Page 14 - ITLN November - December 2024
P. 14

Cover Story
                Automotive
                Logistics


                                                                                Mundi added that automation is
                                                                              transforming the supply chain by
                                                                              reducing costs, improving service
                                                                              quality, and minimising logistics time.
                                                                              He noted that robotics and artificial
                                                                              intelligence (AI) are revolutionising
                                                                              assembly and storage processes,
                                                                              while multi-modal logistics—
                                                                              integrating road and rail—enhances
                                                                              operational efficiency for both
                                                                              domestic and export transportation.
                                                                              "Integrating multi-modal logistics,
                                                                              such as road and rail, significantly
                                                                              enhances operational efficiency for
         help India achieve its EV and carbon                                 transport within the country and for
         reduction targets.                                                   exports,” he added.
                                                                                Agarwal further highlighted CJ
         But are all stakeholders prepared                                    Darcl also utilises AI and machine
         for the change?                                                      learning for precise demand
         While OEMs increasingly boost                                        forecasting, employing advanced
         production to meet consumers'                                        systems like a cloud-native Transport
         increasing demand for EVs, are                                       Management System (TMS) and
         component manufacturers and logistics                                Warehouse Management System
         players prepared for the change?                                     (WMS) for inventory visibility and
         In response to the shift toward EVs,                                 operational efficiency. "Our WMS
         Om Vijayvargiya, Head of Supply                                      allows clients to adapt to shifts
         Chain Management and Logistics at                                    in demand, effectively preventing
         Schaeffler India, confirmed that the                                 overstocking and shortages," he added.
         company has already integrated EV     Integrating multi-modal          On the other hand, Vijayvargiya
         products into its global portfolio and is   logistics, such as road   discussed Schaeffler India's proactive
         ensuring the supply of EV components   and rail, significantly       approach to managing market
         to meet the increasing demand.                                       fluctuations and evolving consumer
           Discussing the rising need for EV-   enhances operational          preferences, particularly the increasing
         specific materials such as lithium and   efficiency for both         demand for SUVs and compact cars.
         cobalt, Vijayvargiya stated, "Although   domestic and export         He explained, "In such a fluctuating
         the Indian EV market is growing, it    vehicle transportation.       market, it is crucial to build resilience
         has not yet reached the expected                                     into our supply chain to meet peak
         pace. While the year-over-year growth    Arshdeep Mundi              demand while maintaining tight
         percentages may seem significant, the        Jujhar Group            inventory control during lean periods."
         absolute numbers are still relatively                                The company uses historical data
         small. We anticipate that it will take a   batteries are large, heavy, and classified   and real-time monitoring to forecast
         few more years for the market to gain   as hazardous materials, requiring   seasonal trends and optimise
         substantial momentum." He further   specialised handling and transportation   production schedules. Addressing
         explained that the current challenges   protocols to ensure safety."  sudden demand spikes, he noted,
         in supplying EV components are similar   However, technology is a key   "Air freight, while faster, also adds
         to those faced in traditional internal   solution to many challenges faced   substantial additional expenses," but
         combustion engine (ICE) components.  in the automotive supply chain.  advanced planning can help mitigate
           The increasing demand for EV-   Arshdeep Mundi, Executive Director of   such challenges.
         specific materials poses challenges not   Jujhar Group, emphasised the role of   In conclusion, all industry
         only for component manufacturers but   technology in maintaining safety and   leaders agree that technology-first
         also for logistics service providers. Nikhil   efficiency in fleet operations. "We use   strategies—ranging from AI-driven
         Agarwal, President of CJ Darcl Logistics,   GPS systems, live camera monitoring,   analytics to multi-modal logistics
         discussed the logistics difficulties of   and Management Information Systems   integration—are critical for enhancing
         transporting EVs and their components,   to ensure optimal fleet utilisation and   supply chain resilience, efficiency,
         particularly batteries. He explained, "EV   safety standards," he said.  and sustainability. 
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          November - December 2024                                                                    www.itln.in
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