Understanding BMW’s Sequenced Parts and Broadcast System
In automotive manufacturing, each part needs to arrive at the right place, at the right time. To support this, Just-in-Sequence (JIS) and Just-in-Time (JIT) processes require detailed, bi-directional OEM and supplier communication through broadcast management.
SPAB, BMW’s Sequenced Parts and Broadcast system, provides communication to keep BMW and its suppliers synchronized and moving smoothly.
Connecting the Dots to Sequence and Schedule
SPAB connects the dots between what customers order and what happens on factory floors. It shows which parts and assemblies need to show up, and in what order. The system sends out a schedule, so suppliers know exactly when to deliver each product such as subassemblies. This way, every seat, dashboard, and trim piece arrives just when BMW needs it for each car.
For suppliers, SPAB is a lifeline. It gives clear instructions about what to send, and when. Sometimes, suppliers have only a few hours to get the right parts delivered. With SPAB, they don’t have to guess or wait for last-minute calls. The system lays out the sequence and the timing, which helps everyone stay on track.
Organizing Operations, Reducing Costs
Call off from SPAB supports:
- Just in Time: Delivers products daily, every few days or as needed, ideal when production runs smoothly, delivery times are known in advance, and either unchanging SKUs, repeated builds, or common parts
- Just in Sequence, also called In-Line Vehicle Sequencing (ILVS): Delivers at the time products are needed and in the order they are needed, accelerates manufacturing by simplifying assembly
BMW also receives DIMO: direct delivery to assembly lines call off, either daily or x number of days.
SPAB does more than keep things organized. Because parts arrive as needed into assembly stock, BMW doesn’t store as much inventory, reducing costs. Additionally, assembly processes run smoother and faster. Suppliers also benefit, they know exactly what’s expected, so they can plan their work and deliveries better.
When everything arrives in the right order, the assembly line keeps moving, and fewer mistakes happen.
The Right Call: How SPAB Works
As an overview, SPAB:
- Broadcasts production orders to suppliers and internal lines, often in real-time
- Ensures parts arrive at the right time, in the right sequence for the line
- Coordinates order changes, holds, and pulls so that production and suppliers stay synchronized
If a customer order (COS) is held or pulled, SPAB ensures the material flow and supplier notifications stay in sync. For example, if an X5 with a specific option package is put on hold, SPAB stops broadcasting the order downstream so seats, dashboards, etc. don’t ship unnecessarily. When the pull is released, SPAB re-broadcasts it in the correct sequence.
In conjunction with a supplier’s predictive scheduling, SPAB helps to ensure both on-time delivery and reduced waste. Intelligent scheduling – supported by Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) such as Matrix Automation’s solutions – takes the EDI broadcast data from SPAB and turns it into smart and predictive supplier manufacturing rather than just reactive processes.
Can We Talk? Broadcasting Messages
BMW uses EDIFACT / VDA messages for supplier communication, but with BMW-specific implementation guidelines. In a SPAB/SPABSI flow, example messages include:
DELFOR (Delivery Forecast / Planning) – gives suppliers a horizon view before sequence is locked
- Sent daily or weekly from BMW to suppliers
- Provides a longer-term forecast of quantities, dates, and model mixes
- Suppliers use this for capacity planning (not exact sequence)
DELJIT (Delivery Just-in-Time / Sequenced Broadcast) – the EDI broadcast that SPAB manages
- Sent hourly or in near real-time from BMW’s SPAB system
- Contains the exact build sequence (VINs, option codes, timestamps)
- This is what tells suppliers: “Ship seat for VIN ending 12345 to line station at 10:02 AM.”
When a COS hold / pull happens, production scheduling re-sequences and regenerates the DELJIT, so the supplier stays in sync without disruption.
DESADV (Despatch Advice / ASN) – Helps verify that supplier shipments match the predicted broadcast and adjust if something is missing.
- Sent from suppliers to BMW
- Confirms what’s actually being shipped (quantities, VIN linkage, time of arrival)
- Allows BMW to reconcile shipments against SPAB / COS demand
Accurate bi-directional communication is critical in BMW’s digital supply chain. Suppliers rely on expertise from providers such as Matrix Automation and proven solutions to support integration with SPAB and deliver smarter manufacturing.
Putting It Together
SPAB may sound technical, but its purpose is simple. It helps BMW and its suppliers deliver the right parts at the right time, every time. By making the process predictable and clear, SPAB helps reduce costs, avoid delays, and keep cars rolling off the line. It’s not just a system, it’s what keeps the whole operation in sync.
Ready to improve operations and ensure success as a BMW supplier? The team at Matrix Automation has managed production for BMW suppliers every day for 20 years. Explore our expert guidance for BMW suppliers or contact us today.