SYNCHRONIZED FLOWS
« The right component at
the right time »
Business Case introduction :
Delivering the right parts, in the right volumes, in the right place, at the right time: that is the commitment which GEFCO makes to carmakers. GEFCO provides a genuine logistics link between automotive supplier and carmaker, and uses its expertise in flows to ensure top quality of production.
Video transcription :
« Synchronous flows feed a production line with the right components in the order in which they are used and at the time they are used.
– This is how GEFCO transformed a synchronous flow process into a real gem of added value for its customers.
– Take an equipment supplier based in North Africa who supplies a carmaker in Europe. The challenge for the former is to offer the latter a logistics organisation enabling it to deliver electric harnesses in the shortest possible turnaround time.
– In your opinion, how long does it take GEFCO and the equipment supplier to deliver the electric harnesses to the production line, once the order has been confirmed by the constructor?
> 145’ / 115’ / 85’ or 55’ ? You will see the solution at the end of the presentation.
– To optimise the supply chain between the carmaker and the automotive supplier, GEFCO introduced an innovative five-point programme.
– One : A risk analysis is carried out by GEFCO to identify causes of possible Supply Chain malfunctioning. This procedure provides rapid and effective solutions. Quality is a priority!
– Two : A unit for the storage, assembly, inspection and distribution of the electric harnesses is set up near the vehicle assembly plant.
– Three : Creation, together with the carmaker and the supplier, of a computerised parts list based on the function rather than the serial number of the electronic harness .
– Four : GEFCO implements an emergency shortfall plan to avoid supply chain shortages. For example, if there is a shortage of a particular type of harness, GEFCO uses an equivalence table to enable the (uninterrupted) synchronous flow of the harness.
– Five : The last link in the supply chain. GEFCO ensures on-time delivery. The electric harnesses are brought to the assembly-line on a synchronous trolley in the same order as the vehicles are due to appear.
– This is Emmanuel, Business Line Manager Automobile from GEFCO. He will explain synchronous flows much better than I can.
Interview :
• GEFCO and the automotive industry
Knowledge of car manufacturers is one of GEFCO’s great assets in dealing with Tier-one suppliers who need to deliver product solutions to manufacturers. GEFCO is ideally placed to provide the logistical link between supplier and manufacturer, by contributing its value and its knowledge of the automotive industry.
• Auto features: GEFCO’s added value
GEFCO’s role is that of interpreter. Take the case of a manufacturer who requires features for the car (a sun roof, a CD player, etc.), and asks a supplier to deliver an electrical harness that will provide a connection to the sunroof, CD player or other electrical equipment inside the vehicle. GEFCO uses its equivalence table to turn these features into product references that the supplier will bring to the production line in a synchronized trolley: this is where we really see GEFCO's ability to innovate and provide added value.
• Making the logistics chain reliable
Like the manufacturer and equipment supplier, as part of its synchronized flows GEFCO draws up comprehensive security plans which ensure that each of its processes has a backup solution.
– So, what about the delivery time that GEFCO and the supplier have achieved? How long do you estimate it to be?
> Answer : 55’
– Pretty impressive.
»
Video URL: http://www.gefcoengineersyourproductivity.com/index_en.htm#/synchronized-flows/