Automotive Parts Supplier - Case Study

Global Automotive Supplier - Managing New Product Development

AT A GLANCE…

CONTEXT

• Global supplier of original parts for automotive industry
• Operations in 21 countries & 4 continents
• 42 production sites

CHALLENGE

• Lack of systems integration with legacy systems
• Unreliable data capture
• Limited control over production planning
• Unreliable delivery forecasts

SOLUTION

• Integrated suite of cloud apps
• Single data input that automatically updates the system
• Integration with SAP
• Automated Data Export & Reports

OUTCOMES

• Single-source of truth
• Automated processes
• Optimized stock management
• Reduction in unplanned downtime
• On-Time Product delivery

Positioning Statement

A global manufacturer sells filtration systems to leading worldwide vehicle manufacturers. Prior to the production of final goods, the R&D division must supply prototypes to their customers. The prototype management system includes internal requests for different models, their approval, planning and production. The on-time delivery of these prototypes is critical to program success and customer satisfaction.

Problem Addressed

Previously internal requests for prototypes and the subsequent production was managed using independent excel and word documents. Purchase orders for required prototype parts are managed in SAP, but the parts tracking, stock of parts and production timelines were tracked in separate excel spreadsheets. Any changes had to be manually updated in each document. Consequently, accurate figures for stock of parts and forecasts for production timelines were unreliable.

Solution Provided

The Softools web-application platform was used to transform a series of interdependent, manually operated documents into an integrated, fully automated system. Apps exist to support the management of prototype requests and production, as well as apps that track the stock of parts and outstanding deliveries. The system integrates with the manufacturer’s SAP system and automatically generates POs and RFQs for required prototype parts.

Outcomes

An automated and integrated system provides R&D leaders with reliable data capture and strengthened visibility of their prototype projects. They are able to easily optimize stock of prototype parts and accurately plan production and delivery times. With the bookkeeping tasks of a complex system effectively on auto-pilot, the R&D division can dedicated time to premier product quality and leading innovation.

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