Ford South America to Modernize and Automate Aftermarket Supply Chain with RELEX Solutions
Ford South America is embarking on a strategic digital transformation of its aftermarket parts supply chain by selecting RELEX Solutions, a global provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions. The initiative marks a significant step in Ford’s broader vision to enhance service performance, streamline operations, and improve the availability of automotive parts across its regional dealer network. The rollout will be supported by Demandtex, a trusted RELEX implementation partner, and will span five key South American markets: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia.
A Strategic Overhaul of Supply Chain Operations
Ford South America operates a highly complex and expansive supply chain, managing logistics and planning for over 150,000 SKUs, 600 suppliers, 10 distribution centers, and 400 dealers throughout the region. Given the breadth and scale of this network, optimizing supply chain performance has become a top priority. The company is replacing its legacy systems with RELEX’s advanced AI-powered platform to modernize its capabilities and remain competitive in an increasingly demanding and fast-paced market.
The shift aims to bring about transformational improvements in service levels, forecasting accuracy, inventory optimization, and planning automation. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that dealers are consistently stocked with the right parts at the right time—an essential element in minimizing vehicle downtime and improving customer satisfaction.
Tackling Complexity with Artificial Intelligence
The RELEX platform stands out for its ability to automate complex planning processes, intelligently manage slow-moving and high-demand inventory, and dynamically respond to changes in demand patterns using advanced analytics and AI. This is particularly critical for Ford, whose parts catalog covers a wide range of components with varying demand profiles, from fast-moving maintenance parts to rarely used specialty items.
By harnessing RELEX’s AI-driven capabilities, Ford will be able to:
- Improve forecast accuracy using demand sensing methodologies with multiple regressors.
- Automate supply and inventory planning, reducing manual workload and enabling planners to focus on strategic decision-making.
- Strengthen purchasing capabilities by enabling more precise ordering and replenishment.
- Optimize stock levels, particularly for slower-moving items, ensuring more efficient capital allocation.
- Support integrated planning across sales, supply, and logistics functions.
Through automation and AI, Ford will streamline its operations, reduce errors, and create a more agile planning environment capable of responding to rapid shifts in market and supply conditions.
Enhancing Supplier Collaboration and Scenario Planning
Beyond internal efficiencies, the platform will also foster stronger collaboration with suppliers, a critical enabler of end-to-end supply chain success. Ford will take advantage of RELEX’s supplier collaboration tools to improve alignment on forecasts, replenishment schedules, and delivery timelines. This capability will be instrumental in maintaining the flow of parts throughout the region while proactively mitigating disruptions and delays.
Scenario planning features will further enhance Ford’s decision-making processes by allowing teams to simulate various supply and demand scenarios, assess risks, and develop contingency strategies. These predictive tools offer a level of strategic foresight that is increasingly essential in today’s unpredictable global supply environment.
Driving Regional Performance and Dealer Satisfaction
The modernization initiative reflects Ford South America’s long-term commitment to improving operational performance while meeting the expectations of its dealer network and customers. By automating key aspects of planning and logistics, Ford is laying the groundwork for:
- Faster order fulfillment
- Higher in-stock rates at dealerships
- Reduced excess inventory and associated costs
- Greater visibility across the entire supply chain
Dealers, in turn, will benefit from better parts availability, shorter lead times, and more consistent service—factors that translate directly to improved vehicle maintenance and repair experiences for customers.
Leadership Commentary on the Transformation
Commenting on the project, Carlos Laprega, Senior Manager of Parts Aftermarket Logistics at Ford South America, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership:
“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. Their solution aligns with Ford’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.”
The project is being led by Demandtex, a consulting and implementation firm with deep expertise in RELEX solutions and supply chain transformation projects. Emre Sener, CEO of Demandtex, highlighted the collaborative nature of the engagement:
“We are excited to partner with Ford South America on this transformation. Working alongside RELEX, we’ll help Ford optimize inventory, automate operations, and strengthen supplier collaboration, ultimately driving better performance across their supply chain.”
RELEX Solutions also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential impact on Ford’s regional supply chain. Carlos Victoria, Senior Vice President of Sales for Latin America at RELEX Solutions, noted:
“RELEX is proud to support this iconic brand in transforming their supply chain operations. 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.”
Aligning with Ford’s Broader Global Strategy
This initiative is also aligned with Ford’s global efforts to modernize and digitalize operations across business units. The automaker has been investing in emerging technologies and digital platforms to drive smarter decision-making, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences. The partnership with RELEX marks another milestone in that broader strategy, demonstrating how intelligent automation can improve operational effectiveness not just in vehicle manufacturing, but across the entire aftermarket value chain.
The decision to invest in smarter supply chain planning is also a recognition of the growing importance of aftermarket operations as a revenue stream and customer touchpoint. With vehicles becoming more technologically advanced and service lifecycles extending, having a responsive and reliable parts distribution network is now a critical business differentiator.
Building a More Resilient and Responsive Supply Chain
In selecting RELEX Solutions to lead its supply chain transformation, Ford South America is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in automotive aftermarket operations. By replacing legacy systems with a flexible, intelligent platform, Ford is laying the foundation for a supply chain that is not only more efficient and cost-effective, but also more responsive to dealer and customer needs.
The collaboration with RELEX and Demandtex marks a forward-thinking approach to tackling the complexity of regional operations, enhancing resilience, and ultimately strengthening Ford’s presence and competitiveness in the South American market. As implementation proceeds across Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, the benefits of this transformation are expected to ripple through the entire dealer and customer ecosystem—setting a new standard for operational excellence in the automotive industry.
