Optimierung der Ersatzteillackierung mittels Bedarfsprognose am Beispiel der Fa. Steyr Motors AG

Abstract

Companies in the engine and automotive industry are increasingly looking to produce both primary products and spare parts. Ensuring a reliable supply of spare parts has proven to be a significant competitive advantage that serves to acquire new customers and retain existing customers. However, the supply of parts should in no way restrict the production of primary products, as these generally generate higher sales than the less lucrative spare parts. In order to maintain the status quo, it is essential to develop an understanding of how spare parts differ from the rest of the product portfolio, what spare parts logistics should look like in a manufacturing company and how demand forecasts for spare parts can be created in order to align the production programme. This research work concentrates on the selection of a suitable forecasting method for spare parts requirements in order to reduce the workload on the production of a manufacturing company. To this end, this research paper is divided into three parts. In the first part, the subject area of spare parts and spare parts logistics is explained. Among other things, the focus is on the definitions of the terms ‘spare part’ and ‘spare parts logistics’ as well as the explanation of problem areas and challenges in spare parts logistics. In addition, logistical key figures of spare parts logistics are defined. This is intended to generate the necessary basic knowledge, which is a prerequisite for successful spare parts logistics. The second part of this research work focusses on the topic of forecasting spare parts requirements. It shows ways of categorising spare parts based on their demand patterns in order to subsequently select the appropriate forecasting method. This section also presents methods for forecasting spare parts requirements. In addition, a possible procedure model for selecting the appropriate forecasting method based on the interference level is presented. The third and final part of this research paper describes the application of forecasting methods for spare parts requirements to relieve a bottleneck in an assembly line using a practical example from Steyr Motors AG, an Austrian manufacturer of high-performance diesel engines. The previously described theoretical aspects are put into practice. The aim is to relieve the painting process, which represents the bottleneck in the assembly line of Steyr Motors AG, by forecasting the demand for spare parts in order to free up more capacity for the production of the higher-turnover primary products, the engines. This research paper concludes that the correct procedure can help to improve the forecasting of spare parts requirements and thus reduce the burden on production. However, it should be noted that a number of other factors play a key role, including clear responsibilities in the process, continuous monitoring of production quality and equipment in the workplace. This illustrates that spare parts demand forecasting cannot be seen as an isolated problem-solving measure, but as an integral part of a comprehensive approach to relieving bottlenecks in a company's production output.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Mátyás Gritsch (Supervisor)