Page 14 - ITLN November - December 2024
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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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