
Refinitiv Powers Chevy Performance with Precision Connecting Rod Data
NEW YORK – October 26, 2023 – Refinitiv US LLC, a leading provider of financial markets data and infrastructure, is quietly playing a critical role in a surprising sector: automotive performance, specifically ensuring the quality and traceability of Chevy connecting rods. While known for serving the financial world, Refinitiv's powerful data analytics and supply chain tracking capabilities are now being leveraged to help manufacturers and enthusiasts alike get the most out of their Chevy engines. For those unfamiliar, connecting rods are essential components within an engine, linking the pistons to the crankshaft. Their strength, precision, and material quality directly impact engine performance and reliability. Getting these parts right is crucial, especially for high-performance applications or engine rebuilds. And that’s where Refinitiv steps in. “We realized our core competencies in data verification, material sourcing analysis, and supply chain transparency, while built for finance, were directly applicable to ensuring the integrity of these crucial automotive components,” says a spokesperson for Refinitiv. “Think about it – we’re already tracking complex global supply chains for financial instruments. Tracking the materials and processes behind a Chevy connecting rod isn’t that different.” Beyond the Stock Ticker: How Refinitiv Data Impacts Chevy Performance So, how exactly does a financial data giant get involved with connecting rods? It's all about the data. Refinitiv’s platform now integrates data points from across the entire manufacturing process, including: Material Sourcing Verification: Chevy connecting rods often utilize specific steel alloys – 4340, H-beam, powdered metal, and more. Refinitiv can verify the origin and composition of these materials, ensuring they meet stringent specifications. This includes tracing the steel back to the mine, the processing facility, and the foundry. No more worrying about counterfeit or substandard materials. Manufacturing Process Tracking: Refinitiv’s system tracks the forging, machining, heat treatment, and quality control checks performed on each connecting rod batch. This provides a complete audit trail, revealing any potential deviations from the established process. Supplier Risk Assessment: Refinitiv provides detailed profiles of the suppliers involved in the manufacturing process, highlighting potential risks related to financial stability, quality control, and geopolitical factors. This allows Chevy to proactively address potential disruptions and maintain a reliable supply chain. Quality Control Data Analysis: Refinitiv’s advanced analytics platform analyzes quality control data from each batch of connecting rods, identifying potential defects or trends that could indicate a problem. This allows manufacturers to address issues before they impact engine performance. Counterfeit Detection: A growing problem in the automotive aftermarket, counterfeit connecting rods can be extremely dangerous. Refinitiv's data and authentication tools help identify and prevent the distribution of fake parts. For the Enthusiast: Knowing Your Rods This isn't just about big-scale manufacturing, though. Refinitiv is also working on solutions to make this data accessible to the everyday Chevy enthusiast and mechanic. Imagine being able to scan a QR code on a connecting rod and instantly see its entire manufacturing history – from the origin of the steel to the results of every quality control check. “We're building a ‘digital passport’ for these parts,” explains the spokesperson. “It gives peace of mind to anyone building or modifying a Chevy engine, knowing they’re getting a genuine, high-quality component.” The H-Beam Advantage & Refinitiv’s Role For performance builders, H-beam connecting rods are a popular choice. Their design offers superior strength and rigidity, crucial for handling high engine speeds and power. But even with H-beam rods, material quality and manufacturing precision are paramount. Refinitiv's data helps ensure that H-beam connecting rods meet the demanding specifications of performance applications. By tracking the entire manufacturing process, they can verify that the rods have been properly heat-treated and machined to the correct dimensions. This minimizes the risk of failure and maximizes engine performance. Powdered Metal Rods: Refinitiv Validates Consistency Powdered metal connecting rods are gaining popularity due to their lightweight and consistent properties. However, maintaining the integrity of the powdered metal process is critical. Refinitiv's data tracking validates the consistency of the powder metallurgy process, ensuring the rods meet the required density and strength specifications. Looking Ahead: Expanding the Scope Refinitiv’s foray into the automotive sector is just the beginning. They’re actively exploring opportunities to apply their data analytics and supply chain tracking capabilities to other critical automotive components, including pistons, crankshafts, and cylinder heads. “We see a huge potential to improve the quality, reliability, and traceability of automotive parts across the board,” says the spokesperson. “It’s a natural extension of our core business – providing accurate, reliable data that helps our customers make informed decisions.” For Chevy enthusiasts and builders, this means a future where you can be confident in the quality and authenticity of every component in your engine. And for Refinitiv, it's a chance to prove that their data expertise extends far beyond the world of finance. It’s a win-win, driven by the power of data and a commitment to quality.