Logistics Automation – Page 27
-
NewsCovid crisis has advanced digital connectivity in the automotive supply chain
If there is one silver lining to the Covid-19 crisis, it is that carmakers and their suppliers have been forced to adopt digital tools to communicate faster and to remotely visualise together what is necessary in managing plant shutdowns and ramp-ups. Lessons have been learned in how better to establish the digital transformation of supply chain management that will push the industry forward as a whole.
-
FeatureManaging a dynamic global service parts network from Germersheim
Mercedes-Benz is using new ergonomic working principles and the latest digital technology to automate processes at its global parts logistics centre in Germersheim. Machine learning and cloud computing are also being used to help with demand planning for the high volume of parts the facility receives and distributes daily
-
NewsFully automated microfactories mean more resilient manufacturing says Arrival
Electric commercial vehicle maker Arrival could have as many as 1,000 automated microfactories operating by 2026, with the first now under construction. Localised supply is a priority and the manufacturing and logistics will be supported by industry 4.0 technology
-
NewsBetter communication a key success factor for commercial vehicle sector
The strong ramp-up in commercial vehicle production following the coronavirus shutdowns has been facilitated by better transparency and communication in the supply chain according to speakers at this week’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live conference. However, there is still room for improvement as the sector deals with the fallout of the coronavirus and new pressures on the inbound supply chain.
-
NewsPandemic drives companies to re-evaluate communication and travel
Automotive companies have come to the realisation that this existing and supportive communication technology has not been used to its full potential because people are used to doing things in person. The Covid-19 crisis has actually improved international team work and companies are re-evaluating the need for travel
-
NewsDigital tools promise a more resilient supply chain post-Covid
If Covid has taught the automotive sector anything it is about the importance of resilience in the supply chain. The investment needed to ensure that however, comes at a time of economic uncertainty when the industry as a whole is looking for cost reduction.
-
NewsCommon standards to alleviate uncertain demand and distribution changes
Standardising communications between OEMs and their suppliers offers novel possibilities to smooth out the volatile conditions that modern automotive logistics has to contend with according to Robert Cameron, chairman of Odette International, which is working with European OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers to create such standards – including for finished vehicle logistics.
-
NewsNow is the time to get vehicle distribution out of the stone age
The number one strategic challenge for the automotive logistics sector right now is in matching vehicle distribution with demand through new channels of communication and different levels of service. According to Volvo Cars’ logistics chief Martin Corner, the future depends on better collaboration between carmakers and their LSPs on adapting the outbound supply chain to accommodate the growth of electric vehicles.
-
FeatureAutomotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live Overview
The first Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live virtual conference is here, with more than 70 speakers and 30 sessions. Read this overview for insight into the key topics and theme, including electric vehicle and battery supply chains, sustainable supply chains, digital transformation and supply chain resilience. Featuring interviews and keynotes from leading carmakers, tier suppliers, logistics providers and supply chain and trade experts.
-
NewsToyota uses Fujitsu quantum computing to solve complex parts distribution
Toyota Systems has been working with Fujitsu on a quantum computing tool to organise the complex distribution of automotive parts in Japan. The companies have carried out a joint trial using Fujitsu’s Digital Annealer, a digital technology capable of performing parallel, real-time optimisation calculations at a speed and scale not covered by traditional computing, to solve a delivery problem with 3m potential routes for parts deliveries
-
FeatureThe medium is the message
Over the last two years leading players in the European automotive industry have been collaborating on a standard for digital messaging that covers outbound logistics processes from the factory to the dealership. The project has involved almost 30 other organisations, including carmakers, logistics providers, software companies, shortsea car carrier lines and terminal operators
-
FeatureA cloud with a silver lining
Renault’s collaboration with technology giant Google extends back to 2019, when the companies announced that the French carmaker had begun using Google data services to refine its manufacturing process. Roll forward a year and the global pandemic has disrupted supply chains and distribution channels across the automotive sector, accelerating the need to accurately forecast demand and optimise supply by integrating data from multiple sources and analysing it in real time.
-
NewsDaimler automates inbound communications at Wörth plant
Trucks carrying inbound parts to the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle plant in Wörth, Germany are now sending out automated arrival announcements thanks to a new IT system set up by parent company Daimler and software development partners Inform and Fleetboard Logistics.
-
FeatureSetting the scope for recovery and resilience at Seat
Well before coronavirus became top of everyone’s mind, Seat had been implementing a range of supply chain and logistics technologies at its Martorell plant near Barcelona that supported better control, planning and handling of parts and material in its supply chain. These systems have helped Seat to restart production and to avoid a single stoppage as a result of material shortages, according to Juan Vivas, inbound manager of the Martorell plant
-
NewsCovid crisis boosts digital technology in supply chain
Despite the huge health and economic problems caused by the coronavirus, the pandemic has also had a positive impact on some of the supply chain and logistics strategies of automotive and other manufacturing companies. Experts have said greater supply chain visibility and a new sense of purpose across often fairly independent corporate divisions are just two trends that are becoming more pronounced across manufacturing companies.
-
NewsGeek+ teams up with Körber to improve warehouse robotics supply
Advanced robotics supplier Geek+ has signed a partnership agreement with material handling and automation provider Körber through which it will provide its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to the German company’s global customer base. The new deal builds on an existing regional collaboration between the companies in Asia-Pacific
-
FeatureAL FVL Summer 2020
Collaboration between the automotive, logistics and the tech sectors is growing by the day, with the coronavirus crisis accelerating digitalisation across the supply chain. Our latest digital edition explores systems standards and tech innovations, including new communication protocols for vehicle logistics in Europe, and a range of new supply chain technology at Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Audi México, VW Zwickau, Seat Martorell and Renault F-1.
-
NewsInform helps to improve vehicle processing at Greek port of Piraeus
The Greek port of Piraeus is to benefit from a supply chain IT system supplied by German systems expert Inform, which will improve operations at the port’s car terminal by providing greater operational transparency.
-
NewsConsortium to develop autonomous inbound services for Nissan UK
Autonomous vehicle technology developer StreetDrone has secured funding as part of a wider consortium looking into the use 5G connected autonomous trucks for inbound shipments to Nissan’s assembly plant in Sunderland, UK
-
NewsDigital process planning and control project moves to second stage at Bremerhaven
Following the successful completion of project Isabella at the German port of Bremerhaven, BLG Logistics is working with its project partners, the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics (Biba) and software specialist 28Apps Software, on the next phase of development – Isabella 2 – which will digitally integrate multimodal transport links for the optimised movement of finished vehicles