Picture source: Deutsche Bahn AG
Never has a global logistics provider offered spare parts from the cloud. But from this day, DB Schenker has become the sustainable spare parts logistics pioneer, introducing the virtual warehouse of the future, which lowers delivery costs, shortens delivery times, and protects the environment.
The first global logistics provider to offer 3D printing and a virtual warehouse
“We are the first global logistics provider to offer spare parts delivery via 3D printing. Products from our virtual warehouse are available in a very short time and are manufactured exactly where they are needed. This exemplifies what the logistics of the future can do for customers. The aim is to avoid unnecessary warehousing and to make supply chains even more stable and flexible.”
Committed to digital solutions with 3D printing
In the face of increasing challenges in global logistics, digital innovations such as spare parts deliveries via 3D printing create real added value for customers in many areas. DB Schenker aims to shorten distances and, at the same time, keep products available faster and cheaper. The logistics service provider is fully committed to digital innovations to achieve this.
The virtual warehouse is a digital solution
In pilot projects, DB Schenker has already successfully tested the virtual warehouse, designed for customers from the mechanical engineering, automotive, and rail transport markets. Parts such as handles, cladding, and housings were produced on demand close to the customer. Without pre-production and storage, on-demand production reduces capital commitment costs. The new DB Schenker service with a virtual warehouse is now being offered to a wide range of customers worldwide.
DB Schenker collaborates closely with Deutsche Bahn, which already has profound experience in 3D printing – with 80,000 parts manufactured from various materials and technologies. According to their findings, up to ten percent of companies’ inventories can be manufactured on site. Spare parts that are needed relatively infrequently and parts that must be stored in large numbers due to high minimum purchase quantities are particularly suitable for 3D printing. The virtual storage of the components is done by the safe upload of the 3D blueprints in the cloud.
Published September 2022
