Container management in the automotive industry

The challenge:

The entire automotive production process depends on the on-time availability of thousands of different load carriers and containers — from large special load carriers (SLCs) for body parts in the plant network to small KLT containers in high-frequency loops with suppliers. Loss of transparency leads to high search effort, shrinkage, and, in the worst case, costly line stoppages. A particular challenge in container management is the complexity of empty container and return flows.

Whether your load carriers, special load carriers, or reusable load carriers circulate in a closed loop between fixed partners or travel through an open loop with changing stations.

The solution with Bosch Track and Trace:

By equipping all relevant load carriers with robust trackers, the entire lifecycle is digitally mapped. Our platform provides a central overview of inventories, cycle times, and locations — whether in closed shuttle traffic or in an open loop. You can proactively identify bottlenecks, automate the return of empties, and optimize container inventories based on real-time data.

Your benefit:

• Avoid production downtimes: ensure parts availability through 100% transparency in the container pool.
• Reduced capital commitment: significantly lower circulating inventories and shrinkage rates.
• Efficient control: automate scheduling and the management of complex return flows.

The challenge:

From the plant to the end customer, valuable components and finished vehicles travel long distances. High-value assemblies (e.g., engines, high-voltage storage systems, drivetrains) that are intended for installation in other plants or as spare parts must arrive on time and in flawless condition. For new vehicles, there is often a lack of transparency about the exact location and estimated time of arrival (ETA), which makes planning more difficult for dealers and logistics partners.

The solution with Bosch Track and Trace:

Track your critical goods seamlessly across the entire supply chain. A sensor on the asset or in the vehicle itself provides not only the position, but also monitors the condition (e.g., shock, temperature, or battery charge level in electric vehicles). All stakeholders — from the logistics provider to the dealer — receive access to a platform with reliable arrival times and condition data.

Your benefit:

• Quality assurance: make sure that sensitive assemblies and new vehicles arrive undamaged and in optimal condition.
• Shorter delivery times: optimize the entire outbound logistics process through complete process transparency.
• Excellent service: provide your partners and end customers with precise planning data and a positive delivery experience.

The challenge:

Vehicle prototypes and camouflaged test cars carry highly confidential intellectual property and are therefore among the most valuable assets of an automotive manufacturer. Theft, an unauthorized trip, or even deviation from a planned test route can lead to leaks and destroy a competitive advantage. Seamless monitoring and control of these vehicles is therefore of the highest strategic importance.

The solution with Bosch Track and Trace:

Hidden and tamper-resistant sensors enable continuous real-time positioning of the entire development fleet. Geofencing is used to define secure zones (e.g., test tracks, secret workshops) and restricted areas (e.g., the surroundings of competitors). For every rule violation — whether leaving a zone or moving at an unauthorized time — a silent alarm is automatically triggered for the responsible security team. With the Connect 3-AC, we offer a sensor with a power supply.

Your benefit:

• Maximum protection against industrial espionage: protect your intellectual property through seamless and proactive monitoring.
• Seamless documentation and control: meet the highest security requirements and prove at any time where a vehicle has been.
• Efficient fleet coordination: maintain an overview of your valuable test fleet at various global locations.

The challenge:

Expensive special tools, mobile calibration devices, and test equipment are used in development centers, workshops, and production facilities. Manually searching for these devices before a test setup or repair costs valuable time. In addition, uncontrolled circulation leads to shrinkage and inefficient utilization of expensive equipment.

The solution with Bosch Track and Trace:

Smaller, cost-efficient sensors are attached to tool cases, measuring devices, or mobile fixtures. A network of Connect 2 gateways, or even a single all-in-one tracker such as the Connect 3 family (e.g., in workshops, vehicles, or storage areas), automatically records the location. Employees can quickly locate a required device or perform automated localization or inventory to make sure everything is in the right place.

Your benefit:

• Reduced search times: increase the productivity of your specialists by eliminating search effort.
• Lower tool costs: prevent shrinkage and theft through permanent transparency.
• Optimized utilization: make sure expensive equipment is used optimally and avoid unnecessary new purchases.