GlobalSupplier - Daimler

Japan
data will be entered for this purpose. All
participating divisions will be able to use
the Q-channel to call up routinely updated
information. Another idea in the works is
to enable suppliers to set up certificates
directly in the database using the Daimler-
Chrysler supplier portal.
e-Supply – Global Networking throughout
the Entire Supply Chain. Communication
along the supply chain is a key factor for
the efficiency of the individual partners.
Today, information regarding material
requirements becomes obsolete as it flows
down the chain, leading to inefficiencies
that could be avoided. EDI (Electronic
Data Interchange), introduced into the
automotive industry 20 years ago, still only
covers part of the supplier network, as
suppliers resist high initial investment and
system integration issues.
In the future, such obstacles will be significantly
reduced by a web-based system,
which enables universally transparent communication.
Using this system, suppliers of
all tiers will be able to access information
relevant to them immediately and with
a better level of quality. The aim of the
“Supply Network Collaboration” model is
to improve communication and planning
for both suppliers and DaimlerChrysler. In
addition to sharing real-time requirements,
the system creates exception-based alerts to
detect supply issues early and avoid them,
thereby reducing the need for high reserve
inventories.
This model will enable DaimlerChrysler
and the supplier network to exchange
detailed and above all up-to-date
information on requirement changes,
capacity and restrictions in a secure
internet environment. The first pilots in
Auburn Hills (USA) and in Vitoria (Spain)
have already produced positive results.
Vitoria Supply Chain. In Vitoria, Daimler-
Chrysler together with 22 suppliers tested a
tool from software supplier Manugistics in
May and June this year. The system supported
supply chains in Vitoria for ventilators,
fuel tanks and seating systems. The direct
delivery suppliers and the suppliers from
the second and third stages are linked in
a Europe-wide network. For the fuel tank
system of a Vito, assembled in Vitoria, a
supplier in Germany for example produces
the valves and a company in the UK
produces the quick-release couplings. Both
are made into a fuel tank line in Madrid. In
the Spanish Burgos, however, the fuel tank
line is assembled together with the other
parts to form the finished fuel tank system.
All those involved in this supply chain have
access to the latest planned figures via
the web. In this way, information regarding
changes reached all those involved quickly
and at the same time and the suppliers
were able to adjust as quickly as possible to
the changes in the capacity situations.
9
Sterling Heights Supplier Chain. The same
tool is currently operating at the Sterling
Heights Assembly plant in the USA, with a
total of 10 suppliers from tier 1 to tier 4,
who provide the interior door panels and
seating systems. The suppliers involved
in the pilot supply chain are located all
over the North American continent. For the
assembly of the seating systems in the
US state of Michigan, the headrests are
provided by a company situated in Canada,
while the covers are, in turn, manufactured
in Mexico. Here too, weekly planning data
were communicated to all supply partners
simultaneously using the tool, thereby
enabling synchronous planning.
The basic functions tested in the pilot runs
were viewed positively by those involved.
At present, enhancements to the solution
are being developed in conjunction with
suppliers and validated in line with
industry standards.