Logistics IT – Page 33
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NewsPutting the right tools in the right hands at Nissan Mexicana
No one thought the new year was suddenly going to be free of supply chain disruption. The coronavirus continues to cause problems, most pronounced at the moment by cross-Pacific port congestion and the increasingly serious shortage in the supply of microchips. But disruption of this kind is recurring and may even get more frequent in the future.
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NewsTechnology solutions are not a silver bullet in turbulent times
Panellists at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain North America Live conference agreed that digital supply chain tools have been a great help in navigating urbulent times, however OEMs like Volkswagen think more fundamental gains are reached when people look beyond standard solutions.
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NewsToyota doesn’t let a good crisis go to waste
The automotive supply chain in North America is once again facing disruption with containerised parts stuck in US west coast ports and semiconductors in short supply, both situations stemming from the turmoil created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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FeatureLocus Robotics: Material handling robots a boost for service parts
What’s worse than having to locate a small part while staring at a wall of containers holding small parts? Accidentally sending the wrong part to a customer who is depending on you. Spare parts distributors are increasingly investing in automation that eases labor requirements and improves picking efficiency and accuracy in order fulfillment.
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FeatureA fitful start to the year for automotive supply in North America
The repercussions of Covid-19 continue to disrupt the automotive supply chain in North America, not least in the disruption caused to inbound container freight and the serious shortage in the supply of semiconductors. Marcus Williams reports
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FeatureA fab future for the automotive sector
A shortage of semiconductors is hampering global automotive production. Bettina Weiss, chief of staff and global smart mobility lead at electronics association SEMI, tells Marcus Williams why this is happening and why OEMs need to forge more direct links with the chip manufacturers
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FeatureCredit where credit is due
The coronavirus pandemic meant 2020 was a tough year for everyone in the automotive sector. GM was no exception. While the carmaker’s sales for the calendar year reached 2.5m units, total deliveries were down 12% and retail deliveries down 6% for the year. However, toward the end of 2020 retail sales recovered to pre-pandemic levels. According to the carmaker’s executive vice-president, Steve Carlisle, that was down to the efforts made by GM’s workforce. They kept launches on track and each other safe.
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FeatureSecond-hand cars, first-rate opportunities
The used car sector is hot, with high demand from consumers and rising prices. However, as the supply of used cars is ultimately limited by the number of new cars entering the market and consumers trading in their old cars, actual volumes have not been significantly higher this year. What has changed, on both sides of the Atlantic, is where that volume is going.
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NewsVW reported to be seeking compensation from suppliers
Volkswagen is reported to be in discussion with two of its top suppliers over possible compensation for losses caused to its output in Germany.
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NewsHonda to import Cruise Origin AV to Japan this year
Honda will be importing test versions of the Cruise autonomous, electric vehicle from the US to Japan this year for use in its Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) business there. Meanwhile, Cruise and its owner GM have signed a deal with Microsoft to further commercialise autonomous vehicles through the computing giant’s Azure application.
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NewsSemiconductor shortage will hit auto industry well into 2021
An ongoing shortage in semiconductor supply is disrupting production of parts and vehicles around the world. The supply bottleneck, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the impact of Covid-19 on production in the first half of 2020 and on manufacturing investment, is affecting a number of major carmakers and their suppliers.
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NewsBuilding more resilient supply chains with technology integration from the top
The Covid-19 pandemic has made it clearer than ever that better visibility of the supply chain is needed, even if its sheer complexity doesn’t make that easy. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology may help, but a clear workflow process, and a talented and inspired workforce, are essential to make the technology effective.
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NewsWatch Webinar Recording: Optimizing Supply Chain Resiliency Through Integrated Planning & Execution
Watch this webinar to hear from experts in the field from International Automotive Components (IAC) Group, Blue Yonder, KPMG and Microsoft for an informative, thought-provoking complimentary webinar on the challenges the Supply Chain has faced during Covid 19 and how to approach future crisis.
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NewsInform expands management team with four co-CEOs
Inform has announced changes to its management structure with the appointment of four co-CEOs to join Adrian Weiler, who has been CEO at the optimisation software specialist since 1986 and continues to lead the company.
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FeatureA crystal ball for the supply chain
Disruption has become commonplace and there is no longer a ‘situation normal’ for the automotive supply chain, but there are digital tools to help evaluate supply chain risks and costs, as Marcus Williams finds out from recently coupled technology providers Llamasoft and Coupa Software
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NewsVW unveils EV charging robot with potential to support outbound logistics
Volkswagen Group Components has presented a mobile robot that can autonomously charge electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, offering a potential solution to keep EVs charged during storage in compounds.
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NewsAI and automation need people and quality data to succeed
Experts from BMW, Ford, Symbio Robotics and Cosmo Tech discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in automotive production need fast ramp-up times and adoption by employees to succeed. High-quality data and use of simulation are also key.
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NewsContinental develops autonomous AGV for parts handling
Parts supplier Continental is developing its own automated guided vehicle (AGV) for the movement of heavy parts in its production facilities. Autonomous AGVs are currently being trialled at plants in Zvolen (Slovakia) and Frankfurt am Main (Germany), and moving material for brake production. They can carry loads of more than a ton.
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NewsJLR looks for supply chain transparency with Circulor investment
The venture capital and mobility division of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) – InMotion Ventures – has invested an undisclosed sum in blockchain technology provider Circulor.
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NewsWatch: Supporting production through automation – from AI to cobots (Ep.4)
This Livestream Hour episode discusses how automation and AI can support automotive manufacturing with technology leaders from BMW and Ford, together with systems and software specialists.