Key IT Advances Shaping Vehicle Logistics

INFORM, a leading software developer specializing in artificial intelligence and operations research, is thrilled to announce its latest study on IT in vehicle logistics, highlighting key findings on IT and AI’s transformative impact in the vehicle logistics sector. With a detailed analysis of current challenges, including capacity constraints and the need for greater operational efficiency and transparency, this report is grounded in insights from 106 industry professionals. The comprehensive study underscores a robust forecast for market growth and identifies key technologies driving innovation, also reflecting on the need for enhancements.

The publication of the “INFORM Trend Report on IT in Vehicle Logistics 2024 – Transforming Vehicle Logistics: Pivotal Role of IT and AI” marks the third installment in a comprehensive series of trend reports that delves into the evolving dynamics of vehicle logistics management. The 2024 Trend Report, built on the insights from previous surveys in 2018 and 2013, presents an in-depth analysis of the challenges and advancements within the vehicle logistics sector.

Key Findings from the Report

1. Market growth and increasing demands: One-third of participants each believe that the volume of vehicles handled will increase by 10-20% (33%) or even by more than 20% (34%) over the next five years. At the same time, more than half of those surveyed (56%) fear they will have to contend with capacity issues until 2025 or much longer.

2. Challenges in the industry: Increase of efficiency in operational processes (71%), flexible reaction to deviations from the plan (66%), and transparency about the data related to each vehicle (49%) are the three current challenges most often rated as “very important” for the vehicle management process. For the first time, understanding and reporting CO2 emissions is also seen as essential, rated “very important” by one-third of respondents.

3. IT in vehicle logistics: The majority of companies (83%) rely on specialized software applications for vehicle logistics. Most companies deployed them in the last decade (58%). As for technologies that will affect businesses the most over the next five years, participants selected electric vehicles and trucks (72% and 47%, respectively), artificial intelligence (55%), and vehicle-based GPS telematics (44%).

4. Benefits of IT systems: The three predominant perceptions in the companies surveyed are that IT is a necessary business tool (61%) that helps in optimizing (58%) and automating (55%) processes. Looking at the next five years, respondents consider better data analysis (95%), increased operational efficiency (94%), and support for strategic and tactical decisions (94%) to be particularly important.

5. Less than state-of-the-art technology: A full third of respondents (33%) do not consider their own IT to be future-proof. Just 11% are completely satisfied with their vehicle logistics software. The most frequent complaints concern a lack of reporting, data mining, and analytics options (41%), web portals for communicating with partners (40%), and poor usability (38%).

“As we navigate through the rapidly evolving landscape of vehicle logistics, the role of technology has never been more pivotal,” said Hartmut Haubrich, Director Vehicle Logistics Systems at INFORM. “We recognize the transformative impact of AI on our industry, and it is with great enthusiasm that we present our latest survey report reflecting on the current market trends. It emphasizes the critical need for operational efficiency improvements and the transformative potential of AI in vehicle logistics. Our results also highlight the industry’s needed shift towards more collaborative and partnership-driven approaches to address capacity challenges and foster innovation.”

INFORM remains committed to driving innovation in vehicle logistics through its cutting-edge software solutions, helping businesses increase profitability and resilience in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Embracing Automation to Facilitate Near-sourcing

Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have led the world in creating incredibly efficient, optimised, Just-in-Time (JiT) supply chains. However, the responsibility falls on their Tier 1 suppliers to ensure products arrive on time, in the right order, in perfect condition, and in accordance with each customer’s personal specification. With the rise of near sourcing in response to inconsistent Far East supply, pressure on suppliers is set to intensify. OEMs are likely to expect smaller, incremental deliveries that further enhance efficiency, making it imperative to automate loading and unloading processes. Wouter Satijn (pictured), Sales Director, Joloda Hydraroll, explains.

Reducing risk

Global car production volumes are forecast to grow by 5.3% in 2023, with Western Europe leading the charge after three years below 10 million units. However, while supply chain pressures are easing, many OEMs still face significant delays in sourcing key components, especially semiconductors, from the Far East. The resultant uncertainty is additional pressure on the tightly integrated supply chain.

After years spent building hugely complex and extended global supply chains, a serious change is afoot. Businesses recognise the challenges associated with single sourcing, especially to far-off locations with long lead times. The value of near sourcing is gaining ground fast, providing resilience and contingency while reducing risk. For Tier 1 suppliers under incredibly tight and punitive contracts with automotive OEMs, pressure to change is coming from all sides. Not only must companies explore local providers to safeguard their own supply chains, but they must also conform to the new supply chain designs created by OEMs.

Supply chain redesign

Suppliers have fine-tuned production processes to ensure products arrive at the OEM on time and 100% quality controlled. The problems arise when the goods are loaded from the supplier’s warehouse and unloaded at the OEM. Unloading and loading processes are still predominantly manual at many facilities. Companies rely on labour and forklift trucks, winches and ropes to move heavy and potentially dangerous items from the truck to the shop floor. The problem is that this process is both time-consuming – potentially jeopardising delivery schedules – and high risk. From colour-specific bodywork to custom-designed entertainment systems, product damage leads to production delays that can cost £10,000s to the OEM. This results in conflict between the companies as blame is apportioned and potentially significant fines applied to the supplier.

The shift towards near sourcing will exacerbate these issues. Supply chain redesign will lead OEMs towards smaller, incremental deliveries, creating more risk and pressure for suppliers. It is now vital to move away from manual processes and embrace faster, more efficient, safe and controlled unloading and loading.

Improving control

Automated loading radically reduces the risk associated with product damage, eradicating reliance on forklifts and avoiding human error. Plus, automated loading systems are significantly faster and more efficient: manual processes that currently take more than half an hour can be achieved in two or three minutes. With the certainty that drivers will not be left waiting for hours outside the facility, suppliers can also reduce the contingency required in their delivery schedules.

Better control, certainty, and a reduced risk of product damage during the loading and unloading of trucks will enable OEMs and suppliers to confidently embark upon a new supply chain model. They can embrace the value of near sourcing and incremental delivery, improving agility in an uncertain marketplace.

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