Streamlining Logistics Data with Serverless Automation: How Trask & AWS Enable Efficient Data Integration for ŠKODA AUTO
Overview
ŠKODA AUTO's logistics operations faced challenges in efficiently accessing and integrating critical Advanced Shipment Note (ASN) data from upstream logistics systems.
Trask devised and implemented a solution leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS), with strong emphasis on serverless technologies. This has enabled:
- Streamlined data flow
- Improved accessibility for key processes
- Significant automation
- Enhanced visibility into the data pipelines.
Client Challenge
ŠKODA AUTO's logistics division hit limitations with its existing data architecture. A specific need was to obtain Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) data from suppliers into their SAP system. Parts suppliers are using the industry standard ASN data VDA4987 format.
The data includes details such as despatch advice date and time, requested delivery date and time, and information about the parts being shipped like part codes and quantities. The data is intended to be sent in near real time. The volume of messages could be from zero to millions per minute.
ŠKODA AUTO needed a cost-effective, modernised data architecture that would give them greater ownership and control over their logistics data, improve its quality and accessibility, and enable real-time data processing, event-driven workflows, and comprehensive monitoring.
Our Solution
To overcome these challenges, a solution was designed and implemented on AWS that only leverages serverless technologies. AWS Lambda functions form the core, performing data processing, transformation, and system integration in an event-driven manner. Amazon SQS manages message queuing, decoupling system components for reliable, scalable communication.
For error handling, Dead Letter Queues (DLQs) capture failed messages, with redrive policies automatically returning them to the original queue for retry. Secure communication between AWS networks and the existing ŠKODA AUTO network uses AWS Transit Gateway, while VPC Gateway Endpoints for S3 enable Lambda functions in private subnets to access S3 without public internet exposure. Transit Gateway Attachments connect VPCs to the Transit Gateway.
The solution communicates with an external RESTSAP API, using secure connections that include mutual TLS authentication with certificates stored in Amazon S3. Amazon SNS provides real-time notifications and alerts, while Amazon SES handles automated email communications within logistics workflows.
Data is stored in Amazon S3 for scalable, secure storage, making it available for analytics via Amazon Athena. This approach delivers a more flexible, efficient, automated, and observable logistics data handling system, significantly improving data flow and operational agility.
Technologies used:
- TypeScript
- AWS CDK
Delivered Value
The serverless, AWS Lambda-based solution has streamlined ŠKODA AUTO's logistics data management, creating a more efficient and automated system. It provides secure, scalable access to critical information, enabling near real-time integration with SAP for ASN data.
The architecture can easily scale up and down based on the volume of incoming logistics messages. The data teams can also access the raw data using Amazon Athena.
About ŠKODA AUTO
ŠKODA AUTO is the largest car manufacturer in the Czech Republic and a major production hub within the Volkswagen Group. It has a strong global presence, producing a wide range of vehicles and components. Innovation and efficiency are key to its operations, serving customers across numerous markets worldwide.
Are You Looking to Modernize Your Systems?
Let’s talk. We’ll show you how new modern architecture and other modern technologies can future-proof your business.
