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The Solution
Nissan partnered with Keelvar to implement Sourcing Optimizer and Autonomous Sourcing across their logistics procurement operations. The solution addressed their needs through two interconnected capabilities: advanced scenario optimization and intelligent automation.
Optimized Sourcing for Complex Logistics
Keelvar's sourcing optimization capabilities gave Nissan's team the analytical power to handle their most complex events. Rather than relying on manual Excel analysis or custom scripts, buyers could now evaluate thousands of bids and award scenarios simultaneously — factoring in cost, service levels, lane coverage, and carrier preferences in a single platform.
Scenario modelling allowed the team to move beyond simple low-cost selection. Reports surfaced top contenders automatically, and buyers could layer additional criteria on top of the baseline to arrive at award decisions that reflected Nissan's actual business priorities — not just headline pricing.
Automation for Scale and Consistency
Keelvar's Autonomous Sourcing transformed how Nissan handled routine and high-volume events. Intelligent sourcing agents automated repetitive tasks — from bid sheet distribution to supplier communication and feedback — allowing the procurement team to run more events with the same headcount.
One practical example is the use of an Autonomous Sourcing Agent for Inbound Production studies. With pre-built templates already in place, business unit stakeholders can initiate and run sourcing events directly in Keelvar, keeping the process consistent regardless of who is running it and reducing the coordination burden on the central procurement team.
Centralized communication also transformed supplier relationships. Where interactions had previously been transactional and inconsistent, Keelvar provided a single channel for all bidder engagement — during events, post-award, and for declined suppliers. The result was a measurable improvement in supplier satisfaction and broader platform adoption across the carrier base.
"The ability to quickly adapt and listen to ever-changing needs is what makes this relationship work. We're exploring a lot of different possibilities and Keelvar has been very supportive — coming up with solutions that fit what we actually need."
— Senior Manager, Logistics Procurement, Nissan
A Structured Path to Adoption
Nissan's rollout was deliberately phased, beginning with finished vehicles before expanding to aftersales and parts inbound for domestic production — three logistics categories are now active on the platform. To drive consistent usage, management made Keelvar adoption a formal objective, requiring buyers to run at least one to two sourcing events through the platform in their first six months. This structured approach removed ambiguity, gave buyers early hands-on experience in a low-stakes environment, and let the tool's benefits speak for themselves.
The team has organically evolved into a de facto Centre of Excellence — extending Keelvar access across the supply chain organization, including view-only access for operational stakeholders who need visibility without running events themselves. This model keeps governance centralized while giving the broader business the transparency it needs.
The Results
Since adopting Keelvar, Nissan has achieved significant and sustained improvements across cost, efficiency, and supplier engagement.
Dramatic Reduction in Cycle Time
Average sourcing event duration fell from 25 days to 12 — a 49% reduction. What previously required weeks of data gathering, manual analysis, and back-and-forth communication now completes in less than half the time, allowing the team to respond faster to market conditions and carrier availability.
Significant Cost Optimization
Nissan successfully optimized $234M in spend to realize $62M in cumulative savings — a 26.5% reduction. Critically, this was achieved without sacrificing the quality of sourcing decisions. The goal was never just pricing — it was pricing accuracy, obtained faster.
Sustained Capacity with Fewer Resources
The procurement team transitioned from six to five buyers while maintaining the same scope of work. Rather than reflecting a reduction in capability, this demonstrates the productivity multiplier Keelvar delivered: the same commercial outcomes, achieved more efficiently, with headcount freed to focus on strategic priorities.
Finished Vehicle Logistics: A Category Transformed
The Finished Vehicle side of Nissan's logistics operation emerged as a flagship success story. Decreases in workload, email volume, and manual processing time were substantial — and the visibility provided by Keelvar allowed the team to manage a larger number of carriers without a corresponding increase in administrative burden.
Improved Supplier Engagement
Keelvar replaced a fragmented, email-driven supplier communication model with a centralized, automated approach. Suppliers now receive consistent updates at every stage of a sourcing event and structured feedback whether they win or lose. The platform's ease of use has driven higher participation rates, with more carriers engaging per event than under the previous manual process.
Audit-Ready Governance
Every sourcing event is now fully traceable — who participated, what decisions were made, and at which stage. This transparency supports internal governance requirements and simplifies audit processes without adding any administrative overhead for buyers.
