TVS & General Motors awarded the 2017 Building St Louis Award

TVS and General Motors were presented the 2017 Building St. Louis Award by the Mayor of Wentzville for the new state of the art Logistics Center in Wentzville, MO. The Building St. Louis Awards “seek to recognize commercial real estate projects that have created a community impact in the areas of investment, jobs created or potential impact on a surrounding area.”

To optimize efficiency of storing, processing and handling parts General Motors constructed a 1.1 million-square-foot Logistics Center to service the nearby assembly plant. TVS Supply Chain Solutions was chosen to operate the new warehouse and lead the project in consolidating 3 existing facilities into the new Logistics Center. The new building contains 168 dock doors, 6 drive in doors and a 32-foot clear height ceiling.

Smarter Procurement Solutions to Reduce the Logistics Need

Imagine a capability, in the form of an application that can minimise the impact of obsolescence and significantly reduce the amount of inventory held in Defence warehouses. A modern capability that enables the Military User to choose the latest part to meet his requirement, safe in the knowledge that an effective change management system is enabling him or her to order the latest part that is fit for purpose.

After careful analysis of these, and other, key challenges that constantly face defence customers, TVS is introducing its proven e-catalogue to make life at the sharp end that much easier.

A Smarter Procurement Solution

Smarter procurement begins with swift and accurate product identification. This must be reinforced by detailed equipment data so that the risk of incorrect or duplicate ordering is minimised.

TVS’ e-catalogue is a content rich, customer-facing platform that enables fast and effective product identification, to eradicate downtime for customers, maximise equipment availability and provide complete visibility.

In an initiative to optimise the e-catalogue service for its defence customers, additional features have been introduced to make it even more systematic. The new, Cyber Essentials approved version, which fully integrates into any existing system, also hosts the following new features:

How this Adds Value and Reduces the Logistics Need

Unlike other counterparts on the market, the TVS e-catalogue is not a stand-alone product. It is an integral part of a comprehensive suite of market-leading, end-to-end, supply chain solutions; a customer facing shop window to a myriad of specialist resources.

One example of this is the TVS inventory management capability which optimises stock levels and accurately forecasts requirements through the continual tracking, measuring and monitoring of part’s demand. By optimising supply chain visibility, TVS is able to minimise availability risk, whilst significantly reducing costs for its defence customers.

More importantly however is TVS’ commitment to the security and ongoing protection of data from the threat of cyber-attacks. The TVS e catalogue has successfully been awarded the Cyber Essentials accreditation, ensuring that it meets government-endorsed security standards and TVS remains compliant in the face of evolving regulations.

Get in touch

TVS has been adding value and applying their innovative approach to supply chains across a diverse sector base for over 100 years. For more information please get in touch.

Get to Know the Beverage Team!

Whether it’s beer, soft drinks, coffee or catering, TVS SCS offers an industry leading, complete end-to-end, supply chain solution. We have been working with some of the biggest brands in the beverage industry to help them reduce their inventory holding and drive down their operating costs.

The beverages team will be exhibiting at DrinkTec this year. You’ll find them on the BFBI stand from 11 – 15 September, but if you would like to arrange a specific meeting time then please get in touch with Josh Perkins.

TVS SCS is awarded AEO Certification by UK Government HMRC

Following a rigorous series of audits by HMRC, we have been successfully granted AEO status, indicating that our role in the international trade and supply chain is secure, efficient and is Union Customs Code compliant.

What is AEO Certification?

By having Authorised Economic Operator Certification (AEO C – AEO Customs Simplifications), we have demonstrated an exemplary record of customs compliance and documented associated procedures and systems, allowing robust and reliable customs control. The introduction of AEO status had been the European Community’s response to the need to secure International supply chains, the introduction of Customs-Trade partnership against terrorism in the USA and the development of the SAFE framework of standards by the World Customs Organisation.

What does this mean for TVS SCS customers?

AEO will offer TVS SCS and our customers preferential status with HMRC interactions, and in the longer-term, access to certain simplifications in customs procedures (such as guarantee waivers and centralised clearance) which may only be restricted to AEOs. The possession of AEO status is expected to make it easier for businesses to apply to use such simplifications throughout the EU.

Importantly, this will also enable customers to be fully prepared, whatever the outcome of Brexit. It will ensure that they are able to:

A note from TVS SCS Europe CEO, Andrew Jones:

This award is a testament to how we operate as a business and continually strive to be the best at what we do and significantly positions us as a Trusted and Compliant Global Service Provider and fosters greater customer and supply chain confidence.

