Auto SCM Summit 2024: How is technology transforming India's automotive supply-chain management

Introduction

The Auto SCM Summit 2024 brought together industry experts to discuss the evolving role of technology in automotive supply-chain management, particularly in India.

Panelist Introductions

The session was initiated with panelists introducing themselves:

Arra Goos - Vice President for Manufacturing Engineering at Mercedes-Benz Research and Development in India. He highlighted his team's role in planning and executing engineering processes across global factories, emphasizing digital transformation and new technology integration.
Mandar Viya - Responsible for materials management for ZF Group's India region. Mandar discussed the challenges of an increasingly complex supply chain and the importance of extending visibility to lower-tier suppliers while addressing sustainability.
Shiv Kumar Nain - Head of Global Sales and Strategy at Aquis Technologies. Shiv's focus was on anti-counterfeit solutions and the importance of digital identity for products in the automotive supply chain, enhancing tracking and accountability.
Nitish - Founder and CEO of Freight Fox. Nitish elaborated on how his logistics digitalization platform empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions in real-time, facilitating agility and responsiveness.

Key Discussion Points

Growth in Automotive Electronics

The automotive electronics market is a growing segment, projected to reach approximately $ 70 billion in India, up from around $ 10.6 billion. The demand escalates the need for a robust supply chain ecosystem that supports manufacturers and logistics players.

The Role of Technology in Supply Chain Management

Mandar emphasized that technological advancements like AI and data security enhancements play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of supply chains. Moreover, he stressed the necessity of instilling confidence in stakeholders to foster data sharing.

Counterfeiting Challenges

The panel shed light on the counterfeit issue in automotive components, with Shiv noting that nearly 90% of stakeholders have encountered counterfeit products. The call for a digital identity for every product and the need for innovative solutions to combat counterfeiting were prominent.

Visibility and Traceability Advances

Nitish highlighted the importance of real-time data visibility in logistics. However, he pointed out a gap in customized, intelligent systems that could derive actionable insights from the vast amounts of data collected.

Emerging Transportation Modes

The discussion turned to alternative transportation methods, such as utilizing India's river networks, which remain underused compared to road and rail. The importance of simplifying logistics operations through technology was stressed, along with the potential for faster and more efficient transportation options.

Capability Building in Global Capability Centers (GCCs)

Arra shared insights on the increasing number of GCCs in India, emphasizing digital transformation's importance as OEMs face challenges in attracting talent. He suggested that India's pool of skilled professionals coupled with frugal ingenuity could position the nation favorably in global supply chains.

Global Regulations Influence

The panelists discussed the impact of global regulations, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and FTAs. These regulations create both challenges and opportunities for Indian manufacturers to comply with international standards.

Cybersecurity Compliance

Lastly, the discussion addressed data security concerns, with panelists noticing an increasing need for cyber resilience and ensuring enhanced compliance with international standards like TSX.

Conclusion

The Auto SCM Summit 2024 underscored the transformative power of technology in India's automotive supply chain. From enhancing visibility and traceability to combating counterfeit products, the insights shared by the panelists reflect a commitment to fostering innovation in the industry.

Keyword

Automotive Supply Chain
Technology Transformation
Digital Identity
Counterfeiting Solutions
Real-Time Visibility
Global Regulations
Cybersecurity
Global Capability Centers
Sustainability

FAQ

1. How is technology transforming India's automotive supply chain?
Technology is fostering digital transformation, enhancing real-time visibility, and providing innovative solutions to combat challenges like counterfeiting.

2. What is the projected growth of automotive electronics in India?
The automotive electronics market in India is expected to grow to approximately $ 70 billion from around $ 10.6 billion.

3. How does counterfeiting affect the automotive industry?
Counterfeiting poses significant risks, including safety hazards and brand reputation damage. Estimates suggest that nearly 20% of road accidents in India are linked to counterfeit components.

4. What role do Global Capability Centers (GCCs) play in India's manufacturing ecosystem?
GCCs serve as essential hubs for digital innovation and talent, supporting OEMs in addressing the challenges of rapid technological changes.

5. Why is data security important in automotive supply chains?
With increasing reliance on data, robust cybersecurity measures are critical to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with global standards like TSX.