For over a century, the automotive industry has set the global benchmark for process optimization, mastering efficiency within functional silos like supply chain, quality, and procurement. But with local value largely squeezed dry, the next frontier of growth no longer lives within these individual units, it lives in the white space between them. As software-defined vehicles surge and global competitors slash timelines to market, traditional Western OEMs face a stark reality: building a modern enterprise requires tearing down functional boundaries and moving toward horizontal, end-to-end workflows.

Unlocking this next era of value isn’t just about plugging in new AI agents; it demands a fundamental shift in operating models, policies, and workforce skills. By rethinking how cross-functional processes operate—from the aftermarket to product development—automotive leaders can eliminate waste, bridge critical talent gaps, and redeploy human capital toward high-impact work.

Dive into the full article to explore why redesigning the enterprise workflow is the key to defending operational excellence in the decade ahead.

Join the Center for Automotive Research and IBM for The Margin Engine: Smarter Lifecycle Management for a More Resilient Automotive Industry, a discussion exploring how better-connected data, digital tools, and lifecycle strategies can help automotive companies make faster decisions, reduce risk, improve efficiency, and capture greater value from design and engineering through manufacturing, service, and beyond.