All Inventory management articles – Page 31
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FeatureGlobal conference: Keeping up with technology’s potential and risks
The Automotive Logistics Global conference offered examples of technological change, advantages and dangers. The question is whether manufacturers and logistics providers are investing enough attention and capital in keeping up with them.Rapid advances in digital technology are driving changes in the logistics processes that support the global automotive industry, from ...
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FeatureGlobal conference: Know your supply chain better
Manufacturers and logistics providers at the Automotive Logistics Global conference are doing more to integrate their supply chains from end to end, and are keen to use data and analytics to anticipate problems before they arise.
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FeatureOpel/Vauxhall: Stable & ready to launch
Following a period of transformation and improvements in production planning, Opel is on a product offensive. Director of logistics Andreas Graffe and outbound logistics manager Michael Gorny discuss the importance of ‘frontloading’ logistics to support it. In this story... Supporting change A stable supply chain Hitting the right slot Investing ...
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FeatureFord working with Stratasys on 3D printing of parts and tooling
Ford has begun working with 3D printing and additive manufacturing provider Stratasys to test and develop automotive-grade 3D printed interior parts, such as side and ceiling panels, instrument panels and centre consoles.According to Stratasys, the parts being developed could not be made by this method previously because of limitations on ...
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FeatureBox of delights
A box is a box is a box, right? Well no, actually. Returnable container manufacturer Schoeller Allibert reveals that there is far more to returnable containers than four walls and a lid, if the sector is to keep up with its customers’ needsThere isn’t an automotive company in the world ...
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FeatureFVL Import Export summit: Making sure bigger is also better in ports
The third Finished Vehicle Logistics Import Export summit revealed the need among vehicle-handling ports for more investment in space, berths and inland transport, at the same time that OEMs and logistics partners need to work together to improve the uneven flow of vehicles that 'vessel bunching' and larger ships are ...
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FeatureIndia passes long-awaited goods and services tax bill
The lower house of the Indian parliament has approved the bill required to bring in India's Goods and Services Tax (GST), which has the potential to transform the country’s domestic logistics and make it easier for manufacturers to move freight across internal state borders. It is expected to be ratified ...
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Mercedes-Benz to build second plant in Kecskemét
Mercedes-Benz is investing €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in a new assembly plant at Kecskemét in Hungary that will be making front- and rear-wheel drive cars on a more flexible production basis by the end of the decade.The announcement follows the German carmaker’s decision in April to invest a further €580m ...
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Feature2015 North American port survey: Ports get an extra lift from a rise in imports
[sta_anchor id="1"]Our annual survey found most ports are seeing strong imports across North America, leading (in some cases) to parking constraints and vessel bunching. The future may look different, but operators and OEMs need to get smart about spaceOur survey of North American ports for 2015 confirmed partly what we ...
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FeatureChina: Cutting costs and creating efficiency
The evolution of inbound and outbound networks is reflecting Chinese economic slowdown and reforms, as well as opportunities for stronger, more advanced automotive logistics services[sta_anchor id="1"]China’s passenger car market has been in a period of hyper-growth, rising more than fourfold over the past decade. However, with sales slowing to single ...
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FeatureHyundai Mobis begins operations at logistics centre in Belgium
Hyundai-Kia’s parts division, Hyundai Mobis, has started operations at a new logistics centre in Belgium.The 56,000-sq.m centre in Beringen will serve as a hub for six regional distribution centres across Europe – in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden and Hungary. It will also ship parts directly to service centres ...
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FeatureBrazil: Life in the narrow margins
[sta_anchor id="1"]OEMs and their LSPs are grappling with collapsing sales in Brazil even as new plants come online. As a result, they are looking for new ways to slash costs and boost exportsBrazil’s economy is facing crippling political and economic challenges, with the general outlook poor and vehicle sales crumbling. ...
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FeatureInventory inversed
Changes in technology, economics and attitudes are driving a resurgence of interest in vendor managed inventory programmes among automotive manufacturersProduction lines need availability, not inventory. Manufacturers’ primary concern is that each individual part is a good one and that it is ready by the line when the assembly robot or ...
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FeaturePackaging: Thinking smarter outside the box
[sta_anchor id="1"]Tracking technology is playing an ever greater role in the effectiveness of returnable packaging, but still has some way to go before it becomes ubiquitousTracking returnable containers, racks and pallets has come a long way during the past few years, and while barcoding is still the dominant technology, radio ...
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FeatureVolkswagen & Audi in Mexico part 3: Building in an extra level of efficiency
With VW’s Puebla plant expected to return to full capacity soon and Audi’s San José Chiapa facility poised to begin production, the Volkswagen Group in Mexico will be relying on its road, rail and port partners to meet future demand and quality standards
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FeatureGM avoids plant shutdowns following court hearing
[Updated July 14th] GM has avoided the threat of closure at 19 of its assembly plants across North America following a hearing at the US Bankruptcy Court for the State of Massachusetts on Wednesday (13th) related to its dispute with interiors supplier Clark-Cutler McDermott (CCM).According to a report in The ...
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FeatureFord Mexico part 2: Accelerating the pace of vehicle logistics
With a new plant set to open this summer and expansion plans for existing facilities, Ford Mexico could double its output in the next few years, as imports continue to rise. Automotive Logistics finds out how the OEM plans to strengthen its supply chain and infrastructure to cope Vehicle ...
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Russia conference: Turkish exports still struggling to find their way into Russia
Sanctions on Turkish imports imposed by Russia last year have eased, but difficulties still remain for those seeking to move goods across the border, delegates at last week's Automotive Logistics Russia conference were told.Despite some longstanding trade agreements, tensions replaced ties late last year as two Turkish F-16 fighters shot ...
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FeatureMercedes-Benz USA: ‘One way or another, we always get the job done’
Rory Hepner, general manager of vehicle logistics and distribution at Mercedes-Benz USA, reveals the premium carmaker’s measures to cope with growing volumes through plant yards, ports and across the transport network, despite limited physical expansion – whether by ‘valet’ services for truckers or working more carefully with plants and logistics ...
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FVL North America conference: Beyond the year of the fat cow
All seven annual Finished Vehicle Logistics North America conferences have taken place during periods of recovery and growth for the industry. At the latest event, many thought sales were at their peak, and warned that OEMs and providers would need to be efficient even as the market changes. Marcus Williams ...