Optimizing after-sales logistics for an automotive manufacturer

The client was faced with the challenging situation of balancing a growing spare part assortment that was also becoming more varied due to increasing numbers of models and options offered. The prevailing economic situation was forcing a growing number of companies to reduce their inventories. The reduced inventory situation, however, resulted in customers often purchasing parts from a competitor if it was not immediately available (“lost sale”).

BDS conducted a requirements analysis and analyzed the most frequent reasons for lost sales. This information was used to look at several spare part parameters. Then an algorithm was developed to identify specific spare parts that the client should always have in stock. Initial pilot projects in various countries resulted in double-digit sales growth for this defined assortment.