If you would like further information on AEO certification, please contact Strategic Account Director, Arun Jayaraman on +44 (0) 7834 920272

TVS SCS Achieves Approval to ISO 27001

We are extremely pleased to announce that TVS SCS has recently been successful in achieving approval to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard.

What is ISO/IEC 27001?

The ISO 27001 standard is an internationally recognised management system tool to help organisations better manage their information assets. The ISO 27001 certification can help protect systems against computer-assisted fraud, cyber attack, sabotage and viruses. It is now becoming more common for organisations see certification to ISO 27001 as a prerequisite for doing business.

How was it achieved?

Following an in-depth review of the business operation and a risk assessment by LRQA ((Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance), we successfully achieved the esteemed status, confirming that we have the appropriate procedures in place to reduce the risk of computer-assisted fraud, cyber-attack, sabotage and viruses.

A key strategy for TVS SCS has been to develop, formalise and gain accreditation for its Information Security Management System. In November 2016 TVS SCS obtained Cyber Essentials Plus certification which was seen as a key building block in achieving this goal. Our Compliance team then focused on achieving accreditation to the internationally recognised standard of ISO27001 which was awarded in April 2017.

This accreditation clearly demonstrates our commitment to security, compliance and continual improvement processes.

What does this mean for TVS SCS?

This prestigious accreditation further complements TVS SCS’ capabilities, promotes best practice and minimises risk on behalf of both the company and our customers. It also reaffirms our commitment to confidentiality and the protection of the information that we hold against an ever increasing cyber threat.

This latest UKAS accredited management system complements our existing ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified systems and emphasises the commitment of TVS SCS and our board to the structure and principles such systems bring.

Our next steps include formally accrediting our Occupational Health and Safety Management System to BS OHSAS 18001 prior to transition to ISO45001 when released.

For more information, or to speak with a member of the team please send us an email.

Hard or soft Brexit…… We’re ready

UK trade benefits greatly from membership of the EU, evidenced by huge investment into the UK infrastructure, in particular in the manufacturing industry. The UK exported around £220 billion GBP worth of products back to Europe in 2016.

Whilst the impact of the Brexit vote is still unclear, what is certain is that Brexit will happen. Access to the single market and to skilled labour are very important for UK Industry, therefore future trade deals are a concern, with uncertainty affecting current and short term potential investment.

Hard Brexit and import tarrifs

If the negotiations lead to a hard Brexit, the UK will be outside of the free trade agreement within the European Union, meaning that UK manufacturers must adapt their international supply chains to be more resilient, responsive and efficient.

Tariffs are a big concern, for example within the UK automotive Industry, 60% of all car components are imported from overseas. Over 75% of the cars made in the UK are exported back into the EU and the rest of the world, 70% of car sales in the UK, are imported.

In the future, components imported from the EU may be subject to duty, VAT and customs declarations, in the same way as components coming from outside of the EU are currently affected. If the components are processed and exported to the EU or the Rest of the World, the finished product will attract customs declarations and tariffs. What is posed could potentially mean a tariff on imported components, and tariffs on the exported finished product, a potential duplicate taxation.

Customs bonded warehousing

Grant Jones, Business Development Director, TVS Supply Chain Solutions comments, “TVS are currently providing services to a number of UK OE manufacturers and Tier 1 providers from around the world. We assist with bringing in goods from outside of the customs union by utilising our bonded warehouse. This defers VAT and duty payments on imported goods at port and unnecessary upfront costs, having a positive impact on cash flow and negating inventory liabilities. Goods manufacturers would then bring imported components into their Inbound Processing Relief ‘umbrella’ from a Customs Bonded warehouse. Manufacturers would process the components into finished goods and lodge the finished product into our bonded warehouse paying the tariffs only when the goods are exported. In this way the imported components are not subjected to duty and tariff cash disbursements twice.’’

TVS SCS is a global provider of world class, end-to-end supply chain services across a variety of sectors. We are specialists in providing revenue growth, inventory reduction and operating costs reduction. TVS SCS operates on a global scale with facilities in the UK & Europe, North America, the Indian Sub-Continent and the Asia Pacific region. TVS’ parent company TVS Logistics Services Limited has its global HQ in India and operates across Europe, Asia and the USA. TVS LSL is one of the world’s fastest growing supply chain specialists.

