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Spare parts via 3D printing
First global logistics provider offers spare parts via 3dprinting in virutal warehouse.
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
Jochen Thewes, CEO at DB SCHENKER: “We are very proud of the game-changing pioneer project we started with our trusted partner Lufthansa Cargo. Today, we take the next step by starting a global green air cargo network. We have purchased massive volumes of biofuel to push the decarbonization of our industry. Customers of DB SCHENKER can now virtually book SAF on all trade lanes to thousands of airports. This new flexibility is a success factor and good for the climate. Every ton of biofuel counts.”
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.
