthcare, staging often refers to assessing the progression of diseases, such as cancer. For instance, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) provides a standardised staging system used worldwide to determine the severity and spread of cancer. According to a study published in The Lancet Oncology (2020), accurate staging enables doctors to develop tailored treatment plans and communicate effectively with patients, improving outcomes and advancing medical research.
In the retail and warehousing industry, staging involves temporarily holding products in preparation for stocking shelves or shipping orders. Walmart, a leader in retail logistics, uses staging in its distribution centres to prepare goods for store delivery. By organising products based on store layouts and sales data, Walmart ensures faster restocking and reduced labour costs. This process is detailed in Walmart's 2021 Sustainability Report, which emphasises the importance of staging in operational efficiency and inventory management.
Across industries, staging serves as a critical step in preparation, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and quality in diverse processes. Its application not only optimises operations but also contributes to innovation and success in competitive markets.
What is the purpose of vehicle staging?
Vehicle staging in car logistics serves as a crucial step in ensuring the efficient, organised, and timely transfer of vehicles from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to dealerships or final destinations. It is a process designed to optimise transportation, maintain quality, and address logistical complexities.
One primary purpose of vehicle staging is consolidation and sorting at the vehicle yard. This involves gathering vehicles from various production lines or facilities in a centralised area, where they are organised based on their destination, transportation mode, or specific dealership requirements. This systematic approach reduces errors and ensures that shipments are accurate and well-coordinated.
Staging areas also play a vital role in pre-delivery preparation. Before vehicles are transported, they undergo pre-delivery inspections (PDI) to verify that they meet quality standards, are free of defects, and are properly cleaned. Upon arrival at the dealership, these inspections ensure that the vehicles are ready for sale. In some cases, accessory installations or customisations specified by dealerships are also completed during the staging process.
Another important purpose of staging is efficient transportation planning. By grouping vehicles based on their destinations, staging maximises the use of transportation resources such as trucks, railcars, or ships, minimising transit times and reducing costs. This step also helps decrease the environmental impact of logistics by optimising vehicle loads and routes.
Staging areas provide temporary storage for vehicles, acting as a buffer between production and transportation. This temporary holding allows for better alignment with transportation schedules and flexibility in managing supply chain disruptions, such as shipping delays or fluctuating dealer demands.
In addition to logistics, staging serves as a checkpoint to maintain visibility and tracking throughout the supply chain. Modern staging facilities often employ technologies such as RFID tags, GPS, and advanced inventory management systems, enabling real-time monitoring of vehicle locations and status.
Quality assurance is another critical aspect of staging. Vehicles are held in controlled environments designed to protect them from damage caused by weather, improper handling, or other external factors. By safeguarding vehicles during staging, manufacturers ensure that they reach dealerships in pristine condition, preserving both the vehicle's quality and the OEM's reputation.
Finally, vehicle staging streamlines delivery to dealerships by grouping vehicles according to specific dealership locations and ensuring their readiness for transport. This efficient coordination helps dealerships maintain a steady inventory supply and meet customer demand promptly.
In essence, vehicle staging acts as a bridge between production and delivery, ensuring that vehicles are carefully prepared, organised, and dispatched to meet the needs of dealerships effectively. This process not only optimises logistics but also upholds the standards of quality and customer satisfaction critical to the automotive industry (see also: the Vehicle Processing Center).
What happens during vehicle staging?
Several key activities ensure that vehicles are efficiently prepared for shipment to their final destinations during vehicle staging, particularly in the grouping and organising phase for transport. This phase ("finished vehicle logistics") is crucial for streamlining the transportation process and minimising delays or errors.
First, vehicles arrive at the staging area from production facilities or import locations and are logged into an inventory management system. Each vehicle's details, such as its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), destination, and specific transportation requirements, are recorded. This tracking ensures that every vehicle can be accounted for and matched with the correct shipment plan.
Next, vehicles are inspected to verify their condition and readiness for transport. Pre-delivery inspections (PDI) are conducted to check for visible defects, damage, or discrepancies. If any issues are identified, the vehicles are addressed on-site to ensure they meet quality standards before leaving the staging area.
Once cleared, vehicles are sorted and grouped based on their transportation mode and destination. Grouping is often determined by factors such as dealership location, delivery route optimisation, or transportation methods (e.g., rail, truck, or ship). For instance, vehicles bound for a particular geographic region are grouped together to maximise the use of transport resources. Similarly, vehicles may be organised to ensure that those needing to be unloaded first are positioned accordingly.
After grouping, vehicles are queued and aligned for loading onto their designated transport vehicles, such as car carriers, railcars, or ships. The layout of vehicles within the staging area is planned to minimise movement and facilitate a seamless loading process. For example, vehicles may be arranged in rows or blocks that correspond to specific transport batches, ensuring that loading proceeds quickly and efficiently.
Finally, before vehicles are loaded, their details are rechecked against shipping manifests to confirm accuracy. This step reduces the risk of mismatches or misplaced shipments, ensuring that vehicles arrive at the correct destination promptly.
What technologies are used during vehicle staging?
In the vehicle staging process, particularly during the grouping and organising phase, various technologies are employed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and real-time visibility. These technologies facilitate the seamless coordination of vehicles as they transition from manufacturing facilities to their final destinations.
- Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS): RTLS utilises tags attached to vehicles, which communicate with a network of receivers to provide precise location data. This system enables continuous monitoring of each vehicle's position within the staging area, ensuring accurate tracking and management. RTLS can employ various technologies, including RFID, Wi-Fi, infrared, or ultrasound, depending on the specific requirements and environment.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS technology is commonly used for outdoor vehicle tracking. GPS tags receive signals from satellites to determine each vehicle's exact location. This information is crucial for organising vehicles based on their intended transport routes and destinations.
- Inventory Management Systems: Integrated software platforms manage and record the status, location, and movement of vehicles within the staging area. These systems often interface with RTLS or GPS data to provide a comprehensive overview, facilitating efficient decision-making and resource allocation.
- Pick-by-Light Systems: This technology uses visual indicators, such as lights, to guide personnel to specific vehicles or items. In vehicle staging, pick-by-light systems can assist workers in quickly locating and organising vehicles, thereby reducing errors and improving throughput.
Case Study: Asset Agent by IDENTEC SOLUTIONS
A practical example of these technologies in action is the Asset Agent solution developed by IDENTEC SOLUTIONS. Asset Agent is designed to enhance automotive port operations by providing real-time visibility and management of vehicles within large terminal areas.
The system employs RTLS transponders, which are easy to install and maintenance-free, with an exchangeable battery life of up to five years. These transponders enable constant real-time positioning of vehicles, automating processes and eliminating delays caused by manual tracking methods. The pick-by-light functionality allows personnel to locate vehicles visually, streamlining the grouping and organising phase of vehicle staging.
Additionally, Asset Agent offers a GPS-based location module ("Asset Agent Lite") that requires minimal infrastructure. This module provides highly accurate location data using GPS technology, ensuring precise tracking of vehicles throughout the staging and transportation process. As Asset Agent Lite doesn't need any upfront hardware installation, deployment is immediate.
By integrating these technologies, Asset Agent enhances the efficiency of vehicle staging operations, reduces planning errors, and improves overall process reliability. "Such solutions exemplify how modern technological applications can optimise the complex logistics involved in vehicle staging and transportation", says Christian Aadal, Product Manager of Asset Agent at IDENTEC SOLUTIONS.
FAQ Vehicle Staging and the Grouping Stage
Why is the grouping stage important in vehicle staging?
The grouping stage is crucial because it organises vehicles based on their destination, transportation method, and delivery route. This ensures that shipments are accurate, reduces delays, and optimises the use of transport resources like trucks, railcars, and ships. By grouping vehicles efficiently, logistics teams can streamline loading processes, minimise unnecessary movements within staging areas, and reduce transportation costs.
What technologies support the grouping stage in vehicle staging?
Technologies like Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), GPS, and inventory management systems are essential during the grouping stage. RTLS provides precise location data through vehicle tags, allowing for real-time tracking and efficient organisation. GPS is particularly useful in outdoor settings, helping to group vehicles based on their transport routes. Inventory management systems integrate these technologies, offering a centralised platform to track, sort, and manage vehicle movement.
How does Asset Agent improve the grouping stage of vehicle staging?
Asset Agent by IDENTEC SOLUTIONS enhances the grouping stage by using RTLS and GPS to provide real-time visibility of vehicle locations. Its pick-by-light functionality allows staff to quickly identify and group vehicles visually, significantly reducing time and errors. The system’s GPS module, Asset Agent Lite, requires minimal infrastructure and delivers precise location data, streamlining grouping processes and ensuring vehicles are aligned for efficient transport.
Takeaway
Vehicle staging is a critical component of car logistics, with the grouping phase playing a pivotal role in ensuring efficient transportation. Staging minimises errors, reduces delays, and optimises resources by organising vehicles based on their destination and transport mode. Technologies like RTLS, GPS, and inventory management systems enhance accuracy and real-time visibility, transforming staging into a seamless process. Solutions such as Asset Agent by IDENTEC SOLUTIONS exemplify how advanced tools can streamline operations, improving efficiency and reliability. In an industry where precision and timing are essential, effective vehicle staging bridges the gap between production and delivery.
Delve deeper into one of our core topics: Car logistics
Glossary
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to each motor vehicle, serving as its fingerprint. This alphanumeric identifier provides specific information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, model, production year, and place of assembly. Standardized in 1981 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the VIN ensures uniformity across the automotive industry, facilitating vehicle identification, registration, and history tracking. (7)
Sources
(1) Supply Chain Dive Staff. (2022, March 2). Amazon rolls out delivery route algorithm to reduce miles driven. Supply Chain Dive. https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/amazon-deploys-new-delivery-route-algorithm-condor/630747/
(2) DevOps.com Staff. (2021, August 2). Do's and Don'ts of Phased Rollouts Software Delivery. DevOps.com. https://devops.com/dos-and-donts-of-phased-rollouts-software-delivery/
(3) Billboard Staff. (2024, April 9). Coachella Set Times Are Here: Here's When Each Artist Is Performing. Billboard. Retrieved from https://ca.billboard.com/music/music-news/coachella-set-times-2024-1235652563/
(4) Foust, J. (2024, October 13). Expending the Expendables: More launch companies are betting their future on reusability. SpaceNews. https://spacenews.com/expending-expendables-more-launch-companies-betting-their-future-reusability/
(5) https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000095017022000796/tsla-20211231.htm
(6) https://www.istructe.org/structural-awards/projects/2013/the-shard-at-london-bridge/
(7) https://www.nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder
