Until recently, the phrase “world at one’s fingertips” was merely a cliché. Google Earth technology, however, has turned the phrase into a challenge for individuals and businesses alike. Engineers at Ford Motor Co. are welcoming this challenge in a software pilot program being implemented at the company’s Wayne, MI, assembly plant.
The software is called IntoSite. Developed by Siemens PLM, it uses Google Earth infrastructure that enables Ford to virtually navigate any of its 65 assembly plants worldwide. Equally important, the software increases global collaboration so workers can share best practices, resolve inconsistencies and improve efficiency and standardization.