Brochure
Modular Zone Controller Platform
Collaboration enhances the secure, timely exchange of sovereign data within the automotive value chain
Flex has announced the successful launch of the Catena-X-based electronic control unit (ECU) data exchange with BMW Group. The ECU use case marks the first multiregional collaboration between Flex and BMW Group using Catena-X open source, peer-to-peer data space technology. Catena-X is a collaborative global initiative in the automotive industry aimed at creating a digital ecosystem for timely, sovereign, and secure data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders across the value chain. The standards-based digital infrastructure developed for the ECU use case enables the fast, seamless, and secure exchange of authentication data as parts enter the BMW Group’s dealer network from Flex manufacturing sites across APAC, EMEA, and North America.
As an ECU comes off the Flex production line, identifying data is sent to BMW Group for confirmation that it is accurate and valid. Upon acknowledgement, Flex packs and ships the ECU to its BMW Group destination.
The digital infrastructure, active across sites and regions, provides a unified approach to ECU authentication and tracking.
“On average, thousands of ECU-related data exchanges are executed between BMW Group and Flex every day,” said Anja Lang, Head of Catena-X, BMW Group.
Our collaboration with Flex enhances the ability to confirm the authenticity of ECUs as they move through the ecosystem using a highly standardized and modular use case architecture.
— Anja Lang, Head of Catena-X, BMW Group
“As an early member of the Catena-X collaborative ecosystem, Flex is dedicated to advancing this pivotal data exchange technology throughout the automotive value chain to increase resiliency,” said Mike Thoeny, President of the Automotive Business at Flex. “We are proud to collaborate with BMW Group on the first multiregional Catena-X based ECU data exchange, enabling the seamless, secure transfer of authentication data.”
Additionally, Flex is actively deploying and piloting other Catena-X use cases that build on this achievement, including traceability, product carbon footprint, quality management, and certificate management.
