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Green supply chainsSaving CO2 with digitization
The experts from thyssenkrupp Materials Services show how they make supply chains as green and efficient as possible.Becoming greener. That's the goal tk accelis has set for itself and plans to achieve it 20 years earlier than planned.
Already by 2030, the materials trading and supply chain experts want to operate climate neutrally. In addition to their ambition, the materials experts also want to help their customers to become greener. They plan to do so by using modern supply chain management. Supply chains are complex and often consist of a large number of processes. In an efficient supply chain, these processes run like clockwork. In the event of a disruption, consequences can quickly become extensive. The experts at tk accelis have told us how to avoid disruptions to make supply chains flexible, efficient, and therefore as green as possible.
To create an efficient and flexible supply chain, the tk accelis team must act with foresight. Digitalization and transparent data handling make this possible. "In practice, this means that our experts look at different factors, for example, the weather or traffic jams. However, they also look at changes in demand or supply availability, and see whether we can shorten transport routes or the length of time spent in warehouses," explains Ilse Henne, CEO tk accelis. "And we do this before problems arise in the first place." The result is the "data replaces tons" approach, which means an efficiently designed use of goods, the avoidance of material waste as well as empty runs. Thus, creating a supply chain that is sustainable, flexible, and customer-oriented.
We want to digitize supply chains and adopt a data-driven approach in areas where it truly makes sense—for us and for our customers.
Digitization in practice
But what do terms like digitization or data transparency mean in this context?
To this end, the materials experts are tackling the issue from two angles:
Internal processes: “To digitize our internal processes, we must first develop binding standards and, in the long term, establish process automation,” says Ilse Henne. This process requires not only specific technological solutions and tools, but also an unwavering commitment to change.
Networking: “When digitizing interfaces, our data is linked with data from customers and third parties. This creates a new form of intelligence that optimizes supply chain performance,” explains Henne. Through such linking, potential problems can be identified early on, and a solution can be found and implemented before a problem arises and disrupts operations.
"Pacemaker demonstrates what this can look like in practice. In the automotive industry, the AI solution from tk accelis helps to avoid incorrect deliveries. It reduces inventory and storage costs as well as the number of transports. Smoothly running supply chains are therefore not only advantageous because they are cost-efficient. They are also better for the environment precisely because of their flexibility. "Less material waste and lower emissions are our biggest levers for becoming greener and meeting our environmental responsibilities," explains Ilse Henne, CEO tk accelis. Moreover, there's another advantage: Because materials can be made available in the correct quantity and at the right time in the right place, digitally managed supply chains are highly customer-focused.