Volvo opts for supply chain execution suite

To support its ‘pull’ manufacturing systems, heavy vehicle manufacturer Volvo Europa Truck, is set to implement supply chain execution software vendor, Marc Global’s warehouse management system at its main production plant in Ghent, Belgium. Two highly automated production warehouses at the plant deliver materials directly to the assembly line. Marc’s Mechanisation Control software will be interfaced with Volvo’s automated materials handling equipment (AGVs, conveyors, etc.) and CS warehouse management software. It’s a big win for Marc. The Ghent plant produced more than 26,000 trucks for the European market last year which is around 40% of Volvo Trucks’ total production worldwide. The agreement covers software licenses and implementation support. “Continuous accurate delivery of materials to the assembly line is vital in a capital-intensive automotive business environment,” said Birger Asp, logistics manager at Volvo Europa Truck. “Materials must be delivered to the assembly line within the hour… We selected the Marc system because we felt it was the best fit for us… and because of their experience in the automotive arena.”