APL Logistics

Senior Analyst – Quality & Process Improvement

APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive Pvt. Ltd. | 1 Year | India

Working with APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive was a defining chapter in my early career, where I gained hands-on exposure to quality management systems, Six Sigma methodology, and large-scale logistics operations in the automotive sector. As a Senior Analyst, I led key initiatives that directly contributed to process standardization, operational efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction for one of India’s most advanced rail-based vehicle logistics networks.

Company Background: Rail Logistics Reimagined for Automotive OEMs

APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive Pvt. Ltd. is a joint venture between APL Logistics (a global leader in supply chain management) and VASCOR Ltd. (a US-based specialist in finished vehicle logistics). The company was formed to address India’s complex vehicle distribution challenges through rail-based automotive transport solutions.

Operating with licensing from the Indian Railways, the company combines global best practices with local logistics expertise. It was the first 3PL in India licensed to run dedicated automotive rail services, offering vehicle manufacturers a cost-effective, efficient, and safe alternative to road transport.

My Role: Quality Systems and Process Optimization

As a Senior Analyst in the quality function, my role focused on two major pillars:

• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Implementation

• Six Sigma Project to Improve Rail Car Loading Process

These responsibilities allowed me to work cross-functionally with operations, engineering, safety, and client-facing teams while leading strategic improvements in systems and performance.

ISO 9001:2015 Implementation Project

One of my primary responsibilities was leading the implementation of ISO 9001:2015 across the organization’s rail-based logistics hubs and operations. This was critical not only for compliance and business credibility but also for driving internal consistency and continuous improvement across all functions.

My contributions included:

Conducting gap analysis of existing operational procedures against ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for railcar loading, inspection, and shipment processes.

Training frontline employees and supervisors in document control, internal audits, and quality objectives.

Supporting internal audits and preparing the organization for successful external certification audits.

Establishing a Quality Manual and documentation system aligned with global logistics standards.

This initiative laid the groundwork for consistent quality practices, improved traceability, and more structured internal controls, positioning the company as a reliable logistics partner to top automotive OEMs.

Six Sigma Project: Damage-Free Car Loading in Rail Transport

Another major highlight of my role was conducting a Six Sigma project aimed at reducing damage during the car loading and unloading process in automotive railcars. This was a critical quality issue impacting both customer satisfaction and operational cost.

As the project lead, I followed the DMAIC methodology:

Define: Identified customer complaints and warranty claims due to vehicle scratches, bumper misalignment, and mirror damage during rail transit.

Measure: Collected baseline damage data across different loading points, train configurations, and ramp conditions.

Analyze: Used root cause analysis (Fishbone Diagram, 5 Whys) and statistical tools to identify that most damage was occurring due to variability in loading ramp angles, inconsistent lashing, and poor visibility during alignment.

Improve: Collaborated with operations and engineering to:

Introduce revised lashing procedures.

Standardize ramp angles and install visual guides for alignment.

Train drivers on best practices for vehicle spacing and speed during loading.

Control: Monitored post-implementation metrics using checklists and dashboards, ensuring sustained improvements.

Results:

Over 40% reduction in vehicle damage incidents within three months.

Improved turnaround time and enhanced OEM confidence in rail logistics.

This project not only saved cost but also reinforced the company's commitment to quality and innovation in the Indian automotive logistics space.

Skills Developed

During my time at APL Logistics VASCOR, I gained and sharpened the following skills:

• ISO 9001:2015 QMS development and audit preparedness

• Process mapping and SOP creation

• Six Sigma problem-solving (DMAIC, SPC, RCA tools)

• Operational risk identification and mitigation

• Cross-functional stakeholder coordination

• Data-driven performance analysis

• Employee training and quality culture development

Conclusion

My experience at APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive was a foundational step in my journey as a quality and process improvement professional. It allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a logistics transformation story, where global systems met Indian ground realities, and helped drive improvements that directly impacted efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Whether through structured quality systems or hands-on problem-solving, I consistently focused on delivering measurable value. This experience continues to shape the way I approach quality and operations in every role that followed.