Supply Chain Management

SMART (car) and smart logistics

A case study in designing and managing an innovative de-integrated supply chain

Authors: Prof. dr. Remko I. van Hoek, Cranfield School of Management, UK. University of Ghent, Belgium, and Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands Drs. Harm A.M. Weken, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands

SMART (car) and smart logistics

A case study in designing and managing an innovative de-integrated supply chain

Authors: Prof. dr. Remko I. van Hoek, Cranfield School of Management, UK. University of Ghent, Belgium, and Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands Drs. Harm A.M. Weken, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands

This case study is based on research carried out by FIER since 1997. FIER is a research institute of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. Both authors belong to the board of directors of this institute. By means of in-depth interviews with management of MCC (purchasing department, logistics department and sales organisations) and desk-research of company data as well as public information, the organisation and processes of MCC have been described. As the systems introduced by MCC are new to the automotive industry, the evolution of the Smart Supply Chain since the initial planning has been followed, as well as its limitations, its successes and the options for further improvement. It has been agreed with MCC, that FIER will continue this study with MCC on a long-term basis, in order to analyse the evolution of this highly interesting pilot-project on mass-customisation. The lessons that can be learned from this pilot will be relevant to automotive industry and beyond. Correspondence: E-mail: fier@holding.eur.nl

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ABSTRACT

This case study presents the situation of a new car introduced to the European market. The car design and the brand name (Smart, a two-seater smaller than FIAT 500), the company (MCC owned by DaimlerBenz) and the supply chain are completely new in the market and go beyond...