Volkswagen Chattanooga's digital logistics transformation: 80 processes automated and AI-ready
At ALSC Digital Strategies North America 2026, Volkswagen Chattanooga's Paulo Monteiro and Travis Hodge revealed how a grassroots digital transformation programme has automated more than 80 logistics and supply chain processes, reduced administrative workloads and created the data foundation needed for future AI deployment.
Digital transformation does not always start with advanced artificial intelligence. Sometimes it begins with standardising data, empowering employees and replacing spreadsheets with scalable digital tools.
Speaking on the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2026, Paulo Monteiro, head of logistics at Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, and Travis Hodge, production control manager, shared how their team launched a logistics transformation programme that has digitised more than 80 operational processes in just one year.
Inspired by historical examples of organisational transformation, Monteiro assembled a cross-functional team of digitally minded employees tasked with identifying manual and Excel-based workflows across logistics. Using Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps, SharePoint and Forms, the team developed solutions that automate processes ranging from goods receipt and material handling to supplier management, repairs and accident reporting.
The initiative has created significant efficiency gains, improved operational visibility through real-time dashboards and reduced administrative workloads, enabling teams to focus on strategic decision-making and problem solving.
Crucially, Volkswagen Chattanooga's approach has centred on building a centralised and standardised data environment. By creating a SharePoint-based data lake and connecting legacy systems, the organisation is laying the groundwork for future applications of generative and agentic AI.
Monteiro and Hodge explain how democratising digital skills, encouraging knowledge sharing and creating a strong data foundation are helping Volkswagen Chattanooga prepare for the next phase of supply chain innovation.
