Strategic supply chain changes to support dramatic growth in sales
7th November 2011
When an automotive manufacturer launches a new model it is always an exciting time within the industry. Even more so when the sales surpass all expectations. But with growth in sales comes the logistical challenges associated with supporting increased manufacturing output.
The demanding environment of the automotive sector drives manufacturing and production logistics throughout industry. It’s been this ways since Henry Ford’s model T, which means innovation comes from within and rarely can be imported from other sectors.
This means automotive manufacturers need to have production flex at all times.
Because of this Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive management were appointed to become a key consultation party in the assessment, strategic review and testing of a revised on-site manufacturing process for a leading automotive manufacturer.
Working alongside the customer, the first task was to understand the OEM’s planned manufacturing process changes. Then understand how the planned efficiencies would impact on the existing manufacturing and logistics structures in place.
Re-designing a number of trackside processes with the aim of reducing TAKT time for production operatives would ultimately require extra logistics (value-add) activities to be carried back through the supply chain.
The OEM’s project team conducted off-line build trails, which involved ‘out of production’ build simulations, to analyse production operative times. Then establish the robustness of the re-designed build processes and the overall feasibility of the concept.
This meant the revised process could be test driven within a ‘safe’ environment, without compromising current model build requirements. The Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive project team then reviewed the overall concept, assessed and the revised the planned manufacturing processes changes.
“Getting Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive involved in projects like this at an early stage allow the automotive manufacturer to robustly test the proposed faster build techniques and its impact throughout the supply chain. The result is reduced risk and, ultimately, delivery of a more effective solution, in less time and at less cost.”
Mark Cranidge, Operations Director, Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive
Here’s how the 360 onsite logistics audit and assessment works!
Put us to the test, what have you got to lose?
Contact us for a FREE ‘on site' logistics audit – carried out under a non disclosure agreement - our findings will be reported in full confidence and will provide a detailed analysis of where savings and improvements can be made.
There’s only one condition - you must be UK based and be operating in the automotive sector, with a head count of around 25 - 30 or more operating in logistics roles.