How Nissan Brazil Factory Maximizes RTI Utilization with SmartX HUB and SAP Integration
Introduction
Customer Case: NISSAN — Reusable Transport Items in Manufacturing
Nissan's manufacturing facility in Resende, Rio de Janeiro, produces Nissan-brand vehicles and engines with a capacity of 200,000 vehicles and 200,000 engines per year, employing about 2,000 workers. Reusable Transport Items — plastic crates, racks, and containers — are essential to their operations. But the "reusable" part becomes a challenge when tracking relies on manual processes. SmartX HUB solved this with automated, ERP-integrated RTI tracking.
The Challenge
RTIs such as plastic crates, racks, and containers are essential for manufacturing operations, providing a standardized, eco-friendly way to move goods efficiently. However, manual tracking made it difficult to know where assets were, who had them, and when they'd be returned. This created disputes between trading partners, made it impossible to identify shortages or overstock, and led to increased costs from lost or misplaced assets.
The Solution
SmartX HUB was integrated with Nissan’s SAP system and supplier networks:
- 1 RFID Middleware managing tracking operations.
- 2 RFID Gates at receiving and shipping dock doors.
- 4 RFID Handhelds for flexible scanning.
- 10,000+ assets tracked with real-time location data.
- SAP Integration for enterprise-wide visibility.
- Supplier Integration enabling cross-organizational RTI tracking.
- Automated tracking sends location data to a central database before assets even leave the warehouse.
Implementation and Results
The implementation of SmartX HUB delivered measurable, transformative results for the company:
- Maximized utilization of available reusable transport items.
- Prevention of asset and cargo loss through continuous tracking.
- Accountability and dispute reduction between trading partners.
- Identification of shortages and overstock for better management.
- Automatic validation and recording of every asset and destination at entry and exit points.
Conclusion
Nissan Brazil's deployment shows how RTI tracking with SmartX HUB and SAP integration creates visibility across the entire supply chain — including suppliers and partners. When every asset is automatically tracked at dock doors, the result is better utilization, fewer disputes, and optimized inventory management.
For more details on this innovative project and other initiatives, visit our website and stay tuned for more updates on how our customers continues to lead in safety and operational excellence
About us
SmartX HUB delivers intelligent, real-time IoT and RFID solutions that empower organizations across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, oil & gas, and more. By integrating smart technology with deep domain expertise, we help companies enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and make data-driven decisions that improve safety, productivity, and asset performance.
From asset tracking and condition monitoring to workforce safety and supply chain automation, our scalable platform puts visibility and control at the core of every process—supporting sustainable, high-performance operations for the demands of the 21st century.
