A problem shared is a problem halved

Collaboration between the automotive, logistics and the tech sectors is growing by the day. Whether it is the development of a se​​​​​​​t of recommended electronic messages covering digital communication across all outbound logistics processes for volume vehicle movements in Europe, as is detailed in the first two features of this summer edition, or in the management of inbound inventory at VW Group, which can be seen at our individual features on Audi México, VW Zwickau and Seat Martorell. Renault is also embracing collaboration with logistics and technology providers, both in terms of volume production as well as in the logistics supporting its Formula 1 division.

The car industry is embracing digital technology to make the production and logistics of a new generation of modular electric vehicles more efficient and flexible. That transformation has been underway for some time but the advantages of industry 4.0 technology were tested when the coronavirus hit at the beginning of 2019 and spread across the planet. The greater visibility and responsiveness afforded by the digital tools now available not only helped manufacturers and logistics providers react quickly to disruption and prepare for the recovery, but also helped in the switch to manufacturing and distribution of health and safety equipment.

One way in which digital technology is transforming the automotive industry is in the automation of the logistics space. As seen in our focus on how VW is preparing its Zwickau plant in Germany to be the biggest EV plant in Europe by next year, the delivery of parts to the assembly line is being made completely autonomous. Stefan Mader, manager of logistics planning and control at the plant, makes clear that this, along with the other changes being made at Zwickau, constitutes a paradigm shift in inbound logistics. 

It is one that is sweeping the industry. Audi México’s plant in San José Chiapa has an automation level of 80% and a data-based steering system called Assembly Live steers production with real-time data information. Groupe Renault has been developing its own digital platform to improve part identification by standardising traceability and has now formed a technology partnership with Google to advance the digitisation of its industry 4.0 systems in the cloud.

Whether it is to attain real-time visibility of goods in the inbound and outbound supply chain, improve network planning or use predictive data analytics to better manage inventory, the automotive industry is looking for more connected, data-driven supply chains. Greater efficiency is a priority that has been amplified in the wake of a coronavirus pandemic that has hit bottom lines across the industry worldwide.

There have been changes closer to home at Automotive Logistics. We bid a fond farewell Joanne Perry, who led Automotive Logistics as editor over the last two and a half years, after several years as deputy editor of our sister publication Automotive Manufacturing Solutions. Joanne’s astute understanding of the industry enhanced the development of Automotive Logistics and promises to carry her further in her next venture. 

We also bid fond farewell to our assistant editor Victoria Johns, who joined us two years ago new to the automotive logistics industry but whose enthusiastic spirit, insightfulness and hard work quickly made her vital to the team.

We wish them both all the best in the future. More on our newest team member to follow...