The automotive industry is facing a perfect storm of supply chain disruptions. Labor shortages, surging demand for electric vehicles, ongoing microchip scarcity, and shifts in manufacturing geography are exposing vulnerabilities in systems that were already stretched thin. For automakers, supply chain resilience has become a strategic priority across the organization.
To understand how companies are addressing these challenges, we spoke with Comarch, a global software house that delivers and integrates proprietary IT products, about the bottlenecks that are slowing down production, the emerging technologies reshaping operations, and the role of digital data exchange in creating a competitive advantage.
What are the biggest bottlenecks in automotive supply chains today?
Automotive supply chains are complex, and even small disruptions can have cascading effects. One of the primary issues is visibility. An average car contains around 30,000 parts, yet only 6% of companies claim full insight across their supply network, according to Montway. Without real-time data, production schedules falter, inventory becomes unbalanced, and costly delays are almost inevitable. Predictive tools, automated tracking, and enhanced communication are essential for turning these blind spots into actionable intelligence.
Workforce and leadership shortages also continue to weigh heavily on the sector. From factory floors to management, labor gaps are growing as the industry becomes more technology-driven. Organizations are racing to train staff in new competencies, from robotics to digital supply chain management, but the gap between available talent and required skills remains significant.
The surge in electric vehicles (EVs) adds another layer of complexity. By 2035, global EV sales are projected to reach 31 million, according to Deloitte, with Europe and China leading adoption. This shift demands a steady supply of critical components like batteries and semiconductors. But these parts remain in short supply, forcing manufacturers to rethink sourcing strategies, logistics, and risk management for high-value, high-volume components.
Microchips continue to be a source of disruption. The pandemic triggered a global chip shortage, as manufacturers canceled orders amid uncertainty and supply was constrained by limited raw materials and backlogs. “Now, some companies even face potential oversupply,” Comarch explains. “This introduces new inventory and sourcing challenges, requiring smarter forecasting and agile supplier management.”
Balancing inventory remains a high-wire act. Too little stock delays production; too much ties up capital. Tools such as Just-in-Time (JIT), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), and Advanced Shipping Notifications (ASNs) are helping automakers respond more efficiently to shifting demand. Meanwhile, geopolitical shifts, such as the U.S. push to localize production, highlight the vulnerability of global supply chains. Onshoring improves supply security but also exposes gaps in infrastructure, logistics planning, and crisis preparedness.
Finally, sustainability is becoming a more prominent concern. Automakers operating across multiple regions must navigate inconsistent environmental regulations. Companies committed to greener practices often struggle to standardize processes across countries, which slows progress and complicates supplier relationships.
Which emerging technologies are redefining how supply chains operate?
Technology has become a core part of how companies operate and remain competitive.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in quality assurance to spot defects faster, reduce waste, and improve production reliability.
AI-driven predictive analytics allows companies to forecast demand more accurately, balancing production schedules and inventory to minimize shortages or overstock
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are another example. These AI-enabled machines work alongside human operators to automate precision tasks in component manufacturing, boosting efficiency without displacing human expertise.
Meanwhile, smart logistics scheduling optimizes delivery routes and timelines, often leveraging real-time tracking tools and analytics to reduce delays and cut costs.
“Together, these technologies don’t just improve efficiency; they increase resilience. Companies that adopt AI, predictive analytics, and automation can respond faster to disruptions and make data-driven decisions, which is increasingly critical in a volatile market,” Comarch emphasizes.
What is the role of digital data exchange as a competitive advantage?
Digital data exchange, particularly through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), is becoming a strategic differentiator. Solutions like Comarch EDI allow companies to digitize information flows between manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics partners, reducing errors, speeding up transactions, and improving cash flow.
The impact is not just theoretical—it’s measurable. According to Comarch, organizations that implement EDI software solutions typically achieve up to 58% reduction in supply chain transaction costs. Businesses save an average of $1.89 per processed invoice, which can translate into a significant financial impact when scaled across thousands of transactions. Automated data exchange can make business processes up to 62% faster, accelerating everything from order processing to invoicing and delivery confirmation.
Beyond operational efficiency, modern EDI systems help companies stay compliant with industry standards such as ANSI X12, EDIFACT, and AIAG. They also enable advanced forecasting and analytics, which can inform strategic decisions about inventory, sourcing, and production planning.
“In an industry where delays cost millions, having an integrated, reliable data exchange platform isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a competitive advantage,” comments Comarch.
As supply chains become more complex, the ability to share, track, and analyze data in real time can make the difference between being resilient and being disrupted. For automakers, this means investing in digital infrastructure is no longer optional—it’s critical for survival and growth.
