From South Africa to Swabia: Uni Project Tracks Global Supply Chains
Neu-Ulm University, together with the University of the Western Cape and SmartMakers, has established a transparent, global supply chain
2024-04-17 | Press Release
SmartMakers supports DAAD project of Neu-Ulm University and University of Western Cape with tracking solution
The route of the tracked materials within the framework of supply chain management
Many companies have aligned their business models to benefit from global supply chains. For most, these have even become indispensable – whether as a cost-effective alternative to local production or to access certain resources or raw materials at all.
As part of the DAAD project GIPS4VC, Neu-Ulm University (HNU) together with its partner university, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), has established a global supply chain. As a tracking technology supplier, SmartMakers GmbH supports the project to ensure transparency in the production and supply chain.
Project goal: Establishing a global supply chain
The idea of the DAAD project Global Production and Supply Chain Network for Virtual Collaboration (GIPS4VC) was to create a real global supply network between UWC and HNU. They were to collaborate as suppliers and manufacturers for project-based virtual learning in a Blended Mobility Format. The 57 students from both universities were to gain real experience in interdisciplinary, international, and intercultural teamwork during a project week from May 14 to 21, 2023, in Cape Town.
During the project week, the students planned to use the production site of Flytech Ltd. in Cape Town as a supplier for Drohnen GmbH in Leipheim. They established information and material flows for the manufacturing of the Flight Controller, an important drone component.
Tasks included setting up a data transfer using a cloud solution for customer orders, delivery notes, and status messages, as well as automated order processing using Robotic Process Automation.
Another goal was to establish a global value network and monitor the transport of products using a Tracker. The students were able to secure SmartMakers as a partner for this.
The students during the project week
SmartMakers delivers tracking technology
As part of the project, SmartMakers GmbH acted as a provider of tracking technology. With a Flight Tracker and the platform thingsHub, the project team monitored the transport and thus the current status, including the calculation of the expected shipment arrival.
For Drohnen GmbH Leipheim, this opens up completely new possibilities in production planning. With transparent shipment tracking, it is always clear where the materials needed for the Flight Controller are located and when they are expected to arrive.
Especially in the supply chain, this real-time visibility brings enormous advantages for companies. In addition to improved supply chain planning, real-time monitoring leads to increased efficiency, enables faster response times, and fosters better collaboration between suppliers and their customers.