Enhanced data connectivity and the emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning are fueling this revolution by unlocking transformative use cases in product development, supply chain, manufacturing, service delivery, vehicle maintenance, and business operations.
Read More →The Impact of AI on the Automotive Sector
From robots on the factory floor to autonomous cars on the road, AI is transforming the automotive sector. The new technology has plenty of room to expand, increasing efficiency, productivity, and safety throughout the process of automotive manufacturing. In the next five years, AI is expected to completely revolutionize the industry. “I think much of AI in manufacturing has been limited to predictive maintenance and in the next five years, there will be a much wider set of use-cases of AI in manufacturing as its value is better understood,” Frans Cronje, CEO of DataProphet, told Generis Group. Ahead of the American Automotive Summit, we spoke with Frans to discuss the impact of AI on the automotive industry, what steps manufacturers need to take to leverage the technology, and what the future of AI looks like.
Read More →American Automotive Summit Gathers Manufacturers to Discuss Process Strategy, Supplier Oversight, Quality and Innovation
From September 16-17, automotive manufacturers and executives are meeting in Detroit to discuss strategies to optimize manufacturing and R&D in the American automotive industry, drive innovation in a competitive landscape, maximize supplier relationships, and mitigate costs.
Read More →Q&A with InDepth Engineering Solutions
This is an excerpt from an interview Generis Group did with InDepth Engineering Solutions, following the American Automotive Summit 2018. “The automotive industry is looking at a global skills shortage in which not enough engineers are sufficiently qualified to support the advancements of emerging technologies or operate sophisticated automated machinery. How does InDepth Engineering Solutions address this talent gap?
Read More →Q&A with The Austin Company
The environment facing automotive-related manufacturers is fierce. Changing regulations, competitor landscape, technology and customer preferences, along with a fluid global economy, create challenging conditions for automakers and their suppliers. The Austin Company understands this landscape. This is an excerpt from an interview Generis Group did with Brandon Davis, Vice President of Operations and General Manager at The Austin Company prior to the American Automotive Summit 2018. “How can automotive manufacturing facilities decrease project capital costs through engineering and re-design concepts? There are a few ways to look at reducing costs today, compared to how traditional automotive plants used to be designed and built. Throughout most of my career in the industry, we would build plants with what I would call ‘oversized’ structural steel. By doing this, we built in maximum flexibility for the plant, so equipment could easily move around and the plant could be easily adapted in the future, as much of the production processes were “hung loads” from the structure. As the industry has evolved, equipment has become lighter, many production processes can now be floor-mounted, and – in general – equipment has become more flexible and able to support different product types. In this setting, we are working hard in the production layout efforts to see what really needs to be supported from the structure and to design structures specifically for what is needed. That reduces the cost of the facility construction and saves the use of …
Read More →The Shared Milk Run
What Is It? Companies are continually challenged to improve their overall operational services by reducing transportation spending, inventory levels and delivery timelines. The Carter Milkrun System was designed to address those specific challenges and support clients’ lean manufacturing efforts. The Carter Shared Milkrun Network is a unique logistics model designed to support lean initiatives by combining freight from an international client base and thousands of suppliers into a single supply chain solution. One of the pillars of Carter’s success is the “Split-Bill” methodology, which allows clients to fairly split the overall cost of shared milkrun routes. How It Works Milkrun clients share the cost of each shared “milkrun route” based upon the percentage of weight they ship. For example, if you ship 50% of the total weight on a milkrun route, you pay only 50% of the transportation costs. Carter Logistic’s analysts perform weekly route optimizations to ensure shipments travel in the most efficient manner. The proficiency and determination of the Carter Logistics team allows clients to experience substantial and continued savings and achieve their lean initiatives. Carter’s huge network also minimizes empty miles, further reducing costs. As suppliers and/or manufacturing plants add weight to the network, the cost per pound decreases for all participating clients. We worked with Carter Logistics to create this e-book on The Carter Shared Milkrun Network.
Read More →Interview with Frans Cronje, Managing Director & Co-founder, DataProphet
This is an excerpt from an interview Generis Group did with Frans Cronje, Managing Director & Co-founder of DataProphet prior to the American Automotive Summit 2018. “How does AI work with an existing production team to eliminate defects, scrap and minimize downtime? Our flagship product, OMNI, is a powerful process parameter optimization solution that significantly reduces waste in manufacturing processes. OMNI recommends optimal parameter values to the production team, enabling them to continuously improve the individual processes for which they are responsible.
Read More →LEADERS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SUMMIT: INTERVIEW WITH FABIAN SCHMAHL
Fabian Schmahl was named President & CEO of thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. in April 2008. He is responsible for managing the development and manufacture of premium quality, high performance automotive suspension solutions for Original Equipment, Aftermarket and Motorsports applications. Schmahl oversees the operations of thyssenkrupp Bilstein locations in Hamilton, Ohio (headquarters); Poway, California; Troy, Michigan; and Mooresville, North Carolina. As President & CEO of thyssenkrupp Bilstein, Schmahl has earned extensive recognition for his commitment to his employees, community and the manufacturing industry. Under his leadership, thyssenkrupp Bilstein has been recognized as a Top Workplace in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by Enquirer Media and Best Workplace in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by Business Courier. In 2015 and 2017, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities voted thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America Employer of the Year. In November, Fabian will join us at the American Automotive Summit.
Read More →LEADERS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: INTERVIEW WITH CHERYL THOMPSON
Cheryl Thompson is the Director of Prototype at American Axle & Manufacturing and Founder of CADIA (The Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement), an organization dedicated to doubling the number of women leaders in the automotive industry by 2030. Cheryl has 30 years of experience at Ford Motor Co. and has held positions in skilled trades, operations, engineering, and leadership. She is a Six Sigma trained and certified Black Belt and is the winner of two Diversity and Inclusion Awards from Ford Motor Company. In November, Cheryl will join us at the American Automotive Summit to speak about the components and decision-making tips that are critical to any team’s success as well as the mistakes that leaders should avoid.
Read More →Opening the Garage Door
Digital technologies have upended the automotive industry. Formerly based solely on a business model of car ownership, the industry is fundamentally redefining itself into a multifaceted digital ecosystem. In a recent study from the IBM Institute for Business Value, 80% of executives said “comprehensive connected vehicle services” will be a key differentiator for consumers. Today’s car manufacturers and suppliers face intense competition from startups and internet companies with new business models, agile processes and rapid releases. To innovate and scale, industry leaders will need to combine the creative skills of a startup with the traditional strengths of an industrial enterprise.
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