Catering To the Needs of the Automobile of the Future

Mazda's possible new automobile will be an immense opportunity for supply chain companies. 

Japanese automotive manufacturer Mazda may be given a new automobile that is futuristic in every sense. The company has sponsored the CU-ICAR programme at Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, South Carolina, USA. The students at the university have designed an automobile that Mazda would be willing to buy after graduation. Its specifications had to be based on market research and the car should be practical for production.

The car is about as tall as a Mazda RX-8 and as wide as Chevrolet Camaro. It is a hybrid powertrain with three seats at the front and rear. It has a tailgate style rear hatch, and also has sound systems in the interior and exterior of the car.

If and when Mazda decides to accept this automobile for full-scale production, its success will depend on Mazda's ability to source the right components to create the vehicle. Fortunately, Mazda can turn to one of the best names in the supply chain management industry.

Tata Autocomp Systems LTD. (TACOSCM) is a single window supplier of automotive components and assemblies. We provide quality components under various product groups to global customers. We cater to the varied requirements of customers in USA, Europe, and South East Asia.

We pride ourselves on being one of the best global sourcing companies in India. Our core automotive team specializes in catering to the demands of global OEMs in the Tier-1 and Tier-2 categories. We are able to fulfil their requirements thanks to our rich knowledge and experience. While our primary work is into component sourcing, we also offer supplier quality services, packaging services, & logistic services.

TACOSCM delivers quality sourcing solutions from India. We source a variety of proprietary products. Our range of products includes:

·        Aluminium Machined Castings

·        Investment Casting

·        Sheet Metal Stampings and Assemblies

·        Ferrous Machined Castings

·        Machined Forgings

·        Bar Turned and Machined Parts

To help our clients through the Product Development Process, we provide programme management solutions. We take care of all processes such as quality management, quality control & inspection, PPAP/APQP preparation, complaint handling through 8d methodology, logistics management, supplier audits, and export packaging.

TACOSCM's success is dependent on the quality of the products that are delivered to clients. We can deliver the products to warehouses, manufacturing facility, or even the logistics provider. We also provide warehousing facilities near your manufacturing location to ease the process of product delivery.

We use the best resources to provide excellent supply chain management services. Enhancing your sourcing processes will be easy when you work with TACOSCM.

India, China Join Hands to Develop Opportunities

Indian companies may see a successful collaboration between the two countries in the near future.
India and China are taking steps to enhance economic and strategic cooperation. From October 26 to 28, 2012, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Embassy of India, Beijing, organized the 'India Show'.
The event was held simultaneously with the 6th China International Auto parts Expo in Beijing. The event saw the participation of more than 80 companies. With India wanting to tap into opportunities in the Chinese market, and China's interest in Indian markets, the event provided both countries collaboration opportunities in automotive supply chain development.
The Indo-China collaboration can have an immense impact on supply chain management in India. Companies around the world are beginning to acknowledge the value that supply chains bring to their business. The Chief Supply Chain Officer Report 2012 finds that supply chain excellence boosts top-line growth. This also includes scheduled product launches, an increase in production efficiency, and supplier priority treatment when key materials are in short supply.
Among the various companies that offer supply chain management in India, one organization that would benefit immensely from these proceedings is Tata Autocomp Systems LTD. (TACOSCM). We specialize in supplying components and assemblies to global clients under various product categories. We cater to a host of clients from three main business regions, i.e., South East Asia, Europe, and USA.

TATA Autocomp Systems – SCM also offers  sourcing services, supplier quality services, logistic services and packaging services.
Our core automotive team uses its excellent experience to provide a variety of products to global OEMs and Tier 1 companies. Our services can be a great boost to the Indo-China collaboration. Our product range includes:
•    Machined Ferrous Castings
•    Machined Aluminium Castings
•    Investment Casting
•    Bar Turned and Machined parts
•    Sheet Metal Components
•    Fabricated Assemblies
•    Small System Assemblies

We are the preferred destination for auto components sourcing in South East Asia. We provide our clients with the following services:

•    Component sourcing
•    Sourcing services
•    Supplier quality services
•    Logistics services
•    Packaging services


We provide a consistent level of quality in our business, whether it is communicating with the client, component sourcing, logistics, or packaging. We provide the best solutions that allow you to manage your costs. It also helps us to meet the committed delivery period. We respond quickly to our customers' needs and feedback. Our teams make conscious efforts to improve processes, products, and services. We also take steps to improve our suppliers' work quality.

So, when you are looking for the best supply chain management services in India, you need not look further than TACOSCM. Visit our website and contact us to know more.

