Abstract: Large or small, every company can profit from streamlined processes, insightful business intelligence, and systems that are flexible enough to grow with changing business needs. SAP Best Practices for Automotive comprise preconfigured business scenarios that cover the most important requirements of the automotive supplier industry, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), supplier relationship management (SRM), and a business information warehouse (BW).

Abstract: There’s a buzz in the automotive industry around the concept of “strategic workforce management”—getting the right people, for the right job, at the right time, to improve overall business results. Strategic workforce management goes beyond the traditional role of human resources: it’s a strategic initiative and competitive weapon to help today’s automotive companies drive corporate goals and objectives.

Abstract: Automotive parts manufacturers are fighting for survival in a competitive global economy. Many rely on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to ensure they survive. However analysts report that the majority of ERP implementations rarely come in as scheduled, frequently cost more than projected, and often don’t deliver satisfactory results. Learn what automotive parts manufacturers should look for in an ERP system.

Abstract: While BRAIN North America may have created a notable customer base due to its products’ functional appropriateness for the lower tiers of the automotive industry, its German parent’s impending insolvency might, in the worst-case scenario, leave all of them in the lurch.

Abstract: The nature of the global automotive supply chain means that the suppliers must be tightly integrated into the trading partner’s enterprise, whose supply chain communications and management capabilities need to be able to manage that critical relationship.

Abstract: Enterprise application providers wanting to address the distinct regulatory requirements of the automotive, food, safety, and life sciences industries need to offer enterprises industry-oriented enterprise resource planning systems that are sound and compliance-ready.

Abstract: Logo Business Solutions’ enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Unity, was implemented by several automotive parts manufacturers and suppliers. Unity’s ability to integrate with electronic data interchange (EDI) helped these companies better handle purchasing, planning, production, invoicing, reporting, and sales. Learn more about the features and functions of Unity ERP.

Abstract: In the automotive industry, companies face an ongoing struggle for market share and constant pressure on margins. To differentiate themselves in this competitive environment, many companies focus on sales and service operations, which are key to providing a high-quality customer experience. With that in mind, companies must automate processes and leverage integrated information to increase efficiency throughout the value chain.

Abstract: In the automotive industry, purchasing has become a critical business component. Some experts estimate that a 4 percent reduction in sourcing costs can add as much to profits as a 10 percent increase in sales. With intense global competition putting constant pressure on vehicle prices, many companies see improved sourcing and procurement as key to increasing margins, profits, and competitiveness.

Abstract: By using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, automotive companies can eliminate material shortfalls of containers, which lead to delivery delays and, in the case of time-sensitive shipments, cause production downtime. Manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and freight forwarders can all benefit by reducing launch and assembly delays resulting from errors in part quantities, types, and locations for containers targeted for production lines.

Abstract: The global automotive and wholesale distribution industry moves more than 50 million motor vehicles from factory floor to dealer to customer every year. Companies that operate in this market sector perform a difficult balancing act between the vehicle makers on the one side and the dealers and the consumers on the other. However by leveraging IT strategies, their goals are attainable.

Abstract: As globalization, competition, and downward price pressures show no signs of easing, lean manufacturing—matching supply to demand, eliminating waste, and streamlining operations—still holds great promise for automotive suppliers to meet this challenges.

Abstract: IBM and EXE Technologies today announced a global strategic relationship in which the two vendors will provide supply chain customers with integrated solutions that will help them transform into e-businesses. These solutions will be initially targeted to customers in the automotive, consumer packaged goods, electronics, retail and wholesale distribution industries. In addition, EXE and IBM announced that Pep Boys, a large automotive products retailer in the United States, and Metro Richelieu, one of Canada's largest grocers, are the first customers to take advantage of this relationship.

Abstract: In this challenging economy, standards for materials flow are critical to thriving in the global automotive industry. Successful suppliers know how to meet Materials Management Operations Guideline/Logistics Evaluation (MMOG/LE) standards. MMOG/LE is a self-assessment for material and logistics control used to evaluate production, parts and service, and more. Learn how it can help you succeed in the automotive market.

Abstract: For automotive manufacturers and their suppliers, consumer demands are high and global competition is fierce. To compete successfully, manufacturers must meet expectations and still generate an acceptable profit margin. By using QAD’s Just-in-time (JIT) Sequencing process together with its Manufacturing Execution Workbench (MEW) tools, automotive manufacturers will have the foundation needed to meet these challenges.

Abstract: Understanding how a system really works is the first step toward using, improving, automating, or explaining it to others. The basic concept of a system is that it is driven by cause and effect—but there is so much more to understanding its full complexity. The best place to start is by learning how causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are used to model dynamic systems by identifying variables and causal effects.

Abstract: The MMOG was a self-assessment process developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to provide consistent methodology for evaluating supplier performance, identifying weaknesses, and focusing improvement efforts. The Global MMOG/LE incorporates the Odette Logistics Evaluation (OLE), developed by AIAG’s European counterpart, to provide a single global standard for self-assessment. The MMOG is a proven tool for supplier development and provides a recognized industry standard for suppliers who have been asked by customers to complete a self-assessment. Although it was developed by the automotive industry, QAD believes it can be a helpful benchmark tool for customers across many verticals.

Abstract: While business for BRAIN North America continues to be positive, developments in Germany will affect its future.