In the era of Industry 4.0, where the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, the integration of operational technology (OT) with centralized IT solutions is imperative for unlocking the full potential of these transformative systems. As IT managers, you understand that the true value of IIoT lies not just in the deployment of internet-capable devices on the factory floor but in the seamless convergence of these technologies with existing business infrastructures.  ..read more

Discrete manufacturing is characterized by the production of goods composed of numerous individual parts, sometimes reaching tens of thousands in quantity (such as automobiles, agricultural special vehicles, trucks, forklifts, etc.). This necessitates an assembly process typically carried out in multiple phases and at different workstations. For instance, a truck comprises numerous components – produced separately, also thousands of supplier parts, and finally brought together in a final assembly line.  ..read more

In today's dynamic business landscape, achieving transparency across supply chains is a top priority for companies, from order call-offs for manufacturing plants to delivery and the corresponding service provider invoicing. Planners and supply chain managers strive to control the flow of both transportation and information, including processes involving various partners in the supply chain. The key to resolving issues before they become problems and securing a reliable supply chain lies in utilizing a Control Tower. But what exactly does that entail?  ..read more

Following the supply chain problems of recent years and the associated material shortages, the manufacturing industry is also contending with a shortage of skilled workers. Recognizing the imperative to address this challenge, solutions are needed that efficiently utilize the available skilled workers without overtaxing and demotivating them.  ..read more

Reducing shipping costs in an inflationary environment is challenging, and transportation cost optimization is critical to increasing supply chain resilience. What steps can your company take to improve these crucial areas quickly? Producer Price Index: General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance LTL,  Truckload Source: Federal Reserve Escalating transportation costs over the past three years highlighted the importance of agile transportation management. The graph above tells a story that will end well for shippers and transportation providers who understand how it goes. The Story Behind Tr ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of today's business world, embracing digital transformation is not merely an option but a strategic imperative. Companies striving for resilience and competitiveness are turning to advanced technologies, and one such game-changer is the integration of Big Data into Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). This paradigm shift empowers organizations to not only adapt to unpredictability but to proactively plan for multiple scenarios. At the heart of this transformation lies the ability to leverage historical data, conduct sophisticated simulations, and engage in what-i ..read more

Holistic transport planning is essential for maximizing fleet profits, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. However, transportation’s inherent unpredictability often undermines the best-laid plans, and that's where a Vehicle Routing and Scheduling (VRS) solution can save the day ..read more

Greater resilience, efficiency, sustainability, and profits are the fruit of optimized supply chains, driving digitalization. These rewards come with a caveat: partner collaboration and tomorrow's big winners will be the companies building collaborative business processes today.  Reber Logistik (Reber)  and its partnership with flexis AG in creating their RealTime Transportation Cloud (RTC).  ..read more

Digital transformation is reshaping supply chains, increasing demand for new skills, and a projected labor shortage could make it harder to secure this talent.  ..read more

The automotive industry is in the midst of a profound transformation, primarily driven by the increasing prominence of electric vehicles (EVs). While established automakers have been making headway in the EV sector, it's the Chinese automakers that are capturing global attention. One such standout is BYD, as featured in an article by NZZ (Neue Zürcher Zeitung). How can OEMs in Europe or North America become more competitive in this rapidly evolving and constantly changing market ..read more