Nissan and Accuride employ digitalization to maintain a competitive edge in the realm of supply chain compliance.

In the dynamic world of automotive manufacturing, compliance has become a crucial aspect, with companies embracing digital solutions to streamline the process.

At the forefront of this digital transformation is Nissan, who leverages advanced mapping tools as a key part of its supply chain resiliency playbook. The company has also engaged external legal and data science advisors to validate assumptions and enhance its digital architecture.

Adam Shumake, senior manager of SCM compliance at Nissan, outlines the ENSURE model for transforming compliance complexity into capability. This model, which consists of six strategic capabilities, emphasizes the importance of engaging cross-functional leaders, normalizing objective standards, developing procedures, utilizing technology to augment systems, reinforcing consistent governance, and educating stakeholders continuously.

Another company making waves in the digital compliance sphere is Aptiv. They have developed a control panel that integrates supplier data, CAD drawings, tariff schedules, and real-time shipment visibility. This control panel acts as both a validation mechanism and an operational dashboard for Aptiv.

Eric Elliott, SCM senior manager, supplier cybersecurity, at Nissan, emphasizes a more strategic approach to proactively assessing and monitoring cyber risks and vulnerabilities across suppliers and providers.

Greatway's AI-powered app generates Carta Porte documents, a critical part of Mexico's cross-border compliance. Moe Saleh explains that the app speeds up the process, eliminates human error, and allows customers to process products faster.

Fietsam notes that consistent survey formats and regulatory expectations would allow suppliers to avoid duplicative reporting. Technology is brought in once a repeatable baseline is established, allowing for the application of FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to compliance data.

Accuride's investment in a unified platform enables visibility not just for trade issues, but also for sustainability requirements, cybersecurity standards, and modern slavery compliance. Having the information in one place is a starting point to ensure compliance and drive improvement, according to Accuride. McConnaughey agrees, adding that more transparency and support from OEMs could empower smaller suppliers to raise their game.

Shumake calls for a fundamental mindset shift, stating that compliance has to be everybody's job and requires a shared language, shared timing, and shared tools. Reinforcing governance gives the company the structure to track progress and escalate issues consistently.

At the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025 event, participating companies and individuals included notable logistics and supply chain experts. Discussions focused on digital transformation, agile supply chains, flexible and efficient logistics solutions, integration of AI and data-driven processes, and innovations beyond compliance, such as real-time data capture, composable supply chains, and security in automotive systems.