Advantech > Case Studies > Supply Chain Management in the Automotive Industry

Supply Chain Management in the Automotive Industry

Company Size

1,000+

Region

Europe

Country

Germany

Product

Advantech-DLoG forklift terminals
Advantech-DLoG’s XMT 5
Advantech-DLoG’s MTC 6
Advantech-DLoG’s DLT-V8310
Advantech-DLoG’s UTC series

Tech Stack

Mobile Computing
Industrial Computing
WLAN Connectivity

Implementation Scale

Enterprise-wide Deployment

Impact Metrics

Cost Savings
Customer Satisfaction
Productivity Improvements

Technology Category

Processors & Edge Intelligence - Embedded & Edge Computers

Applicable Industries

Automotive

Applicable Functions

Discrete Manufacturing
Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Fleet Management
Inventory Management
Supply Chain Visibility

Services

Hardware Design & Engineering Services
System Integration

About The Customer

The customer in this case study is the automotive industry, which is one of the world’s most important economic sectors by revenue. The industry is characterized by high quality expectations, product variety, and process complexity. Car manufacturers in this industry are forced to offer a large range of vehicle models and options due to globalization and increasing customer requirements. For instance, a single model series of a premium German automobile brand can reach 1017 possible automobile variations. The industry also prefers to ship vehicle components to be assembled on-site in local manufacturing plants, a principle known as 'completely knocked down' (CKD), to reduce import duties and freight costs.

The Challenge

The automotive industry is characterized by high quality expectations, product variety, and process complexity. Globalization and increasing customer requirements have forced car manufacturers to offer a large range of vehicle models and options. This complexity, coupled with the pressure of international competition, makes efficient logistics a challenge. The industry also faces the challenge of ensuring that a vast variety of car components supplied by various sources in different countries is delivered to the production plant on time. This requires well-engineered mobile computing solutions. Another challenge is the just-in-sequence production principle, which requires the delivery of the correct individual automotive parts to every workplace in the production line, in the exact sequence in which the vehicles are being assembled.

The Solution

Advantech-DLoG provides mobile computing solutions to support the automotive industry's logistics processes. Their forklift terminals are used for production logistics processes, in-house transport, scanning transport goods, and purchase order processing. For inbound production logistics, Advantech-DLoG’s robust vehicle terminals like XMT 5, MTC 6, and the DLT-V8310, mounted on forklifts and tugger trains, ensure that parts and components are delivered to the production line on time and in sequence. For operator and tool management, the rugged information terminals of the UTC series can display important production data on the shop floor, as well as changes to production steps and components. For spare parts logistics, Advantech-DLoG MTC 6 vehicle mount terminals with 10“ und 12’’ displays on forklifts or order pickers ensure precise and flexible management of original parts logistics.

Operational Impact

Advantech-DLoG mobile computing solutions support logistics processes, reducing error and failure rates, and facilitating uninterrupted production.
The solutions increase the ROI, guarantee consistently high product quality, and ensure that deliveries and deadlines are met.
The terminals are completely sealed against dust and water in line with the IP67 protection class, guaranteeing flawless operation even in moist or polluted environments.
The terminals are well protected against shock and vibration, making them suitable for the demanding environment of automotive manufacturing.
The high-quality displays are easy to read even in direct sunlight and bright, reflective environments.