The ENSPHEREŽ Project provides
customized information for automotive OEM customers 
BASF has launched a customized information system called
the ENSPHEREŽ Project for automotive manufacturers. This system is designed for
both BASF and the OEM customer to collect, analyze and communicate technical data
and general information across the process chain. This data can be used in the
future to develop new paint systems, as well as to optimize current products and
processes.
ENSPHERE provides an innovative,
secure electronic database exclusively operated by BASF and its customers. Each
BASF automotive OEM customer has its own customized database that only designated
people on both sides can access. The "Virtual
Information System" was created to allow enhanced information exchange between
companies in a suitable "user friendly" format. It was designed to have a high
degree of security, thus preventing unwanted disclosure of sensitive information
to unauthorized users.
The Virtual Information System offers up-to-date
MSDS, product data sheets, miscellaneous educational material and direct access
to the process control databases. 
The "behind the scenes" component of ENSPHERE consists
of three interconnected databases with information gathered from the raw material
manufacturing, paint manufacturing and OEM application processes. The extranet
"Virtual Information System" component of ENSPHERE is an on-line, password-protected
interface that gives users throughout the chain access to data and analysis results.
The process of painting a vehicle is a
unique and complex process that is very dynamic in nature. Many variables can
influence the quality of the final cured film. Variables can be present in the
manufacturing steps of raw materials, resin, paint, or during the application
of the coating. Each of these items has a unique process, all of which can have
a direct influence on the output of another. When combining the processes, it
can be viewed as the "process chain" for a given product in its final state. For
coatings, this would be the cured film applied on the vehicle.
In all cases, methods are implemented
to control variance within each process step. However, since these variables can
effect the operating parameters of other sequential processes, interdependencies
must be identified and controlled. In addition, when looking at the current automotive
painting process, the individual processes are under the control of different
companies. This causes an added complexity with information sharing across company
boundaries. All of the companies in the process chain can use ENSPHERE for faster
troubleshooting, real-time feedback, historical archiving of information and fast
access to it, and defining best practices.
The ENSPHERE Project facilitates vastly improved communication between BASF and
customers to better share information that will result in an improved final product.
ENSPHERE is a registered trademark
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