Logistics fully in step with production
With the integrated IT solution provided by logistics-server® from Austrian company inet-logistics GmbH, data supply can be synchronised with the Toyota Production System (TPS).
(Produktion 03.2009) The Toyota Production System (TPS) within the automotive industry is based on the principle of keeping in step with the customer, i.e. producing only those items that have actually been ordered. In pursuing this principle to its logical conclusion, innovative companies are always on the lookout for dynamic forms of transport management that will optimise their complex logistical structures. Software solutions for the complete integration of transport planning and control need to adhere to the same level of stringency that applies to the production system itself. This means that modern transport management systems are increasingly becoming collaborative B2B information platforms. Such systems ensure savings in transport and process costs as well as more transparency and flexibility in procedures. In addition, door-to-door times are reduced and levels of service are enhanced.
A large German first-tier supplier decided to use such an integrated IT solution in order to assure synchronicity of data supply with TPS. Because by shortening transport times, the full benefits of the area logistics concept (i.e. the combining of transport orders in a logistics provider network) could no longer be exploited to the full. Exact transport planning and control, let alone container management or freight cost management, was only possible to a limited extent.
It was recognised that reliability of supply depends on early access to comprehensive information. On-schedule delivery consistent with the milk run’ principle may ensure that different goods reach their consignees as and when required but it also presupposes flexible transport management. Consequently, a first-tier supplier is well advised to use the logistics-server® IT solution from inet-logistics in order to synchronise the entire transport process by involving all supply chain partners.
Flexible combination of transport orders into delivery rounds
Dynamic transport planning can take place on the basis of production planning data. The LAB data that has been taken from the supplier’s ERP system is automatically forwarded to the central logistics platform as notification of transport due to take place. At the same time, access can now be made at any time to the required data for transport notification. By integrating the various processes, relevant information from (for example) container management can also be incorporated into transport planning and control. This assists in building an optimum transport structure aimed at reducing freight costs. At the same time, the number of transport runs and the amount of freight capacity can be organised to maximum effect. Door-to-door times are optimised with the consequence that punctuality and service are further improved.
Dynamic transport management is essential if the added value of such a production environment is to be exploited to the full. Against the background of high energy prices, soaring road tolls and shrinking freight capacity reserves, intelligent transport concepts of this kind take on an increasingly significant role. Because of their high degree of flexibility, they ensure precise planning, control and execution of B2B transport, which is adapted to meet the shifting requirements of variable production runs.
B2B transport intelligently planned
Traditional concepts are no longer relevant wherever the Toyota Production System is introduced. It is only when suppliers use collaborative and integrative modular software solutions in order to master complex transport management challenges that the supply of goods can really keep in step with production.
