Reference image from Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG

Case Study Resilient & Sustain­­able Design of the Entire Supply Chain

The Bilstein group relies on PSIglobal to optimize its supply chain network.

Industry
Automotive , Logistics
Customer
Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG
Product
PSIglobal
Resilient & Sustain­­able Design of the Entire Supply Chain

Ferdinand Bilstein combines the well-known product brands febi, SWAG and Blue Print under the bilstein group umbrella. Together, the bilstein group offers more than 75,000 different technical replacement parts for professional vehicle repairs. The internationally-operating group of companies supplies its products to over 170 countries.

Company data

  • Industry: Supplier and manufacturer of spare parts for cars and commercial vehicles
  • Employees: 2,700 employees worldwide
  • Turnover: €1.12 bn total turnover

Challenges

The bilstein group faced a number of logistical challenges that required a reassessment and optimization of its supply chain network. The search for a new software solution arose from the need to map external transport routes and internal logistics processes. The bilstein group was particularly looking for a software solution that would allow them to integrate the existing, complex and difficult to change storage and retrieval rules and the associated internal processes in individual warehouse areas.

A key problem was whether the existing warehouse areas would be able to cope with a change in routing between the regional warehouse in France and the central warehouses in Germany in terms of capacity.

Solution approach

  • PSIglobal models a digital twin of the supply chain, mapping both external and internal logistics operations.
  • PSIglobal demonstrated its effectiveness in two pilot projects, the first approach based on production optimization and the second on logistics network routing.
  • The customization in PSIglobal enabled the consideration of cost models based on several pieces of basic information.
  • By introducing PSIglobal, the bilstein group achieved a recurring analysis and adaptation of existing rules and regulations, which enabled a continuous improvement of the supply chain processes.
  • A successful standard model was developed in the pilot project in France and was rolled out to other regions, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective supply chain.
  • The implementation of PSIglobal helped to optimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
  • The solution improved capacity planning and utilization of warehouse areas by providing accurate predictions on how to manage changing inventory levels between regional and central warehouses.
  • PSIglobal helped the bilstein group to optimize lead times and effectively maintain service levels through adapted delivery strategies.

Facts, figures and data

  • Duration of reference project: 2x 3 months
  • Solution components: Data management, Logistics network routing, Allocation optimization

Type of project

  • Brownfield

Result

With the digital twin, we are laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable design of the entire supply chain. Thanks to the scenario planning in PSIglobal, we ensure that we can continue to offer our customers the best possible service in the future.

Fabian Hilbrich Divisional Network Planning & Design Manager (Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG)

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