Ford, Caterpillar and SAP have formed a strategic partnership.
A new strategic software initiative has been revealed, which will see SAP collaborate with Ford and Cat Logistics to develop a world class global service parts distribution network. Ford announced last year that it had chosen Cat Logistics as its partner to develop a physical channel, and both parties will work with SAP to develop the IT which will facilitate this.
The aim of the initiative will be to allow dealers around the world to have real time visibility of parts availability and customer orders. Capabilities will include track and trace from point of demand to source of supply.
Cat Logistics has developed a global parts infrastructure for the products of its own parent company, Caterpillar. It has successfully leveraged this investment across a number of other clients by providing third party services.
Ford, meanwhile, has developed a reputation in the industry for far-sighted logistics solutions. This includes using UPS to manage the delivery of its finished vehicles in North America and an inbound 4PL solution in Europe with UPS/Exel. Although Ford’s worldwide manufacturing operations may be under severe pressure, its sophisticated logistics strategies may help to pull the company through.
Related research: Datamonitor, European Automotive Logistics (DMAU0156)
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