Automotive

Is Your Company Ready for CRM? Maybe Not.

June 20, 2012

Your sales people need to do the things that work, and they need to repeat them. If something is demonstrably effective in closing a sale, then it should be discovered and shared - and, even if there's just one sales person, it should be identified and utilized. If your selling process has become complex enough that these processes are no longer easily identified, it's time to look at CRM.

How Ford's Supply Chain Put the Company Back in the Driver's Seat

June 18, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

You've seen it in movies, and possibly in real life as well. A desperate gambler, down to his last chance, stakes everything he has on one play. And while the scene makes for great drama, it rarely goes well. The lesson: never bet the store.

Volkswagen Slovakia Gains Efficiency in Its Finishing Process

June 18, 2012

RFID Journal

Automobile manufacturer Volkswagen Slovakia is tracking its assembled vehicles as they undergo final servicing and inspection processes at its plant in Bratislava, using a real-time location system (RTLS).

Are You Ready for the Next Supply-Chain Disaster?

June 11, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Each disruption in global supply chains seems to bring a new surprise. On March 31 of this year, it was an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Marl, Germany. The incident at the factory of Evonik Industries resulted in the deaths of two workers and caused damage that will take all summer to repair.

The Human Factor in Demand Forecasting

June 5, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

With all of the advances in forecasting technology and software, it's tempting to conclude that people don't need to play a direct role in the process anymore. But the opposite is true, says Jonathon Karelse, vice president of corporate development and strategic planning with Wholesale Tire Distributors.

Flash Europe Acquires Express Logistics Provider Roberts Europe

June 5, 2012

Flash Europe International S.A.

Flash Europe International S.A., a specialist in expedited freight transportation, has acquired Roberts Europe, a longtime logistics provider based at Maastricht Airport in the Netherlands.

What It Takes to Be New Market Leader in Commercial Vehicle Industry

June 1, 2012

Ernst & Young

Six mega trends have been identified that will significantly impact the revenues, costs and profitability of the commercial vehicle industry as demand for trucks and buses evolves with globalization, technology development, regulation and emerging market growth, according to a report from Ernst + Young.

Managing Global Supply Chain Risk

May 16, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

As a tier one automotive supplier, Active Tools International knows the importance of avoiding and mitigating supply chain disruptions. Bill Keller, president of global operations, says the company has developed written risk mitigation plans that emphasize the use of dual sourcing of parts.

The Next Step in the Evolution of SaaS - Managed TMS

May 15, 2012

Challenge: Our client, a leading canned and bottled juice company wanted to move to a Managed TMS program. The company considered a number of other options before selecting a system. It decided that software-based solutions that could be implemented in-house were too costly, both in terms of the initial outlay and ongoing maintenance. A web-based solution proved inadequate because it was not integrated properly with outbound operations.

Managing Global Supply Chain Risk

May 11, 2012

Bill Keller, President of Global Operations, Active Tools International

Automotive

The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the automotive industry — which consists of companies that produce automobiles, utility vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and heavy trucks. Learn how automotive companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.