Gefco has launched an IT system to improve the efficiency of vehicle movements in China that provides visual management across the entire supply chain with real-time logistics information. Gefco said the system would synchronise logistics provider flows and the operations in customer plants, as well as reduce the waiting time of trucks before loading.
The system, which uses mobile terminals and GPS technology, is already being used at around 100 Gefco centres globally, as well as at automotive plants and partner sites. In China it will be implemented in services for automotive customers including Peugeot-Citroën, Chang’an PSA Automobile (CAPSA) – PSA’s joint venture with Chang’an Automobile – as well as local carriers.
As well as real time truck location and status, Gefco said the system can indicate shipment data including shipping and truck numbers, VIN, consignment note and carrier code.
"This reliable and powerful IT infrastructure will enable Gefco China to further reinforce its service quality and logistics efficiency for our customers in automotive sectors" said Laurent Sik, finished vehicles logistics director of Gefco Asia. "Moreover, we've just developed a mobile app for this system, through which customers or carriers can very conveniently obtain shipment information on their mobile phones or iPad."
According to Gefco, the system will significantly improve its response to emergencies that occur during the transport of the vehicles and deliver more reliable, accurate and on-time services in both local overland transport and overseas logistics for finished vehicles.
Gefco has invested considerably in IT systems for outbound logistics in recent years, including a reporting system, called ARES, and an integration hub that allows OEMs in different locations to communicate with Gefco.
Gefco opens office in Shenzen
In other news Gefco has recently opened a new office in Shenzen, in the south of China, to provide services across a range of industries including automotive and industry. The company said customers would benefit from a door-to-door transport service by air, sea, road and rail, a global supply system, warehousing solutions and a comprehensive upstream and downstream logistics service.
With the opening of its new office in Shenzhen, Gefco China now operates in nine major Chinese cities and has strengthened its presence in the south of the country.
“Southern China is one of the most dynamic regions economically speaking,” said Andrea Ambrogio, managing director of Gefco China. “It is also one of the most mature markets in terms of the development of the automotive and electronic sectors. The opening of a new operations office here is a major step in our development strategy in China.
During the first quarter of 2013, Gefco China saw its turnover increase by 45% in comparison to the previous year’s figures.
