One of the most important parts of the production process in the automotive sector is the body-in-white assembly line, a highly automated system that plays a key role in vehicle manufacturing. At Aritex, we specialise in designing, developing and installing this type of production line. The scope of our work spans from receiving the request for quotation (RFQ) to achieving the SOP (Start of Production), when the line reaches series production at the customer’s plant.
In this article, we explore how we approach each stage of the process, from initial analysis of the proposal to delivery of the end product, highlighting the close collaboration between the engineering and sales departments, which provide each other with feedback through a range of channels.
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1. What is an RFQ and how does Aritex receive it?
The process of awarding contracts in the automotive industry does not follow the traditional business model. Rather than selling directly, companies need to be approved by the OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) to gain access to their RFQ platforms. This means that even before receiving any requests, Aritex can already guarantee that we are registered and approved to receive invitations to tender.
An RFQ is a formal request from the client (which in the case of car body assembly lines refers to an automotive manufacturer), asking suppliers to submit their technical and commercial proposals. Put like that, it sounds very simple, but it is in fact a long and complex process that involves staff from all departments to ensure a realistic, efficient and cost-effective solution for both the client and Aritex.
When an RFQ arrives at Aritex, the first thing to do is assess the lengthy documents provided by the client. This documentation includes product drawings, line specifications and technical process conditions, among other information. For this phase to be completed, anything from one month to a year can go by, from receipt of the RFQ to awarding of the contract, depending on the scope of work.
2. RFQ analysis: identifying technical and commercial requirements
Once we decide to draw up a proposal, the sales and engineering teams begin working together to analyse the technical specifications, the client’s requirements and the feasibility of the project.
At this stage, the sales team is responsible for managing relationships with clients and potential suppliers during the initial phase.
In turn, the engineering team assesses the initial design to identify any potential technical issues or risks. To resolve these issues, Aritex’s Key Account Managers (KAMs) and engineers document the concerns and hold dedicated meetings with the client’s technical staff to address them, request any missing information or, if the client has not submitted a closed RFQ, propose cost-saving improvements without compromising the efficiency of the new process.
Besides the technical and commercial analyses, the Procurement Department plays a key role at this stage. Their role involves identifying suppliers capable of meeting the project requirements, checking not only prices but also production capacity, certified quality and realistic lead times. This early assessment enables us to identify risks in the supply chain, propose viable alternatives and ensure that the proposal presented to the client is competitive and doable. Thanks to this work, accurate cost estimates are produced and subsequent deviations that could affect the project are avoided.
Developing a technical and commercial proposal based on an RFQ is clearly a dynamic process. This is where Aritex’s experience as a systems integrator is crucial. As experts in integrating a range of technologies, from welding to machine vision, our team can identify the most efficient and viable solutions for each project. We also look for potential savings or process improvements that can optimise both costs and production times.
3. Design process: validation and optimisation
When preparing a proposal for a client, one of the key steps is the conceptual design of the body-in-white assembly line, taking into account whether it is a completely new line or whether the project involves upgrading an existing one.
This process begins with a detailed analysis of the client’s specifications. Thanks to our extensive experience, Aritex also has a wealth of its own case studies of successful body-in-white assembly line projects, which are useful for both our sales and engineering teams.
From there on, several concepts for tooling, robots and workstations are evaluated to ensure that the entire process runs efficiently and that the cycle times meet the customer’s requirements. Cycle time is a crucial factor in manufacturing this type of production line. Each station must be designed to complete a task within a specific time frame, ensuring that the line operates at the speed and efficiency required by the customer, so that they all operate at the same pace and allow the output of a body to occur at constant intervals. This synchronization is key to ensuring the capacity, efficiency and stability of the process required by the customer.
Finally, a forward-thinking approach to designing a body-in-white assembly line is essential. We may be explaining all this in a very summarised form, but it it is important to note that it can typically take anywhere from two to four years from the initial RFQ to full commissioning of the production line. This involves discussions with the client on the flexibility required for working on different car models… that do not yet exist or are still under development at the time the production line is being designed.
At Aritex, we work closely with our clients to tailor the design to their needs and the specifications set out in the RFQ, whether by optimising the number of robots at a workstation or by proposing new technologies to improve efficiency.
4. The implementation phase: putting the design into practice
Once the RFQ has been awarded, Aritex receives a purchase order. That is when the implementation phase begins. At this stage, Aritex’s engineers are responsible for the mechanical, electrical and automation design phase. This includes installing robots, welding systems, vision cameras and the other equipment that make up the production line.
Alongside the technical integration, the Procurement Department, which has extensive experience in technically demanding body-in-white assembly line projects, coordinates delivery of all the critical components required for manufacture and assembly of the line. Their work is supported by a certified network of suppliers, who have been assessed in advance for quality, production capacity and reliability, and through continuous monitoring of deliveries.
The Procurement Department also checks that each component meets the technical specifications set by the engineering team, handling incidents and urgent matters where necessary. This coordination is essential to ensure that project deadlines are not affected, particularly in the case of complex manufactured items or off-the-shelf components whose delivery directly impacts workshop planning.
The production process also involves manufacturing tooling and assembly of the line components. As implementation progresses, functional tests are carried out to ensure that each system is operating correctly. The flexibility of all the departments involved in the project is a key factor at this stage, as the need for swift changes or adjustments may arise during implementation.
5. Commissioning and final acceptance
Commissioning and start-up of the line is the final step before the system goes into full production. We should point out that this is a process, as it consists of gradual stages: a comprehensive plan for the launch curve. This process involves commissioning the systems and carrying out functional tests to ensure that the line meets the customer’s quality standards. During this stage, factory acceptance tests are performed to verify that all systems are operational and functioning correctly.
The start-up is carried out in a staggered manner, which means that the line begins to operate in semi-automatic mode and, gradually, the processes are adjusted until the expected performance is achieved.
This ramp-up process is essential to ensure that the line operates without interruptions and with the quality necessary to meet the customer’s requirements.
Finally, the in-plant acceptance test is performed, which validates the correct operation of the system under real production conditions.
Once this phase is over and process stability is achieved, the line is ready for transfer to the customer and the start of series production (SOP).
These stages of pre-acceptance and final acceptance can last 3–6 months and can even last for a year.
6. The importance of coordination between engineering and sales teams
The success of a body-in-white production lines project depends on the quality of the design and execution, and on close collaboration between the sales and engineering teams. At Aritex, we firmly believe in our ability to act as a partner because we fulfil both criteria. Whilst the sales team manages relationships with clients and suppliers, and ensures that everyone’s expectations are in alignment, the engineering team focuses on technical feasibility, ensuring that the design and implementation are realistic and efficient.
What makes Aritex stand out is our ability to provide centralised integration of all the technologies you need. The experience gained from previous projects also enables us to anticipate potential problems and resolve them before they become a risk to the client.
Aritex: your partner in automating body-in-white production lines
We have compressed the details of this process into one short article, but believe us when we say that manufacturing a body-in-white assembly lines is a complex undertaking that requires collaboration across multiple disciplines. At Aritex, we have the experience, expertise and resources needed to provide bespoke solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency and flexibility.
Our ability to integrate advanced technologies, manage process automation and offer a comprehensive approach at every stage of the project positions us as a strategic partner for car manufacturers. The key to our success lies in our ability to adapt to our customers’ needs, ensuring that every production line meets the agreed technical, financial and time-related requirements.