Cleansing Our Supply Chain

Consumers in India are now getting informed. To maintain brand loyalty, companies need to reduce their harmful emissions and carbon footprints. This is possible only through, efficient and cost effective supply chains. Thus, staying eco-friendly is not only helpful to our planet but also beneficial for business.

Indian government is also taking steps on this front, to reduce carbon emissions. In a recent United Nations conference on sustainable development Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that India has set a target to reduce carbon emissions of GDP BY 20-25% between 2005 and 2020.

Let us understand why, it is so important, for business as well to stay clean.

Freight emissions are growing tremendously. Over the coming years, freight transport will be among the fastest growing source of emissions expected to rise by 40%. Many manufacturers have become aware and are maintaining stringent control over environmental footprint of supply chain logistics operations. Their selection of production, storage, designing, packaging, and transit time have a massive impact on carbon and other air pollutants along with cost efficiency.  

Some companies have also introduced programs that help them to catch, calculate and manage emissions properly through their supply chains. Above all, public perception of an organization also improves that is cautious about the environment further increasing brand loyalty.

Environment Defense Fund an organization based in USA has formulated 5 principles that can help shippers in lesser pollution and more carbon efficient freight supply. Here are some of them:

·        Reinforce “hotspot” cleanup: All old diesel equipment have less or no control over harmful carbon emissions. They are hazardous to human health. According to World Health Organization, diesel emissions can cause cancer in humans. People who work in areas where there are higher levels of these emissions, such as, ports and railways are more prone to harmful health outcomes. The root cause of these emissions is freight. Hence, shippers are usually held responsible for cleaning these areas or hotspots of diesel pollution.

·        Select the most carbon-efficient mode of transport: Different modes of transport emit different amounts of carbon. For e.g., Planes emit a lot more than container ships and trucks emit more than trains. So wherever possible, use the lesser emitting mode of transport for a more carbon efficient supply chain.

·         Partnering with other shippers: Wherever possible, you could merge your warehouse and distribution resources with other companies or ship your goods directly to the clients. These and some more ways are being used by retailers now-a-days.

As good movement is increasing tremendously over the globe, it is a major challenge to take efforts, to reduce effects of global climate change, and lessen harmful effects on public health. This is especially important, in a country like India, where carbon emissions, harmful effects on public health, changing weather conditions are in abundance.

However, it is still possible to reduce carbon emissions, grow our economy and also have an efficient freight transport.

Role of Social Media in Supply Chain

Social media has played a major role in every walk of life, be it business or social relationships. The supply chain management however, has remained aloof towards it. This article talks about the role, benefits and future of social media in supply chain and procurement services in India.

Social media is only considered as a means for socializing. Majority of the companies in India have banned Facebook, Twitter and other such social media platforms because they are said to hamper the productivity of the employees. This is, definitely is a matter of debate. However, social media does benefit your business, even if it is supply chain.

Customer is the most important link of any procurement service and supply chain. After all, he is the one who is going to get your business going. The profits of any supply chain depend on the demand, and how effectively supply managers fulfil it. Direct procurement, on the other hand is the factor that determines the working of the supply chain. Everything has the customer as the centre. Only if the customer demands for a particular product or service will the procurement process begin which in turn will motivate the supply chain.

This is where social networking comes into the picture. We as employees might not be active on social media, but as customers we definitely are. We have our set of choices and are also alert about the quality of it. Thanks to social media, we can now voice opinions clearly and precisely. Hence, social media platform is the apt place for business to be.

Not only can you understand the requirements of the customer through social media, you can also use it to respond to any sort of internal or external issue in the supply chain. With social media, it is possible to check the probable effects of a change in advance. In a nutshell, we can thus state that social media can be used for product marketing, customer service, sales, news updates and recruiting for procurement services India and supply chain.

International Procurement from India is bound to flourish with the inclusion of social networking services; however there is a long way to go. Supply chain managers need to be convinced about the benefits of social media and the extra perks it provides.

The companies which see this as too big a step can start by using social network for a small project. See the difference for yourself and then opt for social media for your bigger projects.

Companies Positive about Third Party Inspection

Indian industries are being more proactive when it comes to quality inspection services.

Third party inspection in India has become not only a popular option, but a necessary one for industries. Companies are realizing the importance of their products passing world requirements for better sales and distribution.

To meet this goal, companies are investing in the best machines and systems that will allow them to create products efficiently and of the best quality. Quality inspection service firms in India are raising the bar by not only hiring qualified and experienced professionals, but also bringing in new inspection systems. This helps them to provide a comprehensive report to their clients, and also acts as a highly efficient and cost effective solution.

While there are debates as to whether computerized inspection is better than manual inspection, there are immense advantages to using both systems.

