Auto manufacturer automates $2bn in freight payments with real-time solution

This top-tier auto manufacturer in North America operates across the US, Canada, and Mexico. With millions of vehicles produced, imported and sold annually, its logistics teams must oversee seamless distribution of vehicles, processing over $2 billion in annual freight payments. ​ 

To improve accuracy, efficiency and customer satisfaction, the auto manufacturer wanted a real-time invoicing management solution for its transportation teams and partners. 

Hitachi Digital Services designed and implemented a real-time invoicing management solution to deliver a seamless invoicing experience for the automaker’s logistics teams, its partners and dealers.  

Solution features include:​ 

• An Integrated Rate Management dashboard: A centralized platform where business users can view and manage all carrier rates in a single screen. ​ 

• Match-Pay Functionality: Automates the matching of shipment details, including fees, origin, destination, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), between carrier invoices and enterprise data. ​ 

• Mis-match dashboard: Flags and rejects invoices when discrepancies are detected, providing reasons for rejection; enables correction by the carrier or automaker; highlights exceptions caused by missing information and triggers email alerts for rate expirations and other issues. ​ 

• An Invoice Adjustment dashboard: Allows users to correct rate errors discovered post-payment; displays all affected shipments and calculates credit/debit adjustments automatically for payment processing.​ 

The Automated Carrier Freight Payment Solution supports millions of daily transactions for logistics operations related to vehicles, resulting in over $2 billion in annual freight payments. ​ 

• It facilitates seamless coordination with various carriers (truck, rail, and marine) as well as inspection services, 3PL, etc., ensuring vehicles are delivered safely to dealers.​ 

• Advanced dashboards: Centralized rate management, automated match-pay functionality, and tools for error detection ensure accuracy.​ 

• Scalable infrastructure: The system supports diverse carrier modes, handling complex supply chains efficiently.​ 

• Enhanced accuracy: Automated processes reduce errors and flag mismatches for immediate resolution.​ 

• Improved efficiency: Centralized dashboards and automated adjustments save time and minimize manual rework.​ 

• Seamless collaboration: Real-time coordination with carriers, partners, and dealers ensures timely deliveries, elevating partner, dealer and customer satisfaction.​