The international conference and exhibition of ODETTE 2015 was taken place during 30th Nov. to 01st Dec. in Munich, Germany. Since the automotive industry is moving fast during the past years globally, keeping up the most advanced trends and catching the opportunities in this rapid changing environment have become the major challenges for all the OEMs as well as suppliers. Under this circumstances, the conference and exhibition of ODETTE 2015 targets Innovative Technologies for an Agile Supply Chain as the major topic to discuss. More than 300 delegates from 25 countries joined the conference and participated with 31 presentations delivered by 41 presenters from influencing international companies. Speakers and delegates cover the full spectrum of the automotive industry, from vehicle manufacturers and major equipment makers, through large tier 1 suppliers to lower tier suppliers.

Since the year of 2015 is considered as a shifting year for Chinese automotive industry, ODETTE 2015 designed a session for the discussion of Chinese market. Three Chinese entities joined the session and delivered inspiring presentations. Mr. Marcus Zießler from Atwood Logistic System (Suzhou) expressed concerns and cultural shock when dealing with Chinese companies as an European. Prof.Daijun Fang drew on his extensive knowledge of automotive in China to provide some insight on the future direction of the industry in general and automotive logistic in particular. As the exclusive Chinese EDI provider joining the conference, CEDEX shared experiences and challenges of achieving the agile supply chain in China. CEDEX consider the year of 2015 as a watershed for Chinese market. The decrease of the rate of growth suggests the necessity of transformation of Chinese automotive industry. By sharing cases of the successful implement of EDI, JIS/JIT standard as well as MMOG/LE assessment and auditing among Chinese suppliers, it is convinced that Chinese automotive industry is well prepared for accepting agile supply chain as the best choice to embrace the future. The declaration of CEDEX is highly spoken by audiences, scholars and experts.

Apart from the session of Chinese automotive industry, Mr. Thomas Heptner from Audi Neckarsulm shared their understanding of the concept of New Logistics and the successful implementation during manufacturing. Mr. Houssam Hage, the Vice President of Michelin explained their efforts in achieving agile supply chain in Michelin with humorous and enthusiasm. Mrs. Doris Schwerdt from Audi and Mrs. Karin Lehniger from Volkswagen gave a speech on how Volkswagen promotes EDI technology globally and encourages suppliers to adopt this technique. Moreover, Industry 4.0 is also a heated topic during the conference. Mr. Mark Morley from OpenText provided an overview of how new disruptive technologies will impact future automotive supply chains, while Mr. Nils Knofius, PhD Candidate from University of Twente demonstrated the application and potential market of 3D printing from an academic aspect.

Excursions of ODETTE 2015 includes the visiting of BMW Plant/BMW Welt and MAN Plant. By visiting the assembly line of MAN and communicating with workers, it is recognised that German industry is deeply rooted in it’s historical traditions while holding an open mind. As one of the leading EDI suppliers in China, CEDEX is willing to share the culture of diligence of German industry, meanwhile adapting ourselves to the rapid changing environment of Chinese Industry 2025 by international cooperation and communication.