·         Faster Inspection Time: High image quality cameras and scanners can capture the image of a product. This makes it easier for the inspector to evaluate the product properly. The image can also help to point out irregularities in it. Thus, less time is spent in identifying defects and recommending changes.

·         Better Testing: While computerized inspection eases the workload, one cannot rule out the intricacy in manual inspection. Industries such as the automotive, oil and gas, and die casting industries, to name a few, can benefit by inspectors who test every product to find the smallest defects or irregularities.

·         Approved Authenticity: In an effort to fight against cheap or imitated products, companies are working hard to make sure that their products have a stamp of authenticity and quality. With ISO certifications providing support, and computerized bar codes already in use, quality inspection also take these factors into account when approving products.

New developments are also coming in to improve the inspection process. Rather than relying on one type of identification, companies are using various methods at the same time. One example is forensic markers such as micro tags, microscopic thread or particles. These markers are now being used to encode information and prove the authenticity of the product. The main reason for this step is to prevent counterfeiters who target high-end products. Other methods include using security graphics such as micro images or text, similar to what you see on banknotes. Another method is thermo-reactive printing, which changes colour when the temperature changes.

Third party inspection in India has come a long way. As companies continue to make efforts to provide safe, reliable and durable products, one may see many improvements like the above mentioned points in the future.

Future of Logistics Companies

Gartner, Inc. the world's leading information technology research and advisory company, published predictions that would affect logistics companies around the world over the next four years. Logisticss and supply chain management is vital for all businesses as it helps products and services reach the end customers.

This article enumerates the factors that Gartner indicates will affect the logistics companies.

Sustainable logistics

C. Dwight Klappich, Vice President of Research at Gartner, believes that governments will frame laws based on environment that will have a considerable impact on logistics companies. More than 50% of the global 1,000 logistics companies will have to record emission levels, and substantiate it with proof. They will have to also report the effect of their business activities on the environment, and will have to record environmental data and greenhouse gas emissions information. Thus, in future, the focus will be on sustainable logistics.

Compliance and risk management

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is getting complex and risky day by day. The reason for this is many companies are not concentrating on areas such as compliance, risk management and security. This is taking place depsite the fact that they are the most important and integral part of SCM. In fact, less than 16% of logistics companies will have a chief logistics and risk management officer. Government laws are increasingly making an impact on the logistics business. But, the authority of understanding as well as managing these legal issues is spread over a business, and no single authority is assigned this responsibility at an executive level.

Application convergence

Logistics service providing companies will have to opt for application convergence, as there will be a need to synchronise processes. In fact, 35% companies surveyed by Gartner showed the inability to do so. Processes are not synchronised because organisations buy standalone applications for only a part of the process. The applications are not integrated with the rest of the process. This is where supply chain execution convergence plays an important part, where the SCM organisations incorporate a platform that will help integrate and synchronise the logistics processes.

Optimising international flow:

Global trade as a percentage of global GDP is decreasing. In this scenario, the focus of international flow will shift from proliferation (spread of trade) to optimisation. Shippers will compare the different global sourcing options and manage the risk involved in them.

According to Gartner, 60% of current multinational manufacturers will organise their logistics in such a manner that they will benefit from economies of scale. They will be able to manage risk associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes and profit marigns. Logistics and supply chains Management services will be managed globally, while sea and airfreights contracts will be managed centrally.

Logistics companies need to delve into these issues and proactively work on the recommendations for their business growth.

The Right Source

Global sourcing is all about sourcing your product inventory from countries around the world where materials can be produced at the lowest and most efficient price. In India, one industry is that is using global sourcing to its advantage is the automotive industry. To meet targets and manufacture automotive vehicles that will meet Indian and international standards, many Indian companies are sourcing their inventories from domestic and international companies.

Tata AutoComp Systems LTD. (TACOSCM) supplies components and assemblies of a number of product groups to customers around the world. We specialize in automotive and engineering products, providing global sourcing solutions to customers within these industries in USA, Europe, and South East Asia. Our aim is to become the preferred supplier for sourcing auto components and systems to countries in the above regions.

From the beginning, our emphasis has always been on exceeding customer expectations in terms of delivery, product quality, and cost effectiveness. By using materials from the best sources, our aim is to provide a variety of product offerings that will create value in our clients' businesses.

We offer the following services as part of TACOSCM's Supply Chain Management:

•    Component Sourcing

•    Sourcing Services

•    Supplier Quality Services

•    Logistics Services

•    Packaging Services

We are well-known in the industry for our component sourcing services. While our sourcing base is India; we also supply components from other low cost countries. We mainly supply to automotive OEMS, Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers.

