General Motors Corporation

The Business Value of Wireless LANs

New Shores International CollegeGlobal BBM 2012-15India

Presented to: Prof. SANDHYA

Auto makers started installing wireless links in the mid-1990s, using proprietary methods until the Wi-Fi international wireless LAN standard appeared in 2001.

Wireless LANs as a mission critical infrastructure for its manufacturing operations.

They initially use the massive in-plant wireless LAN infrastructure to track materials and replenish parts at stations on its assembly lines.

They support wide range of application, which include access to computer-aided design drawings and plant configuration information.

SUMMARY

It provides you with agility and flexibility that did not exist before.

GM has already equipped 75 to 100 forklift trucks with wireless terminals in each plant.

When workers need to replenish parts for their station, they press a button using the wireless.

They are also concerned with the network security.Their biggest strategic weapon may be its involvement

with standards bodies and vendors to see that standardized security methods are quickly incorporated into wireless gear.

1) What is the business value of wireless LANs to GM ?There are several advantages to GM by adopting the wireless LANs. It helps GM in reducing costs and also helps to recoup its investment quickly .

Some of the advantages of wireless LANs to GM : Wireless LANs helps in tracking materials replenish

parts at stations on its assembly line.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

It can also support wide range of other applications, which includes access to computer-aided design drawings and plant configuration information, which can also be called “virtual factory” database.

It also bring change in ability to send and receive information to and from workers and system in manufacturing .

GM faced real problem with locating parts, but with wireless LAN facility the parts can be located easily with wireless LAN based material management system which helps in reducing manufacturing costs.

Wireless LAN helps GM workers who are in need to replenish parts, can press a button on wireless pendent at their workstation, the request is displayed on a screen in forklift, showing location of worker and materials required. This helps in minimizing the time and manufacturing work can be done efficiently.

2) What is the security vulnerabilities of wireless LANs? Is GM taking appropriate security measures? why or why not?

The security vulnerabilities of wireless LANs is hackers. GM is concerned about hackers, who can hack systems through wireless transmission.GM has adopted some approaches to overcome this problem. GM segments its network with firewalls and virtual private networks and they do detailed site survey that look at all radio interference sources. It also relies on good security software.

3) What are some other possible business applications of wireless LANs? Evaluate the benefits and challenges of one of them to a large or small business.

some other possible business applications of wireless LANs are :

Wireless LANs can also be used in corporate offices and business firms.

Automatic request of materials. Some companies are launching wireless LANs

accessible mobile phones and other hand held devices like PDAs etc..

Scalability.

Benefits 1. It is faster and less expensive than other common

wire based LAN technologies.2. The Wi-Fi or LANs enable laptop or PCs can connect

easily to internet and other networks. 3. It helps to minimize the wiring cost in office which

is very difficult and costly task.4. It helps in eliminating the mistakes and damages

of repairing wires.

Challenges :The main challenges of wireless LANs is from hackers.

They can hack into systems through wireless transmission.

But this problem can be solved through security systems, by relaying on good security software.

The installation charges of wireless LANs is costly and it is

difficult to implement and maintain the same.

The use of wireless LANs is growing rapidly as new high speed technologies are

implemented, which is used in increasing number of business, public and home

environment.

Conclusion Conclusion