Automotive Manufacturing Software, Production, Testing, PLM

As industry 4.0 evolves, 3D printing has emerged as one of the key enabling technologies driving advancements across industries.

By David Bennett, freelance writer

Technology can turbo-charge supply chains in many ways, but only if you are willing to stay on top of the latest trends and embrace the ones which promise to deliver the biggest advantages. With that in mind, here is a look at the key tech breakthroughs that should be considered essential for the industry this year.

A large auto parts distributor recognized the need to optimize and streamline its complex warehouse inventory and processes before they could focus on expanding their business operations.

Iptor, provider of enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, planning and logistics software and services, has expanded its strategic partnership with HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets.

The BMW plant in Steyr, Austria, is the BMW Group’s largest engine plant worldwide. At the facility, the top priorities are quality, efficiency and the transformation to Industry 4.0 through the implementation of digital technologies at shop floor level.

Viking Analytics, a Swedish provider of advanced analytics solutions for predictive operations, and Bharat Forge Kilsta AB, one of the world's largest forging suppliers, began collaborating in a data-driven production quality project. In the next months, Viking Analytics will prepare a detailed assessment of the data collected by sensors installed in the oven that heats steel rods used in the production of crankshafts and front axle beams for heavy duty vehicles.

Glaston Group has closed a deal for a B’CHAMP pre-processing line, a Glaston Matrix serial bending furnace and high-performance laminating equipment with US based company Lippert Components Inc., a leading supplier of components to the recreational vehicle industry. The order is booked in Glaston’s Q2/2020 order book. The lines will be delivered during the last quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021.

Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN will have a high-tech boost ahead of the start of the 2020 season as a global ICT leader, Acer joins as official partner.

Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, COVID-19 Growth Impact Assessment for the Automotive Industry, 2020, presents the impact of the pandemic on the automotive sector under three scenarios – gradual containment, severe pandemic, and global emergency – resulting in outcomes ranging from steady recovery to recession.

Majenta Solutions, the enabler of intelligent supply chains that help global car makers, the construction industry, aerospace and manufacturing achieve seamless integration with their suppliers, has confirmed the offer of its services to unify the efforts of manufacturers across the UK who are contributing to various initiatives to produce personal protection equipment and ventilators.