To provide global sourcing solutions, you need suppliers who will find the right sources for providing the various components at a cost effective price and of durable quality. We have a team of experienced professionals, who specialize in supplier evaluation. We work on continuously improving the quality of our supply service by conducting supply quality audits, systems upgradation, and training among others.

We source a variety of quality products including:

•    Aluminium Machined Castings

•    Investment Casting

•    Sheet Metal Stampings and Assemblies

•    Proprietary products

•    Ferrous Machined Castings

•    Machined Forgings

•    Bar Turned and Machined Parts

TACOSCM oversees the entire supply chain process from the product development process, quality control and inspection, logistics, export and packaging. The products are delivered directly to our clients' manufacturing facility. We can also create a designated warehouse facility from which the products can be delivered as per the clients' requirements.

Supply chain management services and global sourcing are keys to the success of various industries around the world. When you are looking for the best name in global sourcing, you know just who to turn to.

Supply for Success

The right sources are the keys to a successful production process and completion of a project.

Ford Motors recently set up a new Van Dyke transmission manufacturing plant in Michigan, USA. What makes this plant different from the other plants around the country is that the plant has an advanced flexible assembly line, which will be producing the only front wheel-drive hybrid transmission in the United States.

The company, which has invested $220 million into the project, will be producing five different hybrid automobiles: the Ford C-Max Hybrid, C-Max Energi Plug-In Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Not only is this a project of a grand scale, but to complete it will require the best sourcing and procurement services that the company can find. Fortunately, there is one company that Ford can turn to.

Tata AutoComp Systems LTD. (TACOSCM) is a single window supplier for automotive components and assemblies under various product groups. We cater to a number of clients in the automotive industry in USA, Europe, and South East Asia. We are not only well-known for our international procurement services, but also for our sourcing, supplier quality, packaging and logistics services.

Our team comprises knowledgeable professionals who have years of experience working with Global Original Equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 Companies. Some of the components that we supply to our Tier 1 Clients include:

•    Pump Bracket Assembly

•    Isolator Bracket Assembly

•    Bearing Spacer

•    Journal Bearing

•    Solenoid Case and Shield

•    Aluminium Fittings

•    Other Machined Products

We also have housing for the following products:

•    Turbines

•    Impellers

•    Turbo Actuators

•    Aluminium PDCs

To make sure that we provide our customers components of the best quality, we work with a variety of suppliers, who are industry quality professionals. Our suppliers regularly undergo rigorous evaluations in terms of supplier quality audits, supplier quality systems, and adherence to APQP procedures.

Our sourcing and procurement team consists of commodity experts in casted, forged, machined, and stamped products. We can not only provide you with data, products, and services to complete your current project, but we can also provide you with data that can be used for future projects; thus making it easier for you to create a better sourcing strategy.

Our sourcing management plans include:

•    Expenditure Analysis

•    Sourcing Strategy

•    Supplier Identification

•    Supplier Evaluation and Improvement

•    Negotiation and Contract Finalization

•    Supplier Integration

•    Order Fulfilment

•    Regular Monitoring Of The Sourcing Strategy

We are here to meet your sourcing and procurement needs. After all, we gain satisfaction from the completion and success of your project.

Green Developments

Green procurement is becoming an integral part of private procurement policies.

Consumers Goods Company Proctor & Gamble (P&G) is working along with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create tools to optimize its supply chain and manufacturing process.

Speaking on the collaboration, Stefano Zenezini, a VP of product supply at P&G, said that the aim of the collaboration is to develop modelling tools that will assess future product design, material sourcing and manufacturing options. "This is a tremendous opportunity for us to be at the leading edge of developing tools to support the entire company’s effort to improve the sustainability of our products and our operations," she added. The collaboration will not only help the supply chain, but also the company's procurement services.

This collaboration is the result of the growing trend of green procurement. The trend involves a company optimizing their procurement policies to source good and services that will be environmentally friendly.

Also known as Green or Environmental Purchasing, green procurement is derived from pollution prevention principles. Green procurement programmes can comprise renewable energy, recycled office products, or even setting the environmental friendly policies that suppliers are required to follow.

With more companies going green, green procurement services are becoming an essential part of a company's supply chain process. There are many benefits and advantages that a company can receive from green procurement programme:

•    Programmes can complement business goals. Institutions with sustainability plans can receive a number of benefits in terms of cost reduction and liability expenditure.

•    Green products are considered to be less expensive and can lead to more savings.

•    Delivering large orders of green products can result in reduction of carbon footprints and inventory costs.

•    Recycled packaging material can also lead to a decrease in manufacturing and disposal costs. Using recycled material can also lead to less landfill usage and disposal fees.

