Latest Insights Unveiled at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global Conference 2024
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with experts from various organisations gathering at the ALSC Global conference to discuss strategies for maintaining supply chain flexibility and resiliency.
Jessica Hanson, vice-president of logistics at Bosch, highlighted the challenges at the Mexico border, labelling it a "yellow zone" due to regulatory constraints and security risks. Mike Tickle, director of supply chain planning and performance at JLR, emphasised the need for "AI-based risk scanning" and flexible, collaborative supply chain management. Ana Lucia Ochoa Lorenzini, global director supply chain management in the Metal Forming division of AAM, concurred, stating these as two principal things to consider when managing network volatility.
Closer collaboration and shared learning with supply chain partners and customers, and investment in the latest software, is crucial for maintaining supply chain flexibility as the needs of the market change. GM is leading the way, evaluating its strategic supplier relationships, including logistics providers, and seeking to run them in a more proactive and collaborative manner.
GM has fully mapped out its products and is actively managing the supply chain behind them, including electric vehicles (EVs) and the batteries powering them. The OEM is using a variety of technologies, from supply chain mapping to real-time event monitoring, AI, and something GM has been working on for several years, which it calls the 'Supplier Home Dashboard'.
The shift towards customer-centric models is reflected in faster part deliveries and more robust supply chains. Christiane Meyer of Penske Logistics highlighted the need for adaptable systems and increased precision in service part distribution. RXO's senior vice-president Dennis McCaffrey stressed the importance of dependable preparation and the ability to foresee potential disruption.
Digital tools are helping in that more collaborative approach to risk management. Birdo Richards, vice-president of global sales for Avetta, noted that support was helping managers cope with an increasingly cross-functional role. Skotti Fietsam, senior vice-president supply chain at Accuride, expressed concerns over upcoming strikes, particularly on the US east coast.
In hiring and retention, all three panelists agree that culture and mindset is a factor in attracting new talent to their companies. The event will feature experts from companies including GM, Stellantis, BMW, Volkswagen, and Nissan who will cover different sessions on 25th and 26th.
The industry must equally prioritise customers, according to Heather Latham, director of supplier management, customer care, and aftersales at GM. Rivian, as a start-up, is fast-paced and needs talent that can manage that. Alfonso Rodriguez, senior director of supply chain planning and commodity purchasing at Zero Motorcycles agreed, stressing the need to maintain service excellence even as EVs require fewer repairs.
In Mexico, nearshoring trends continue, while the US-Mexico border continues to face delays. The Panama Canal remains a choke point, according to Skotti Fietsam, senior vice-president supply chain, Accuride. GM realised very quickly that the semiconductor manufacturers valued hearing directly from GM because it gave an unfiltered view of what automotive is doing and what that demand looks like.
The conference will cover insightful sessions from experts on finished vehicle logistics, global inbound freight and plant logistics, service parts and warehouse logistics, automotive packaging, and strategic supply chain management, programme planning, S&OP, advanced planning, and procurement. Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024 is focusing on making automotive logistics more sustainable and enabling the scaling of green logistics technologies throughout the North American supply chain network.
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