Cosworth Racing speeds its supply chain

F1 engine manufacturer Cosworth Racing says that its electronic supply chain management project is already reducing internal costs and delays related to sourcing and producing parts. The company, which implemented the web-based document and content management software firm Documentum’s eRoom, says it’s allowing useful collaboration and improving supplier commitment. The company initially want to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs of its parts and supplies procurement processes. It says it went the Documentum route because the key was in exchanging technical specification and design data related to new product development. Cosworth initially piloted the application with 14 of its suppliers, and is currently rolling it out to all key stock suppliers. “We needed a secure, web-based workspace that could be easily configured to suit our business process, easy for our buyers and suppliers to use and would integrate with our ERP software,” says Jeremy Hill, Cosworth’s head of business systems. “Also, the fact that our parent company Ford is a large eRoom user gives us confidence in the product,” he adds.