Production Logistics Automotive - Contract Logistics / SCM

Summary

DB Schenker is a global leader in production logistics, specializing in automotive supply chains. With over 20 years of experience, the company ensures seamless, just-in-time deliveries for OEMs like Volkswagen, optimizing inventory, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. Through state-of-the-art technologies like automated storage, voice-picking, and advanced IT systems, DB Schenker guarantees error-free sequencing and fast, flexible solutions. Their commitment to continuous improvement, lean methodologies, and seamless integration with clients' systems enables them to provide cost-efficient, scalable logistics services that support manufacturers worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 DB Schenker is a leading provider of production logistics services, specializing in the automotive industry.
• 😀 The company has over 20 years of experience providing logistics solutions for OEMs and their suppliers worldwide.
• 😀 DB Schenker supports Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge at their Hanover, Germany facility, managing supplier components for the production line.
• 😀 The logistics center operates non-stop, fulfilling production requirements minute by minute while minimizing inventory costs.
• 😀 State-of-the-art storage and picking technologies, including an automated storage and retrieval system, are used to manage around 2500 different parts.
• 😀 The company uses pick-by-voice technology to improve efficiency and accuracy, allowing employees to pick and inspect parts hands-free.
• 😀 Value-added services, such as light assembly and customization of parts, are provided to reduce inventory costs and improve efficiency.
• 😀 One example of value-added service is the assembly of a cockpit from multiple parts into one final module for just-in-time delivery.
• 😀 Advanced IT systems, such as SAP Automotive, ensure efficient order processing, visibility of stock, and seamless integration with tier suppliers and OEM systems.
• 😀 Continuous improvement is a core philosophy, with methodologies like 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma implemented to drive efficiency and cost savings.
• 😀 DB Schenker’s standardized operational processes and flexible IT platform enable rapid expansion and adaptation to customer needs, providing cost-efficient solutions.

Q & A

What is DB Schenker's role in the automotive production logistics industry?

DB Schenker is one of the world’s leading providers of production logistics services for OEMs and their suppliers. The company optimizes supply chain operations by ensuring the efficient and reliable delivery of components to production lines, leveraging advanced technology and a vast amount of industry expertise.

How does DB Schenker ensure that the supply chain operates without errors?

DB Schenker ensures error-free operations through technologies like pick-by-voice, which allows employees to use both hands for picking and inspecting parts. This technology helps detect quality issues before they reach the OEM's production line, ensuring flawless sequencing and preventing errors.

What technology does DB Schenker use in its Hanover facility for part storage and retrieval?

DB Schenker uses an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) to manage around 2,500 different small parts. This system allows for efficient storage and retrieval, with a part being picked or put away every seven seconds.

What is the significance of 'just-in-time' and 'just-in-sequence' delivery in DB Schenker's operations?

The 'just-in-time' and 'just-in-sequence' delivery methods are critical in automotive production logistics, as they ensure that parts arrive exactly when needed in the production process, in the correct sequence. This minimizes downtime and reduces inventory costs, contributing to a highly efficient manufacturing operation.

What value-added services does DB Schenker offer to automotive manufacturers?

DB Schenker provides value-added services such as light assembly, module assembly, and customization of parts. These services help reduce the variety of parts that need to be kept in stock and ensure that parts are delivered in the correct configuration for production lines.

How does DB Schenker integrate its services with customer systems?

DB Schenker integrates its services with customer systems using an advanced IT platform that interfaces with tier suppliers' and OEM systems. This integration ensures smooth order processing, stock visibility, and a flexible platform that can quickly scale to meet changing customer needs.

What lean methodologies and tools are used by DB Schenker to improve operational efficiency?

DB Schenker employs lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma. These tools focus on continuous improvement, efficiency, and error reduction, helping to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance overall service quality.

What role does SAP Automotive play in DB Schenker's operations?

SAP Automotive, integrated with DB Schenker's warehouse management system, ensures efficient order processing, inventory management, and visibility of stock across the entire supply chain. This IT system is crucial for coordinating the complex logistics operations involved in automotive production.

How does DB Schenker handle varying levels of supplier and production requirements?

DB Schenker’s fully flexible IT platform allows the company to rapidly scale its supplier base and adapt to different production requirements. This flexibility ensures that the company can quickly meet evolving needs in the automotive industry, whether by expanding operations or optimizing processes.

What makes DB Schenker a trusted logistics partner in the automotive industry?

DB Schenker's decades of experience, expertise in the automotive sector, commitment to continuous improvement, and use of innovative technology make it a trusted logistics partner. The company's ability to execute flawless operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs contributes to its reputation as one of the best partners in production logistics.