•    Use of the internet has also become a factor in procurement services. Electronic automation of the spending process can reduce time, costs, and paperwork.

Green Purchasing can not only benefit companies, it can also benefit countries. There is a growing realization that international procurement services can significantly impact national sustainability plans. This has lead to many countries creating their own procurement policies. One example is Britain. The Greater London Authority published a sustainable procurement policy in 2008. The policy was a promise of providing advantages to companies that demonstrated a commitment to sustainable procurement concerns.

As one can see, going green can lead to innumerable benefits.

Expanding Business Beyond Borders

Supply Chain Management Services India

Thanks to technology, the world has indeed come closer. Geographical barriers have almost diminished from all walks of life. This fact is exemplified by global sourcing; to know more about this concept and its strategies, read on....

The concept of international sourcing is quite simple to understand. Through sourcing internationally, one looks for the most cost efficient location for business.  As the name suggests, global sourcing is a concept that involves sourcing goods and services to other countries instead of manufacturing or carrying them out in your own country. The most common products or services outsourced are call centres and labour-intensive goods. India is a favourite choice when it comes to global outsourcing; the reason being the low cost of labour and low cost of advance technologies. The countries that are ahead in international sourcing are the US, South East Asia, and several other European countries. Apart from improving trade relations between countries, global sourcing has many other advantages, which we will discuss further.

Main Advantages:

·        Expansion: Outsourcing has helped businesses expand, and not only private enterprises but whole of the global economy. The prices of commodities reduce as suppliers and contractors decrease the cost for gaining big contracts.

·        Quality: One of the advantages of sourcing your work to other countries is acquiring quality goods and services but at a very cost-effective rate. In countries like the US, the cost of labour is quite high, but in low cost countries (LCC) like India and Philippines, you can get the same level of quality but at almost 60% less cost.

·        Employment Opportunities: It provides ample of employment opportunities. It also offers a better standard of living with higher wages than what a local enterprise has to offer.

Though the opportunities are vast and there are many benefits, you need to tread carefully. While choosing a particular country for trade, one needs to identify the threats and opportunities in advance. You need to understand the culture and the work opportunities present in a particular country before outsourcing your work there. The work culture and ethics differ from country to country; these factors can affect your business.

So try and understand the work environment of a certain place before setting up your business there. If you are new to the concept of sourcing internationally, you could start with component sourcing from India, and then gradually move on to global. After all, the principle aim of any business is expansion. So why not turn to international sourcing for global exposure?

Uncertainty in Supply Chain Management

A hard to manage factor in Supply Chain Management is uncertainty. As the world is getting smaller, with trade flourishing across borders, Supply Chain Management in India also faces the challenge of uncertainty in a big way.

We live in an uncertain world. Supply chains should be equipped to face these uncertainties. The world faces economic uncertainty and complex business systems. The challenge that the decision makers of supply chain strategies face is that their decisions could become uneconomic due to uncontrollable forces. They need to find a supply chain solution to face the uncertainties.

Management of uncertainty involves the overall effective management of the process from procurement of raw materials to delivery of finished goods to the end customer.

When a company manufactures a product, it needs to assess the demand in the market for that particular product, based on which the quantity of supply is decided. In addition, it needs to assess the uncertainty it faces while supplying the product. The manufacturer has to know the extent of unpredictability of demand and the probability of delay in the delivery of the product to the customer.

The manufacturer also has to understand the respective needs of customers that he intends to serve. If there are two companies, Company X and Company Y, customers prefer going to Company X because it is available in the nearby store. So one can presume convenience is important for the customer, not the price. However, customers may buy a product from Company Y because it is sold at a lower price. In this case, the customer is willing to wait if the product is not immediately available. The factors influencing the demand of customers vary for different segments and depend on the following factors:

Quantity of Production:

The order of raw materials to repair a production line is comparatively low. If you have to set up a new production line, the material order would have to be large.

Response Time:

The time difference between the customer’s order for a product and the delivery is known as the response time. In case of an emergency, response time has to be short. However, for a construction order, the response time is longer, because it is an accepted fact that procurement and delivery of raw material would take longer time.

Product price:

Usually, a customer whose demand is urgent is ready to pay a high price for a product. If a customer finds the price to be too high, he may either look for a cheaper alternative. Some customers also look at the quality of the product. If the quality is high, it means the product can be used for a long time period. Thus, the customer will be ready to pay a higher price for better quality.

Innovation:

A customer expects a high level of innovation from a high-end department store as compared to a general store. A customer will not expect innovation from a general store.

These factors are true for supply chain management in India or any other country, and are an iota of the vast subject of uncertainty.