In an order-to-requirement scenario, a fully integrated vehicle tracking system will be able to talk to company's business and manufacturing systems. This will facilitate company's production scheduling and cut market response time, said Maruti Udyog, head, IT Division, Rajesh Uppal. "We will be able to respond to market changes more quickly and also offer customised products," he said. This will facilitate the roll out of vehicles in accordance with customised specifications involving thetype of car, colour and accessories, said officials. Officials added that a fully integrated vehicle tracking system is just the first step towards rolling out customised vehicles. The logistical support infrastructure too need to be geared up for an efficient order-based manufacturing system.

The company has earmarked around Rs 10 crore for putting in place the hi-tech vehicle tracking system. The project is being implemented by Digital India.

Auto analysts point out that many international automobile majors offer a degree of customisation in their product offering. Suzuki Motors, for instance, offers at least 30 options to customers on accessories. Toyota Motors does not take more than two weeks to respond to customised requests. Consultants from Suzuki Motors are involved in the development of the system. Setting up of a fully integrated vehicle tracking system assumes added significance with Maruti slated to launch several new models in the coming months.

Maruti Udyog's annual budget forinformation technology ranges between Rs 10 and Rs 12 crore. Officials said that the company has fully Y2K-ready and is presently undergoing a Y2K-audit.