Contract volume vs. reality: Why a lack of volumes can threaten your existence

In the world of automotive suppliers, every component counts. But in many companies there is a dangerous gap between the contractually agreed quantities and the quantities actually accepted. The result? Massive financial losses that have a direct impact on EBIT - and in an industry with already narrow margins, this can quickly threaten the existence of the company.

How big is the problem? Let's imagine that a supplier plans with a contribution margin of 30%. However, if 30% of the contractually agreed quantities are not called off and there is no claiming process, this leads to an EBIT loss of 9 percentage points. No automotive supplier can afford such losses - but without a systematic approach, this is exactly what happens.

Missing quantities are a reality - but not unsolvable

Quantity deviations are not a new phenomenon. OEMs adjust their call-offs to production fluctuations, react to market conditions and often use their contractual flexibility to their advantage. Suppliers who do not have an automated overview of their contract vs. actual quantities are losing money.

Why do quantity deviations not always lead to a price adjustment, as we know from technical changes in change management?

1. Lack of transparency - Without automated processes, it is difficult to recognize deviations in good time.

2. Lack of processes - Even if a company recognizes the problem, it often lacks a structured process to successfully enforce claims.

3. customer resistance - persistence and absolute tenacity are prerequisites for success.

The key: A systematic end-to-end claims process

Only those who look at the problem as a whole can solve it. Effective claim management comprises four central steps:

1. Automated detection of contract vs. actual quantity variances

It is almost impossible to detect such deviations manually - especially when hundreds of projects and different customers are affected. The solution lies in complete automation. Systems such as Digital Automotive enable seamless integration and identify quantity differences in real time.

2 E2E claim process - from definition to receipt of payment

A successful claim process does not just start with the negotiation. Rather, it requires a clear definition, a precise calculation and consistent documentation. Every claim process should be standardized and tracked until payment is received.

3. Continuous reporting and follow-up of open claims

It is not enough to submit a claim once. Without regular reports and structured follow-up, many claims come to nothing. This is where digital solutions play a decisive role: they not only help to make open items transparent, but also facilitate escalation to management.

4. Visualize and incentivize claim performance

What cannot be measured will not be managed. A dashboard for claim performance creates transparency - and ensures that teams are motivated to consistently pursue outstanding claims. If you make the financial effect of successfully enforced claims on the company's results visible, you can put your organization on a more profitable track in the long term.

The solution: Automated claiming with Digital Automotive

Digital Automotive offers an integrated solution for companies that no longer want to put up with tacitly accepted quantity deviations. The advantage:

✅ Automatic identification of all quantity deviations

✅Structured end-to-end claim process from definition to receipt of payment

✅ Real-time reporting and transparent tracking of open claims

✅ Performance visualization to optimize the success rate

The result: a sustainable increase in profitability.

Conclusion: Claiming is not a nice-to-have - it's essential for survival

At a time when margins are under pressure and every percentage point of EBIT counts, suppliers cannot afford to do without quantity claims. Without a well thought-out process, however, a lot of money is left lying around. The solution lies in automation: using digital tools to record and enforce contract deviations in real time not only secures short-term earnings, but also strengthens competitiveness in the long term.

👉 Would you like to know how Digital Automotive can automate your claim processes? Book a live demo now at Digital Automotive