Audi was looking for a reliable maintenance partner with profound expertise and extensive experience in the technical operation of an automated small parts warehouse, and who is committed to continuous improvement. Since any unplanned downtime of more than 30 minutes leads to delays in outbound goods, logistical processes must run smoothly and without compromise. The contract was concluded with the establishment of the automated small parts warehouse and has been extended multiple times since then. The collaboration between Audi and Siemens has existed for more than fifteen years.

Siemens service experts have created a suitable maintenance contract based on the holistic Plant Maintenance Services approach, which enables maximum availability of the small parts warehouse. As part of the all-inclusive contract, Siemens takes over maintenance management (organization of inspections, execution of maintenance, and fault rectification) to increase the availability, efficiency, and performance of the plant. Siemens service experts are responsible for appropriate maintenance measures for the entire technical equipment (e.g., stacker cranes, conveyor technology, fully automated picking systems) as well as for automation in the form of SIMATIC WinCC and the warehouse management system SILOG. Furthermore, Siemens service experts take over the maintenance of the electrical and mechanical systems with Transportgeräte Wels (TGW) and Vanderlande, and provide a complete automation and picking system for Audi. Siemens service experts work 24/5 in a four-shift operation (early, late, night, and day shifts, which include vulnerability analysts and project managers) to achieve smooth operation through continuous maintenance.

In addition, Siemens service experts utilize the most modern available technology for maintenance and inspection, such as artificial intelligence SALT (Semi Automated Labeling Tool), to achieve continuous improvements and optimizations (regular error analysis and quality assurance). With continuous monitoring and data analysis, downtime could be detected and resolved early through notifications from the AI tool SALT.

Since the plant focuses on integrating new technologies, Audi can fully dedicate itself to this core task with the all-round carefree contract, while Siemens service experts take care of the maintenance of the automated small parts warehouse (AKL).

Audi is an automobile manufacturer based in Ingolstadt, Germany. The brand is associated worldwide with high-quality vehicles, pioneering and sustainable drive technology, first-class quality and progressive design. The company produces a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, coupes and electric cars. Audi is also active in motorsport and has set itself the goal of sustainability. The Audi Group includes the Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati brands.