Mercedes-Benz importer Kaufmann optimizes vehicle logistics with SyncroTESS from INFORM

Artificial decision intelligence for high delivery reliability.

With SyncroTESS from INFORM for Vehicle Logistics, the Chilean vehicle importer Kaufmann plans and optimizes all processes from the import of a commercial vehicle chassis, multi-stage upfitting in cooperation with service providers, to the finished vehicle. The system simultaneously controls and optimizes all incoming, outgoing, and service processes on a new yard. Kaufmann thus increased its delivery reliability to 98 percent, shortened waiting times for the processing of individual trucks by 15 percent and increased the volume of work carried out by 30 percent.

For Kaufmann, an official Mercedes-Benz dealer in Chile based in Santiago, delivery reliability is the most important factor for customer satisfaction. Operating with highly complex logistics processes and the high number of orders placed by the company, it was no longer possible to meet these requirements using traditional planning methods. The company imports passenger cars and commercial vehicles from brands including: Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso, and converts chassis into special-purpose vehicles such as construction or refuse trucks in cooperation with 30 external service providers. Kaufmann also offers pre-delivery inspections, all after-sales services and sales services to end customers. The volume of orders has risen by 100 percent in the last eight years alone - to around 13,000 vehicles per year and about 1,000 vehicle movements per day. “We wanted to use the solution to ensure that we process the most urgent orders first and that the necessary resources are always available," says Derek Bull, Logistics Manager at Kaufmann.

Increased delivery reliability from 85 to 98 percent on average

Kaufmann has opted for SyncroTESS for Vehicle Logistics by INFORM. The system transparently maps the entire route of the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, synchronizes all processes and optimizes all production orders with the main goal of adherence to delivery reliability. The SyncroTESS yard management module controls and optimizes both parking and loading of cars and coordinates all incoming and outgoing transports. “The faster and more efficient processing of orders meant that we were able to increase our delivery reliability from 85 to 98 percent on average. We are very satisfied," explains Bull.

Experience and individual adaptation are decisive

Kaufmann decided in favor for INFORM because the Aachen-based company was able to point to reference installations at automotive manufacturers and logistics companies around the world and demonstrated a deep, industry-specific understanding of processes. INFORM also developed a new module for SyncroTESS, the order optimizer "Workshop Scheduler" for Kaufmann, in order to adapt it in detail to customer requirements and processes in the production of special vehicles. “The software was specifically tailored to our needs and now perfectly maps our complex processes," explains Bull.

Further cooperation planned

Kaufmann and INFORM have established a trusting partnership, which they will continue for further projects. In Chile, both sides are currently working on refining details to further improve performance and forecasting. In addition, the INFORM solution will be implemented at the subsidiary Divemotor in Peru. “Without the digitalization of our processes, we would not be sustainable in the long term. This also applies to Kaufmann in other countries, and we are convinced that INFORM is the right partner to continue on this path with us," Derek Bull concluded.

About Kaufmann Chile

Kaufmann is Mercedes-Benz's official partner for the import, conversion and sale of commercial vehicles, buses and cars in Chile and Peru. The company also ensures that end customers are supplied with spare parts. With 2,000 employees, commercial vehicles are produced for the Chilean market and sales and service are ensured. The subsidiary Divemotor takes over these tasks in Peru. In Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama operations are run by the subsidiary AutoStar.