Last year UK vehicle manufacturers increased production by 8.5%, exported a record 1.25 million cars, and saw an increase in commercial vehicle manufacturing of 20% since 2015. The UK automotive manufacturing industry has shown steady growth, but for how long?
This report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), the UK’s motor industry body, predicted in 2015 that the automotive vehicle manufacturing sector would continue to grow to 2020 and beyond, but with the UK industry facing uncertainty, how is the outlook for 2017? Around two-thirds of manufacturers, are predicting continued growth in 2017, and some exerts are predicting that “the UK’s automotive industry is likely to remain one of the most productive in the world” through 2017 and beyond. On the other hand, Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, is predicting a decline in sales of 5% for 2017.
In short, the future of UK automotive manufacturing, like many industries across the country, is unpredictable.
So how can automotive manufacturers prepare for 2017?
One key thing to consider is whether you have a reliable and innovative Enterprise Resource Solution (ERP) in place.
With automotive ERP and Manufacturing Software Solutions from IQMS, now DELMIAWORKS, automotive manufacturers are able to scale production to meet customer demand, whilst maintaining a lean manufacturing environment.
In other words, an automotive ERP solution helps automotive manufacturers to maximise resources, scaling when growth forecasts are good, whilst avoiding the risks associated with a large-scale expansion of staff or premises.
Some of the key ways an automotive ERP and manufacturing software can give vehicle manufacturers a competitive advantage in 2017 and beyond, include:
Why UK automative manufacturers should invest in IQMS automotive manufacturing software for 2017
Meet and exceed automotive standards
Automative manufacturing ERP & MES from IQMS help you to easily meet the strict standards of the automotive industry. The software features include automated EDI processing, product lifecycle management and warehouse management systems, as well as tools to support internationally recognised ISO 9001 and TS16949 standards.
Quality assurance
With the EnterpriseIQ’s in-built Quality Management System (QMS), you can be assured that your systems are always quality checked to a high standard. By streamlining operations, the cost of quality is reduced. IQMS ensures that your automotive quality requirements are always fully traceable and completely covered.
Lean manufacturing steered by technology
Many of the features offered by IQMS’ automotive manufacturing software solutions provide support for the lean operation of automotive manufacturing plants. Some of the features that supporting lean manufacturing initiatives include:
- Serialised label generation
- Release control management
- Complete audit trails
- Both eKanban and conventional Kanban control support
- Heijunka scheduling
- Sequence management
- Multidimensional sales forecasting and planning
- Preventative/predictive maintenance tracking
Focus on the automotive industry
IQMS has a long-standing history of supporting the automotive industry and is a member of several industry bodies, including AIAG and the eAPQP Work Group. As such, IQMS has knowledge and experience in the automotive industry and understands the unique needs and challenges of this competitive environment. IQMS software for the automotive manufacturing industry is constantly updated to meet industry standards, for a performance solution that delivers real, tangible results.
So, whilst the future of automotive manufacturing in the UK may be hard to predict, investment in manufacturing ERP, designed for the automotive industry, is a great way to protect your assets and gain a competitive advantage.
Get more information about DELMIAWORKS manufacturing ERP and MES software.
Posted by Paul on 7th February 2017.