How to reduce auto sunroof glass sourcing costs
How to effectively reduce the purchase cost of automobile sunroof glass has become a key issue that automobile manufacturing enterprises must deeply study and solve in the whole production and operation process.
This is not only directly related to the control and optimization of the overall cost of the vehicle, but also an important link for enterprises to enhance the market competitiveness of products and achieve sustainable profitability.
Optimize the supplier system of sunroof and build cost advantage from the source.
Most car companies often rely on a few suppliers in the purchase of sunroof glass. Although this model can ensure the stability of initial cooperation, it is also easy to fall into a passive bargaining situation.
To optimize the layout of suppliers, we must first broaden the pool of qualified suppliers and form a healthy competitive situation by introducing suppliers from different regions and sizes.
We can try to establish cooperation with small and medium-sized suppliers with R&D capabilities. These suppliers usually have unique advantages in specific technical fields and are willing to give more flexible cooperation conditions in order to expand the market.
At the same time, a reasonable allocation of order proportion to avoid a certain supplier occupying too high a share can not only spread the supply risk, but also take more initiative in the negotiation.
In addition, paying attention to the capacity layout of suppliers and giving priority to suppliers close to the vehicle production base can effectively reduce transportation costs and inventory pressure.
Promote product standardization and platform design
The cost of sunroof glass largely depends on its customization. The development of a set of exclusive sunroof glass for each model means high mold cost, a small batch of single products, frequent process switching, and high cost.
Carry out platform design. Unify the dimension specification, curvature radius, and interface standard of sunroof glass within the group or at the platform architecture level. Multiple models on the same platform share a set of sunroof glass assemblies, which can greatly increase the purchase batch of a single part, thus gaining the cost advantage brought by the scale effect.
Implement standardization of parts. Standardize the selection of accessories of sunroof glass, such as sealing strip, guide rail, sunshade motor, drain pipe, etc., to reduce the proportion of non-standard parts. Standardization not only reduces the complexity of procurement but also reduces the pressure of inventory management and indirectly reduces the overall holding cost.
At the process level, we should promote the automatic upgrading of production processes and reduce the errors and costs caused by manual intervention. For example, using intelligent cutting and grinding equipment can improve the utilization rate of raw materials and reduce the waste of scraps.
At the same time, the coating process of glass is optimized, and the coating steps are simplified, and the production cycle is shortened under the premise of ensuring the heat insulation and ultraviolet resistance, thus reducing the cost of unit products.
In addition, we will jointly develop customized materials with material suppliers, and adjust the material formula according to the specific use scenario of the sunroof to avoid the cost waste caused by over-design.
Coordination between inventory and logistics: opening up the blocking point of supply chain
Inventory backlog and low logistics efficiency are hidden factors that push up procurement costs. Establish an accurate demand forecasting model, combine the vehicle production plan and market sales data, and reasonably formulate the purchase quantity of sunroof glass to avoid the increase of inventory cost caused by blind stocking.
At the same time, the JIT (just-in-time) purchasing mode is implemented, and a flexible supply mechanism is established in consultation with suppliers, so that the supply quantity can be adjusted in real time according to the production rhythm, and the capital cost occupied by inventory can be reduced.
In the logistics link, we integrate transportation resources and adopt a centralized distribution mode to transport goods from multiple sunroof suppliers in a centralized way, thus reducing the unit transportation cost.
In addition, optimize the warehouse layout and establish a transit warehouse near the vehicle production base to shorten the transportation distance and time of goods and reduce the loss in the logistics process.
Through the information system, real-time data sharing of all links in the supply chain can be realized, so that procurement, production, warehousing, and logistics can work together to avoid cost waste caused by information asymmetry.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if there is abnormal noise when the sunroof is opened and closed?
A: Abnormal sound is usually caused by the following reasons: lack of lubrication in the guide rail, sand or foreign matter in the guide rail, and aging and hardening of the sealing strip. Treatment steps: first clean the dust and sand in the guide rail, and then apply special sunroof grease (do not use ordinary butter or engine oil, which will accelerate rubber aging);
If the abnormal sound comes from the sealing strip, it can be softened by wiping with a rubber maintenance agent. If the abnormal sound still exists after cleaning and lubrication, it may be that the guide rail is deformed or the motor gear is worn. It is recommended to go to a professional repair shop for inspection.
Q: Do sunroofs need film?
A: You can paste it, but you need to pay attention to two points: First, choose a light-colored heat insulation film, which may lead to excessive local temperature of the glass after absorbing heat, increasing the risk of self-explosion; Second, do not open or close the sunroof within one week after filming, so as to avoid displacement of the diaphragm. However, most modern sunroof glasses have their own thermal insulation coating or Low-E coating, and the thermal insulation effect is already good, and it is completely ok without film. If the sunroof itself has a sunshade curtain, the necessity of sticking film is even lower.
Q: What if the sunroof is frozen in winter?
A: After washing the car in winter or after rainy and snowy weather, the sunroof sealing strip may be frozen due to accumulated water. Never forcibly open or close the sunroof at this time; the motor may be burned, or the guide rail may be damaged. The correct way: Turn on the warm air after starting the vehicle, aim the air outlet at the sunroof for 5-10 minutes, and then operate it after the ice melts. Precautions: After washing the car in winter, dry the water on the sunroof sealing strip and guide rail with a dry cloth; Applying a layer of rubber protective agent on the sealing strip before winter can effectively prevent icing and adhesion.
