All Industry 4.0 articles
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ArticleTwinning talent with technology
The rate at which emerging digital technologies are transforming the automotive logistics supply chain is hard to keep up with. As both an enabler of everything from platform design to procurement, finance and planning, and a disruptor of traditional supply chain operations, digital technology associated with industry 4.0 is driving ...
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ArticleBlockchain technology: Quicker off the blocks
As global trade intensifies, so do the risks associated with cyber-breaches, fraud and limited visibility for shippers to track and trace international shipments across the end-to-end supply chain. While digital connectivity introduces a whole new set of risks and potential disruptions to global trade, big data and industry stakeholders, breakthroughs ...
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ArticleFacing digitalisation-driven disruption
Historically, traditional logistics players such as DHL, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, UPS and Nippon Express have operated in a stable world, where efficiency, standardisation and low cost have been the keys to success. Digitalisation, however, has begun to change this focus, transforming the market. New, digital-native entrants are better ...
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ArticleRIO Box now comes as standard equipment in new MAN trucks
All new MAN Euro-6 trucks will now come with a RIO Box as standard equipment, according to the Volkswagen Truck & Bus Group company.The RIO Box is a cloud-based telematics operating system designed to link together all participants in a supply chain, independent of vehicle brand or the telematics system ...
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ArticleAudi to hold second Smart Factory hackathon at Ingolstadt facility
Audi’s production division will be holding its second Smart Factory hackathon at its Ingolstadt facility in October.The goal for the students and young professionals that participate is to work out practical solutions for future production processes during the 25-hour event. Specialised knowledge will include IT, mathematics, business administration and communication ...
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ArticleGartner rankings highlight trend towards digitalisation
This year’s supply chain rankings from research and advisory firm Gartner have shown little change as far as the automotive sector is concerned but highlight digitalisation as one of the key trends accelerating companies’ capabilities.BMW remains at 22nd in the list of the top 25 companies, which seeks to identify ...
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ArticleBMW Brilliance puts technology first in China plant expansion
New technology is at the centre of a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) expansion of BMW’s joint venture plant with Brilliance Automotive in Dadong, China. The expansion includes a networked production system based on industry 4.0 applications, as well as mobile smart devices and supporting ‘exoskeletons’ for workers.BMW Brilliance Automotive opened ...
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ArticleMaking a success of collaboration
Greg Brady is CEO and founder of multi-party business network provider One Network EnterprisesThe automotive industry is in the midst of massive change. From ride-sharing services, advances in mechanical innovation and autonomous vehicles, and shifts in fossil fuels and hybrid power, these disruptions are helping to fuel some amazing ...
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ArticleIFOY Awards announced at Transport Logistics
The winners of the the International Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Awards were announced on the opening night of this year's Transport Logistics trade show in Munich, Germany, this week at a special event held at BMW Welt, the carmaker's customer centre.This year, 11 machines from seven manufacturers made ...
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Article4flow to help digitise AGCO's supply chain in China
Following a successful partnership in Europe, agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO is to team up again with supply chain software and services provider 4flow to digitise its supply chain in China.In October last year, the two companies became the 33rd winner of BVL’s German Award for Supply Chain Management for successfully ...
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ArticleMaterials handling: Machines on the move
[in_this_story align="right" border="yes"] Advances in automated technology and robotics have already transformed many aspects of automotive manufacturing, with the sector taking a lead in plant technology and automation investment, from stamping equipment to precision welding robots. In the context of increasing digitalisation, manufacturers are looking to go much further, ...
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ArticleThe end of the line?
As the vehicle industry and market moves towards higher levels of electrification and connectivity, production experts anticipate a change from the traditional assembly line layout that has dominated the industry for nearly a century. Instead, OEMs are expected to increasingly orientate their plants and supply chains around more flexible, digitally ...
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ArticleLooking for the human-machine touch
Digital technology is fast changing the way vehicles are built, with labour, data and engineering management set for new levels of automation, according to experts speaking at the recent automotiveIT Forum Production and Logistics.But while automotive plants and their supply chains adapt new concepts and equipment, including for logistics and ...
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ArticleCloud-based system helps Suzuki GB move to real-time ETAs
Sovereign Business Integration Group has signed a five-year deal with Suzuki in the UK to provide the company with its EML cloud-based logistics management system.The UK-based company’s EML system covers the end-to-end logistics chain and is specifically designed for finished vehicle logistics.As a result, Suzuki dealers in the UK will ...
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ArticleDaimler, VW and BLG Logistics recognised in ‘elogistics’ awards
German automotive industry body AKJ Automotive has recognised Daimler and Volkswagen in its annual elogistics awards for digital-based initiatives.In addition, BLG Logistics has been given AKJ’s Tool Award for its work on the use of drones in the logistics space.AKJ Automotive is made up of a group of industry experts ...
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ArticleA back-to-the-future approach to connectivity
Resolving the connectivity required in tomorrow’s logistics networks is a challenge. But there’s no need to look to future technology on this score, as a highly appropriate solution is already in our hands. Neil Hamilton is VP business development at Thingstream, a division of mobile company Myriad GroupThe growth ...
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ArticleSurvey highlights Silicon Valley risk to German logistics industry
Almost two-thirds of German logistics specialists and executives believe the industry is investing too little in research and development, with more than half fearing they could lose market share to competitors from Silicon Valley.That's the main finding of the 2017 Logistic Trend Index, compiled annually ahead of next month’s Transport ...
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Seat holds second logistics innovation event at Martorell factory
Spanish carmaker Seat held a two-day logistics innovation event last week at its Martorell factory in Spain at which ten suppliers presented the latest in robotic and drone technology for inventory management, handling and delivery to the assembly line.The event, held at the carmaker’s logistics innovation centre at the factory ...
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ArticleEuropean transport commissioner wants digital cooperation
Violeta Bulc, the European commissioner for transport, has urged the finished vehicle logistics sector to work with the European Commission and EU member states to push for legislative reforms and policies to support better use of developing technologies.Speaking at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Association of European ...
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ArticleAt 20 years old, ECG invests in a digital future
The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) has celebrated its 20th anniversary with an event this week at the Autoworld museum in Brussels, attended among others by European commissioner for transport, Violeta Bulc.Since March 1997, the association has represented the common interests of vehicle logistics companies at a European level ...