American Axle & Manufacturing Taps aThingz to Drive Global Supply Chain Digital Transformation
In a strategic move to strengthen its global logistics capabilities and accelerate its digital transformation journey, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) has selected aThingz, an emerging leader in Supply Chain as a Service (SCaaS), as its technology partner. AAM will deploy aThingz’s proprietary DAKSA AI Platform to transform its supply chain operations, aiming to enhance agility, predictability, and responsiveness across its worldwide logistics network.
This partnership marks a pivotal development in AAM’s ongoing efforts to future-proof its logistics infrastructure. The DAKSA AI Platform was selected for its pioneering architecture, AI-powered microservices, and innovative approach to supply chain management. According to both companies, this move is expected to generate significant value by improving network visibility, accelerating decision-making, and streamlining execution processes across all operational segments.
Transforming Logistics through AI and Data Innovation
aThingz, headquartered in the United States, has developed the DAKSA platform to offer an intelligent, unified view of the entire logistics chain. Its architecture breaks from conventional siloed systems by integrating planning, execution, finance, and performance management into a continuous, synchronized process. The platform serves as a foundational layer for companies looking to digitize complex logistics functions without relying on fragmented legacy systems.
“aThingz’ next-generation AI-enabled forward-looking logistics planning solution will accelerate AAM’s strategic supply chain digital transformation,” said Vijaya Neela, CEO of aThingz. “With aThingz, AAM will significantly increase operational planning and financial visibility to accelerate cost efficiencies, explainability of variances, and predict logistics spend accurately.”
Neela emphasized that this partnership represents more than a technology deployment. It is a process innovation that aligns with the broader vision of reshaping how enterprise logistics systems function—transforming them into dynamic, intelligent networks capable of responding to global market shifts in real time.
Enhancing Execution and Driving Process Improvements
With aThingz’s DAKSA Platform, AAM expects to significantly improve its in-week execution capabilities. This will enable better handling of real-time logistics challenges and support proactive decision-making across departments. From raw material sourcing to end-product delivery, the platform is designed to deliver visibility and insights that empower teams to act with speed and confidence.
One of the most significant features of DAKSA is its autonomous master data management capability. This technology continuously cleanses, harmonizes, and standardizes data from diverse sources into what aThingz calls a “golden master data set.” This data set becomes the engine that drives advanced logistics planning, enabling AAM to develop feasible, multi-week forward logistics plans that optimize inbound material flows and supplier interactions.
In addition to driving planning efficiency, DAKSA enables centralized performance management. The platform tracks and measures network, partner, operational, and financial performance—down to the part and piece level. This granularity will allow AAM to uncover hidden inefficiencies, validate strategic decisions, and fine-tune operations for sustained excellence.
A Unified Approach to Logistics Optimization
Ana Lucia Ochoa Lorenzini, AAM’s Global Director of Supply Chain Management, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. “The depth of the aThingz platform will enable AAM to combine our logistics master data management, spend management, and network optimization initiatives into a single unified key initiative. This initiative is critical to the ongoing success of our business. We are excited at the opportunity, this strategic partnership with aThingz, and eager to get started.”
By consolidating multiple logistics improvement initiatives under a single technology framework, AAM is taking a bold step toward establishing an integrated supply chain model. This approach not only minimizes complexity but also enables a scalable, repeatable digital blueprint that can be extended across its global operations.
Kannan Ramachandran, Chief AI & Commercial Officer of aThingz, also expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are thrilled to work with American Axle to deliver an innovative, collaborative, and flexible AI solution that will provide them with a future-proof logistics operating platform. We look forward to collaborating on this exciting and important key initiative.”
Reinventing the Supply Chain with a SCaaS Model
aThingz is redefining how enterprises approach logistics through its Supply Chain as a Service (SCaaS) model. By delivering advanced logistics planning and execution capabilities via a managed solution framework, aThingz provides a faster, more cost-effective pathway to transformation. Companies no longer need to invest in large, multi-year ERP implementations or develop custom point solutions. Instead, they can adopt aThingz’s modular, cloud-based services to achieve quick wins and long-term strategic value.
aThingz’s SCaaS platform acts as a connective tissue across disparate logistics systems, creating a seamless flow of data and actions. With embedded AI and machine learning, the American Axle system continuously learns from historical data and real-time inputs to optimize routes, reduce costs, and forecast logistics spend with unprecedented accuracy.
By leveraging this flexible and intelligent platform, AAM gains access to a next-gen logistics operating system capable of adapting to changing business needs and external disruptions. This American Axle is particularly crucial in today’s manufacturing landscape, where geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rising customer expectations are making agile supply chains a competitive necessity.
Setting the Stage for a Digitally-Enabled Future
AAM’s decision to partner with aThingz reflects its broader commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. As a Tier 1 automotive supplier with a global footprint, American Axle must ensure that its logistics operations are not only efficient but also resilient and scalable. The adoption of advanced digital technologies such as those offered by aThingz positions the company to lead in a highly competitive industry.
Headquartered in Detroit, AAM operates more than 80 facilities across 18 countries, serving both traditional and electric vehicle markets. American Axle The company designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies that support electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicle platforms. With the implementation of aThingz’ DAKSA Platform, AAM is reinforcing its commitment to building a more intelligent, connected, and adaptive supply chain infrastructure.
About aThingz
aThingz has revolutionized logistics planning and execution by deconstructing traditional software architecture and rebuilding it into a cohesive, AI-driven platform. Unlike conventional systems that rely on sequential integration of planning and execution tools, aThingz synchronizes these elements into a single continuous process. The American Axle result is a living, breathing system of record for logistics—the industry’s first S&OP framework specifically designed for transportation and supply chain networks. To learn more, visit aThingz.com.
About American Axle & Manufacturing
American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE: AXL) is a global Tier 1 supplier to the automotive and mobility industries. The American Axle company specializes in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of driveline and metal forming technologies for a wide range of electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. With headquarters in Detroit and operations in over 18 countries, AAM is committed to driving the future of mobility through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Learn more at aam.com.
As AAM and aThingz embark on this transformative journey, their collaboration sets a new standard for what is possible in supply chain digitalization. By American Axle aligning cutting-edge AI technologies with real-world logistics demands, they are not just improving performance—they are reshaping the future of global supply chain management.
