DB Schenker – a leading European logistics company specializing in land, air and sea transport as well as providing comprehensive warehousing solutions and global supply chain management, has launched the first “virtual warehouse” for customers in the mechanical engineering, automotive and rail transport sectors. The idea of the project is to produce parts on demand using 3D printing technology and the implementation of this type of order as close to the end customer as possible. The new service from Schenker is now offered to customers all over the world.
The Schenker virtual warehouse changes the paradigm of classic industrial production, based on the production of a large number of parts for service or warranty purposes and storing them in one or more warehouses around the world. In this case, only digital files are “stored”, and the production of a given part is carried out only when it is needed by someone in the local branch. On the one hand, it limits the initial production volume, where a significant percentage of parts is produced for stock and for future – possible use, and on the other hand, it reduces the costs of international freight, boiling down to local distribution.
This is how Jochen Thewes – CEO of DB Schenker describes it:
We are the first global logistics provider to offer spare parts delivery via 3D printing. Products from our virtual warehouse are available in the shortest possible time and are produced exactly where they are needed.
This is an example of what future logistics can do for the customer. The aim is to avoid unnecessary stocking and to make supply chains even more stable and flexible.
In the face of growing challenges in global logistics, digital innovations, such as the supply of spare parts made by 3D printing, create real added value for customers in many areas. DB Schenker works closely with Deutsche Bahn, which already has extensive experience in 3D printing – over 80,000 manufactured parts made of various materials and additive technologies.
Thewes adds:
We want to shorten distances and at the same time make products available faster and cheaper. To achieve this, we are fully committed to digital innovation.
According to our findings, up to ten percent of company stocks can be locally produced.
Spare parts that are needed relatively rarely and parts that have to be stored in large numbers due to the high minimum purchase quantities are particularly suitable for 3D printing. Virtual storage of components is done by securely transferring 3D construction plans to the cloud.
Source: www.dbschenker.com
Photo: www.dbschenker.com (press materials / all rights reserved)
