Frame Relay - for Faster and More Efficient Data Communications ...

15Fig. 596-fibre ribbon cableified values. Approved fibres are put instock.Purchased fibrePurchased fibre is accompanied by test datastored on diskettes, whose contents areread to the database via a PC. At the sametime, a cross-reference register is preparedwhich shows the supplier's andEricsson's fiberids. A label showing fiberid,length and storage-location is printed onthe label printer and stuck on the fibre drum.All labels - Ericsson's as well as those ofthe fibre suppliers - have bar-code informationwhich facilitates handling and minimisesthe risk of mistakes.Code39 is the standard bar-code (symbology),and Extended Code39 is also usedwhere required. See Box 1.RibbonsRibbons are manufactured for use in ribboncable.The ribbons are placed in thecable core, with up to four ribbons in eachslot, which gives 96 fibres per cable, Fig. 5.In the manufacturing phase, each ribbonis given a unique identification number - aribbonid. The quality of a ribbon is inspectedby comparing its test data with the dataof each fibre in the ribbon.Storage managementThe Dehlfi system also handles the storageof fibres. The database indicates thephysical storage-location of each fibre. Itonly takes a couple of minutes to producean inventory report showing the currentquantity of each type of fibre. This informationis sent once a week to the productionplanning department. The financial departmentalso receives weekly reports onstorage transactions, i.e. the amount of fibresreceived and withdrawn.Secondary coating, stranding andjacketingFibres are withdrawn from store for secondarycoating and stranding. For eachcable, the fibres selected in the databasetally exactly with the customer's specification.For this purpose, the system uses asearch routine which selects fibres with therequired properties and indicates theirphysical storage-location.