International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Impact of e-Kanban and ERP integration on lean production: lessons from the Indonesian automotive supply chain  
  by Christian Ricky, Kuniaki Tanaka, Manabu Sawaguchi, Nobuaki Minato 
  Abstract: This study examines the roles of e-Kanban, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and lean production practices (LP) in enhancing supply chain collaboration (SCC) and operational performance in Indonesian automotive supply chains. Employing a mixed-method approach, we integrate a case study of a focal company with a survey conducted among 152 tier-1 suppliers. The relationships between these systems and practices were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results indicate implementing e-Kanban alone does not inherently improve lean operations; however, user satisfaction with these systems significantly boosts the effectiveness of LP. The integration of e-Kanban and ERP systems, particularly when aligned with just-in-time principles, improves key operational metrics such as cost efficiency, product quality, lead time, productivity, and flexibility, which positively influence SCC and overall performance. This study also provides practical insights for practitioners and highlights the need for further exploration of ERP and LP integration in diverse supply chain contexts.
  Keywords: e-Kanban; enterprise resource planning; ERP; lean production; just-in-time; JIT; Indonesia; supply chain collaboration; operational performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10072489
   
  

Special Issue on: Variations of Digitalisation within the Global Automotive Industry

• Digital transformation within the Brazilian automotive industry  
  by Jorge Muniz Jr., Timothy P. Munyon, Anderson S. Costa, Vagner B. Ribeiro 
  Abstract: This paper aims to assess digital readiness in the Brazilian automotive industry. The findings are based on the perspective of Brazilian managers involved in digital transformation implementation. A survey was applied (five-point Likert scale) for 118 respondents from main Brazilian automotive companies who implement or use digital technologies. Although respondents indicate that their organisation has an inspiring vision of how digital technologies create a future of shared value and an understanding of how the competitive landscape changes due to digital trends, they indicate that their organisations need to improve their implementation plans for using digital technologies to achieve business objectives and also experience difficulty leveraging these technologies to improve strategic performance.
  Keywords: digital transformation; automotive; Industry 4.0; readiness; Brazil.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10070774
   
  
• Digitalisation from logistics to assembly lines: applications in the Portuguese automotive sector  
  by António B. Moniz, Marta Candeias, Nuno Boavida 
  Abstract: The digitalisation of logistics and assembly lines in the Portuguese automotive sector is reshaping manufacturing processes, work organisation and competence requirements. The research aims to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with these technological changes and their impact on workforce skills and organisational structures. Findings suggest that digitalisation is progressing unevenly across logistics and production, with logistics leading in automation while production struggles with legacy systems and high costs. The shift to alternative engines supports digitalisation, but significant workforce skill gaps in AI and digital systems remain a challenge. Companies are implementing internal training, yet outdated vocational programs fail to address Industry 4.0 needs. Rather than full automation, digitalisation is fostering new human-machine collaboration, requiring cooperation between AI specialists, managers, and workers. To ensure success, policymakers and industry leaders must prioritise workforce reskilling and align digital strategies with labour market realities.
  Keywords: logistics; digitalisation; manufacturing; work organisation; qualifications; automotive; Portugal.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10072451
   
  
• Variegated digitalisation? Comparing digital trajectories in two I4.0 manufactures in Northern Italy.  
  by Sara Caria, Francesco Garibaldo, Matteo Rinaldini 
  Abstract: This paper explores empirically the digital trajectories implemented by two German owned manufacture plants in Northern Italy Both firms, global leaders sports cars and high-tech room air conditioners, respectively, are inspired by lean principles and the I4 0 paradigm, but characterized by different industrial relations, business models, type of product and broader industrial environment Results suggest that, while a predominance of digital shadow can be found in both cases, the reasons leading to that outcome differ sensibly: in one case participation of unions to decision making processes seems to be a key element; in the other, the degree of automatization is constrained by production volumes and product type These findings make the case for a “varieties of digitalisation” argument, where digital trajectories are not determined by the technological potential of innovations, but can be seen as the outcome of different dynamic and polymorphic “variegated” process, involving different sets of rationales.
  Keywords: digital twin; digital shadow; Industry 4.0; industrial relations; varieties of digitalisation; automotive; manufacturing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10070300