Cargo Signal Blog

Sensor-based Logistics in the Automotive Industry: Avoid Production Slowdowns, Improve Inventory Management, and Protect High-value Components

Are you having trouble keeping track of the many moving parts in your automotive plant? Or maybe you're worried about the security of high-value components or prototypes coming and going. Either way, Cargo Signal can help you efficiently monitor the whereabouts and security of your shipments to keep deliveries and production schedules on time.


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An automotive plant is a whirlwind of moving parts. From shipping in the necessary components and assembling the vehicles to managing inventory and shipping out the final product to dealerships, there is a lot to keep tabs on. Without proper oversight of the comings and goings of parts and product, your automotive plant is likely to experience inefficiencies in production and financial losses. Here are just a few common challenges that the automotive industry faces without real-time visibility of tools, parts, and equipment: 

  • Production slowdowns due to parts lost or delayed during shipping
  • A surplus or shortage of inventory on plant floor 
  • Theft or damage of high-value components, confidential prototypes, or intellectual property
  • In transit damage to fragile components such as windshields or car mirrors 
  • Inability to provide clients with updates about their shipments

The bottom line is, if your parts aren’t where they need to be when they’re needed, the vehicles can’t be assembled. If the vehicles can’t be assembled, you can’t deliver them in a timely fashion to dealerships. If you’re unsure of the whereabouts and security of equipment moving in and out of your facility, you’re risking financial loss, unhappy clients, and the potential tarnishing of your company image and reputation.

How Sensor-based Logistics Can Help

  • Improve your inventory management, forecasting, and production schedule
  • Secure parts and product in transit against theft and damage
  • Keep you customers and stakeholders satisfied and protect your company’s reputation

Cargo Signal brings a revolutionary level of oversight to the automotive industry. The IoT-powered sensors that Cargo Signal attaches to global freight track real-time data about shipments, providing end-to-end visibility, security, and quality control. Our technology is supported by a Command Center staffed by logistics professionals who monitor your freight around the clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If anything goes wrong with your shipment, Command Center will intervene on your behalf to solve the problem. 

Optimize Inventory Forecasting

Without full visibility of your inventory, you can’t plan your production schedule effectively. Tracking your shipments in real time with Cargo Signal gives you that control. You’ll know what’s already come in, what’s still in transit, and when you can expect a crucial part. Need a rush shipment of brake pads because the last shipment never arrived? Need to reroute an incoming shipment of timing belts to a nearby plant that needs them more? With Cargo Signal, you’ll be able to keep an eye on things and remain flexible. Our Command Center will work with you to make sure you get what you need where you need it so your supply chain performs at peak efficiency. 

Safeguard Your Shipments

Moving high-value components or priceless engineering prototypes makes them vulnerable to theft or damage. Without real-time visibility, you’re risking devastating financial losses or even the loss of years of innovation. Cargo Signal’s Security Alerts can prevent that from happening. If your freight falls vulnerable to theft, Cargo Signal will sound the alarm and our Command Center will get authorities on the scene. And if you’re moving fragile components like windshields or car mirrors and they suffer damage in transit? Our Shock & Tilt Alerts will let you know the moment it happens, so you stay informed, hold those responsible accountable, and can start problem-solving right away. 

Improve Customer Service

Without the means to effectively keep track of inventory and protect your freight in transit, you’re not only putting your supply chain at risk but your product and your entire company’s reputation too. Your customers are depending on you to deliver their vehicles on time and in pristine condition. What if a car or truck arrives damaged or far behind schedule? Cargo Signal’s real-time visibility keeps you informed about damage, theft, or delay before it becomes the customer’s problem. If something goes wrong with your shipment, Cargo Signal will automatically alert you and your chosen stakeholders. Our Command Center will then intervene to solve the problem, and you can provide your customers with up-to-the-minute status updates and protect your brand.

Is Now the Right Time for Sensor-based Logistics?

Ask yourself:

  • Are orders or repairs going unfulfilled due to frequent damage, delay, or loss of parts?
  • Is my inability to track inventory surplus or shortages costing me money?
  • Have I experienced theft or damage of high-value components, prototypes, or intellectual property?
  • Are fragile parts such as windshields or car mirrors frequently damaged in transit?
  • Am I unable to provide real-time updates to my stakeholders?

If yes, contact Cargo Signal today so we can help you and your business get back on track.