Organizations in the developed countries are constantly under pressure with competition, consumer demands, and high costs. Although the industry is in a boom, the automobile sector also finds itself in a similar situation. The sales of light vehicles are estimated to touch a figure of over 111 million units within the next couple of years.

Outsourcing for better deals:

The automotive industry is huge. It is not restricted to light vehicles but includes heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, tractors, lorries and more that have multipurpose usage. There could be a variance in their component requirements. The manufacturing units are utilizing the automotive industry sourcing services to procure parts, accessories, and finished products from emerging nations to meet the challenges of procurement.

Comprehensive services:

Procurement consultants and agencies are gearing up their efforts to meet the growing demands. An integral part of their package is to offer automotive industry sourcing services to their valued clients. The facilities they offer include a dynamic global procurement of components and parts, supply chain management, and warehousing service system.

How they work:

• Sourcing: Manage landed costs to offer the correct expenses while applying into total financial and projected costs using precise tools. They investigate new markets, pick suppliers on their reputation and abilities, assess the risks. They have qualified agents that track the supplier activities with audits on quality, organize both direct and indirect procurements.
• Supply chain: They keep track of the inventories, manage the logistics, shipping details, and more. The production process, supplier details, import-export formalities are all clearly defined to ensure maximum transparency.
• Warehousing: Storing options as per the client requirements with maximum security measures to ensure the safety of goods and products. The warehouse provisions include pick-to-light solutions, automated conveyor systems, mobility solutions etc.
• Transportation: To check on quality and quantity of the products, ensure no damage has occurred while in transit.
Alternative marketplaces:

There are many countries that run global sourcing operations. However socio-economic, political, and geographical barriers have been an obstacle for the manufacturers to consider them as it involved too much of resource consumption both monetarily and manually. The automotive industry sourcing services offer alternative marketplaces that are closer to similar services. The ultimate objective of procuring material and products at a lower cost and enhancing savings is achieved.

Unavoidable Situations:

Problems do occur even in procurement. Possibilities of defects in a part can cause huge losses as the entire units of vehicles will need to be recalled. This not only results in loss of money but causes a severe damage to the reputation. It could also result in accidents and injuries to the customers.

What the manufacturers should consider:

To improve the supply chain and procurement the automakers and automotive industry sourcing services can work towards an understanding. Focus must be on quality and not price. Although paying a higher price may have an impact on savings, it sometimes is necessary to safeguard your reputation for long-term gains. It is equally vital to create and maintain an amicable relationship with the suppliers.