Speeding ahead in flexibility and innovation with FAST-Automotive

Jul 11, 2022
  • IT
  • operations
  • automotive
  • SAP

Technological innovation is almost permanent in the automotive industry. If you want to keep up, you’ll need a fast and reliable ERP service adapted to this highly competitive market. So what are the challenges and what should you consider when choosing automotive ERP software and an SAP integrator to stay ahead in the race?

Meeting demands in automotive manufacturing…

Today’s markets are dominated by a strong demand for customized cars and components, and the deadlines grow ever tighter. As an OEM supplier, the pressure’s on you. Nowadays, Tier 1 and 2 suppliers in this fast-moving industry are expected to work miracles: flexible and innovative, while also complying with the standards. If you don't have these key assets, the manufacturers (OEM) will turn to your competitors.


  • Flexibility: Tailor-made and as quick as possible. That’s the name of the game. And, of course, while you’re at it, limiting stock, minimizing costs, and managing flows… These days, flexibility is the only way to win new contracts. So make sure your ERP helps you make the difference, like FAST-Automotive.
  • Innovation: The fact that innovation is an important factor in standing out from competitors, that’s nothing new. However, the speed and style of innovation in the automotive industry is quite specific. Partnerships with OEM players are common practice, with co-innovation programs which must be managed efficiently if you want to shorten the innovation cycles and foster collaboration. Powerful PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) tools, like those in FAST-Automotive, are key in managing your innovation speed and success. 
  • Compliance: Compliance is non-negotiable and, like other markets, the car market has its own specific rules and regulations, for example, regarding security and traceability, as well as other individual customer standards. That means an all-round ERP tool is certainly no luxury to help you meet your specific challenges.

…with a dedicated ERP solution: FAST-Automotive

delaware designed the SAP template FAST-Automotive especially to support the industrial and logistical processes specific to Tier 1 and 2 SMEs in the automotive sector. This proven solution combines the power of SAP with the sector’s best practices and lean manufacturing principles. It integrates the standard logistics audit methods, the process standards, and the automotive manufacturer’s specifications. Choosing FAST-Automotive allows you to:


  • manage EDI messages and the associated flows;
  • calculate your margin by accounting nature;
  • have a clear and detailed view of all your manufacturing processes;
  • control the RFID flows;
  • manage self-billing;
  • use preformatted documents meeting the manufacturer's standards;
  • manage your containers;
  • manage the life cycle of your products (PLM – Product Lifecycle Management);
  • perform many other processes specific to your industry.

Take the wheel, with delaware

delaware has been active in the SAP market since 1981, and has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, with 50 consultants in France and more than 100 worldwide. Most of these come from Tier 1 and 2 automotive suppliers. Using an agile and pragmatic approach we use our specific expertise to help you transform your organization in accomplishing ambitious ERP projects within a realistic time frame and budget.

FAST-Automotive: ERP template for the automotive industry

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