Ford South America has selected Helsinki-based Relex Solutions, provider of ‘unified supply chain and retail planning solutions’, to accelerate its aftermarket auto parts supply chain operations. By replacing its existing supply chain solution, Ford aims to achieve higher service levels for dealers, improve forecasting accuracy, reduce inventory costs, and automate planning processes for greater efficiency. Relex partner Demandtex will support the implementation across five countries in South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Colombia.
Ford South America manages a highly complex supply chain with 600 suppliers, ten distribution centres, 150,000 SKUs, and 400 dealers. Ford says the initiative will ensure that dealers across the region have the right parts at the right time, improving customer satisfaction and minimizing vehicle downtime.
Ford says that with the Relex AI-driven platform, Ford will optimise inventory levels, including slow-moving items, while automating planning processes to reduce manual workload. Relex will help Ford strengthen purchasing capabilities, enable integrated planning, and apply demand sensing with multiple regressors to achieve precise forecasting. In addition, Ford will leverage supplier collaboration capabilities and scenario planning to streamline operations and maintain strong alignment with suppliers.
“Relex’s AI-driven approach will help us make smarter, faster decisions, improve forecast accuracy, and boost service levels for our dealers while controlling costs,” said Carlos Laprega, Ford South America Parts Aftermarket Logistics Senior Manager. “They will help Ford support our strategic goals of efficiency and customer satisfaction.”
“We are excited to partner with Ford South America on this transformation,” said Emre Sener, Demandtex CEO. “Working alongside Relex, we’ll help Ford optimise inventory, automate operations, and strengthen supplier collaboration, ultimately driving better performance across their supply chain.”
“Relex is proud to support this iconic brand in transforming their supply chain operations,” said Carlos Victoria, SVP, Sales, LATAM, Relex Solutions. “Our collaboration will help Ford unlock new levels of agility, efficiency, and resilience across their network. We’re excited to deliver rapid, measurable value that supports Ford’s long-term success.”
Relex says it delivers a unified platform for retail, manufacturing, and supply chain planning, enabled by proven AI technology. It counts companies such as ADUSA, AutoZone, Coles, Circle K, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, Rituals, The Home Depot, and Systemair as customers.
