EDI Tracking Database to Debut at AIAG's Auto-Tech 98
31 August 1998
EDI Tracking Database to Debut at AIAG's Auto-Tech 98
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., August 31 -- To assist the auto industry
with managing and measuring supply chain electronic data interchange (EDI)
performance, the Automotive Industry Action Group's (AIAG) is sponsoring a
web-based tracking database called AutoChain Online -- which will make its
debut at AIAG's AUTO-TECH Conference and Exposition being held Sept. 1-3 at
Detroit's Cobo Center.
The database will support suppliers trying to meet the Big Three automaker
requirements for increased EDI use -- as outlined in a letter sent in 1996 by
the automakers to their tier one and sub-tier suppliers. In the letter, the
Big Three requested suppliers aggressively pursue electronic commerce
technologies to improve business processes, reduce cycle time, lower
inventories, increase on-time shipments and cut costs.
Widespread use of EDI could save the North American automotive industry as
much as $1 billion annually or an average of $71 per car -- by improving
communication with EDI and common business practices throughout the automotive
supply chain.
Developed by Harbinger Corporation, AutoChain Online is a tool to monitor
and track supply chain EDI implementation. AutoChain Online is an Internet
accessible database that allows subscribing companies to enter EDI compliance
information and to share that information with their trading partners.
"There has been a concerted auto industry effort to support the management
of supply chain EDI implementation," said Richard T. Simmons, AIAG executive
director on loan from Ford Motor Co. "With the development of AutoChain
Online, gathering EDI information in a time-efficient, cost-effective manner
is now a reality for the entire supply chain."
AutoChain Online offers many benefits to the auto industry including:
centralization of industry EDI information; elimination of redundant OEM and
supplier surveys; increased visibility of EDI usage and implementation;
better, faster and more accurate communication of information; and
establishment of a foundation for new supply chain initiatives.
The AutoChain Online database will be demonstrated at the AIAG, Chrysler
and Ford booths at AUTO-TECH and will be highlighted at special briefings at
the AIAG booth at 1:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1 and at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday,
Sept. 2. In addition, the database will be discussed in depth at several
AUTO-TECH educational sessions.
For AUTO-TECH 98 registration and conference information contact the AIAG
at 248-358-3570. For more information on the AutoChain Online database
contact Harbinger at 404-467-3000.
Founded in 1982, the AIAG is a not-for-profit trade association of nearly
1,400 automotive and truck manufacturers and their suppliers. Originally
recognized for its efforts to standardize electronic data interchange and bar
code standards to assist tier one suppliers, the AIAG's mission has expanded
to cover all levels of the automotive supply chain as well as to include
numerous programs and initiatives aimed at improving its members' productivity
and quality.
More information about the AIAG and its annual AUTO-TECH Conference &
Exposition can be found at its website at http://www.aiag.org.