A strategic view of transportation management in automotive supply networks

Automotive supply networks have to manage increases in transport volumes and distances, the fragmentation of material flows, rising freight costs and new environmental regulations. In order to illuminate a holistic view of the current situation and categorise the external influencing factors on transport in automotive supply networks, expert interviews were conducted. This paper argues that to ensure the future competitiveness of automotive supply companies, a proactive approach and rapid alignment of transport networks is vital to tackle challenges. A procedural model for the continuous adjustment of transport networks and a software tool for supporting the planning of logistics are applied in a major European first-tier supplier. The initial findings of this research are identified in the case study notes. This paper emphasises the value of generating transparency over transportation processes in supply networks and supports the concept of establishing a continuous planning procedure.