Istobal successfully tackles supply chain issues
Istobal meets its delivery dates in 2022 despite supply chain issues. Through upfront measures in production and planning and by using new logistic strategies, the Spanish car wash manufacturer has been able to cope with the crisis.
According to Istobal, communication, coordination and the synchronization of teams and processes are the keys to success. “The digital transformation of operations, along with the coordination of all departments and the continuous improvement of processes, has allowed the company to increase its agility and flexibility. In this way, we manage our resources more efficiently and guarantee good customer service. Despite the shortage of production materials and the increase in material costs, the increase in logistics (freight) costs, the difficulties of international transportation and other problems within the supply chain.”
Improving processes
María José Ramón, Operations Manager of Istobal, emphasizes that the use of new strategies within the chain, such as the use of the S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) process, in addition to the continuous improvement of processes and systems, gives the company the opportunity to provide the best possible solution.
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“Thanks to the actions we implemented with our teams, we achieved production records and broke container export records in November and December last year,” he says. “Despite the difficult situation of the ports and the lack of containers.”
Reducing production lead time
Faced with the supply crisis, Istobal activated several crisis and monitoring rooms. Focused on real-time visualization and management of supply data and supplier management, assembled and coordinated by a single team.
One of the initiatives implemented was the elimination of external supplies and the integration of all this material into Istobal facilities. With the dual goal of reducing production lead time and improving internal logistics. To launch this project, Istobal says significant changes were made to the production facility.
Extensive network of distributors
Istobal exports its products to more than 80 countries and works with an extensive network of distributors around the world. It has 10 subsidiaries and four production and final assembly plants in Europe, America and Asia. International sales currently account for 75 percent of production.
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