Ford South America has partnered with Relex Solutions, a Helsinki-based provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions, to enhance its aftermarket auto parts supply chain operations. The collaboration aims to replace Ford’s existing supply chain solution in order to achieve higher service levels for dealers, improve forecasting accuracy, reduce inventory costs, and automate planning processes for increased efficiency. Demandtex, a partner of Relex, will support the implementation of the new solution across five countries in South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia.
The supply chain managed by Ford South America is highly complex, involving 600 suppliers, ten distribution centers, 150,000 SKUs, and 400 dealers. By implementing the Relex AI-driven platform, Ford intends to ensure that dealers across the region have the right parts available at the right time, thus enhancing customer satisfaction and minimizing vehicle downtime.
With the new solution, Ford will optimize inventory levels, including slow-moving items, and automate planning processes to reduce manual workload. The platform will enable integrated planning, apply demand sensing with multiple regressors for precise forecasting, and facilitate supplier collaboration and scenario planning to streamline operations and maintain strong alignment with suppliers.
Carlos Laprega, Ford South America Parts Aftermarket Logistics Senior Manager, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that Relex’s AI-driven approach will help Ford make smarter decisions, improve forecast accuracy, and enhance service levels for dealers while controlling costs. Emre Sener, CEO of Demandtex, also highlighted the collaboration’s focus on optimizing inventory, automating operations, and strengthening supplier collaboration to drive better performance across the supply chain.
Carlos Victoria, SVP of Sales, LATAM at Relex Solutions, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Ford in transforming its supply chain operations to unlock new levels of agility, efficiency, and resilience across the network. Relex Solutions, known for delivering a unified platform for retail, manufacturing, and supply chain planning enabled by AI technology, has a track record of success with companies like ADUSA, AutoZone, Coles, Circle K, Dollar Tree, and M&S Food.
In addition to the partnership with Relex Solutions, Ford South America is currently accepting nominations for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards. The awards program celebrates innovation, leadership, and impact in the industry, providing companies with the opportunity to showcase their achievements, highlight advancements, and gain global recognition. Nominations for the Just Auto Excellence Awards are open, offering industry players a chance to be honored among the best in the field.