Get ready for Brexit

To find out how TVS can help your business get ready for Brexit, or for more information on Customs Bonding Service, contact us [email protected] or  [email protected]

TVS SCS secures a new contract with the Royal Navy

We are extremely proud of the team here at TVS SCS in light of the recent contract win with the the UK Ministry of Defence!

TVS SCS will be providing procurement, service management, supply support, equipment upkeep management and technical services for a range of items used by the Royal Navy. These items include; catering equipment, domestic appliances, ropes, cleaning hardware, lab equipment and much more.  We will also continue to play a key role in the MoD’s strategy of modernising inventory management, procurement and maintaining a supply chain that is responsive to the needs of the military.

“We are delighted to have secured this contract for the supply and management of a wide range of items required by the Royal Navy. It underpins our strategy of providing world leading supply chain solutions to reduce the operating cost of our customers. We look forward to working alongside the UK MoD’s Marine Systems Support team to provide them with the visibility and control of the items and services demanded under the contract to deliver the optimum service to the end user.”  Paul Kettle, TVS SCS’ Business Development Director.

So well done to the team and we look forward to continued work with the UK MoD!

If you would like to contact Paul Kettle or any other member of the TVS SCS team please get in touch.

TVS Logistics sponsors Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday party celebrations in Chennai

Our parent company TVS Logistics recently partnered with the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai, whom it has a long standing association with, to jointly sponsor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday party, which was celebrated on 24th February at Cottingley.

The special event included an interactive stall, which hosted a 7ft tall jigsaw puzzle and a ‘Message to the Queen’ wall for writing birthday messages. An audio visual was played throughout the evening telling the story of TVS Logistics’ heritage, global presence, expertise in India, UK capabilities in defence and the employment generated in the UK.

The Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Bharat Joshi, during his key note address to the gathering, spoke highly about TVS Logistics and about its growth in UK. He also referenced the employment opportunities generated by the company, especially in Northern England.

The event was attended by more than 600 special guests and provided networking opportunity for Corporates (British & Indian), Dignitaries, Politicians and Professionals from the field of arts and education.

Delegates from TVS Logistics included Mr. E Balaji, Mr. Dinesh Narayan, Mr. R. Shankar, Mr. Jugal. K, Mr. Venkat Dhanraj, Mr. Sebastian D, Mr. Giridhar. K, Mr. Venkat Suriyaprakash, Mr. Anbarasan. R, Mr. Kannan Kumaraswamy, Ms. Taruna Mahajan. The special event, which was covered by select media, was received well by the delegates.

Dennis Eagle extends its 14 year Aftermarket Services Agreement with TVS SCS

TVS SCS is delighted to announce an extension to the 14 year aftermarket services agreement we have with the UK’s largest Refuse Collection Vehicle manufacturer, Dennis Eagle.

Over the past 14 years Dennis Eagle has established itself as the market leader for the design and manufacture of pioneering refuse collection vehicles. The vehicles are fully tailored to the needs of their clients and supported by a world-class, aftermarket service, supplying both genuine spare parts and providing customers with comprehensive service and repair solutions.

Improvement initiatives and industry leading customer service

Through TVS SCS’ aftermarket capabilities, we have supported Dennis Eagle’s success with the range of services provided to them including;

Purchasing and storage of parts

Next day delivery

TVS’ in-house demand planning and forecasting system – this has raised parts availability to the highest levels in the sector

Technical publications and an electronic parts catalogue

The electronic parts catalogue allows customers to accurately identify parts diagrammatically and based on their vehicle specification, identity and price, before placing an order.

Dennis Eagle and TVS SCS are aligned in their aim to provide industry leading customer service through continuous improvement initiatives and innovation.

Martin Warington, Sales & Commercial Director here at TVS SCS commented, ‘this is great news for both parties and builds on a unique 14 year relationship based on trust, integrity and working in close partnership’.

Geoff Rigg, Aftermarket Director at Dennis Eagle added, ‘Dennis Eagle is well known for its sector leading parts support and TVS SCS play a vital role with achieving this performance.”

TVS SCS at Automechanika

If you would like to speak to a member of the Automotive team please contact  [email protected].   Alternatively, you will find the TVS SCS automotive team on stand E650 at Automechanika Birmingham this June.

A Great Year for the UK Automotive Industry

Highlights from the last 12 months

2016 has been a great year for the UK Automotive sector, so we’ve decided to put together some interesting facts and figures to show you just how good it was…

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