BMW Group:
on the way to a digitally connected supply chain with Catena-X.

The open data ecosystem Catena-X connects international supply chains, taking digitalization along the entire BMW Group value chain to a new level. The aim is to create transparent, resilient and data-sovereign supply chain in which information flows securely and in a standardised manner. The benefits: measurable efficiency gains, higher quality, and traceability of data throughout the entire value chain.

Global supply chains are facing new challenges: increasing complexity and dynamic markets require greater transparency and collaboration. Given these circumstances, Catena-X was launched in 2021 to connect companies worldwide and strengthen the resilience of the industry. This made it clear that digitalization is the key to making value creation more stable and efficient in the future.

From vision to networked reality in just a few years: Catena-X is now a key part of the automotive industry's digital transformation. This open, collaborative data ecosystem enables secure, standardized data exchange between manufacturers, suppliers and partners. Companies always retain data sovereignty. In this way, a connected ecosystem has gradually emerged, continuously evolving from within the industry.

The BMW Group is one of the co-initiators and, together with its partners, has been promoting the networking of the industry since 2021. The goal is to create resilient and efficient supply chains that can respond flexibly to market changes and help companies meet regulatory requirements. The concrete benefits of the open data ecosystem approach are already evident. Examining how it is being used in practice reveals the areas in which it is already being applied.

The BMW Group is increasingly integrating Catena-X into its procurement and production processes—demonstrating how data is becoming the key to a resilient supply chain. Standardized data flows and close collaboration with partners enable the industry to address its central challenges, from material shortages to rising regulatory requirements and growing quality demands.

These data standards are not limited to Europe; they set benchmarks worldwide. In North America, for example, a Catena-X hub has been established in collaboration with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), and in China, the network works closely with both the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Catena-X has been globally oriented from the very beginning, even though it was initiated as a German funding project. The network is thus consistently evolving into a global data backbone for the automotive industry.
However, the way in which Catena-X is used in everyday practice is crucial. The following examples illustrate its practical application along the value chain.

In the age of electromobility, it is becoming increasingly important to be transparent regarding the origin and composition of components. The EU Battery Regulation is just one of many regulations being introduced worldwide that require reliable traceability throughout the entire battery life cycle. This is where Catena-X steps in: the data ecosystem not only creates the technical infrastructure, but also common rules and standards. These include binding data contracts, clear principles of data sovereignty and interoperable formats that enable information such as CO₂ footprints and material composition to be exchanged digitally, securely and uniformly.

In this way, Catena-X not only meets regulatory requirements but also promotes transparency and sustainability in the supply chain. 

In the production process, every minute counts: defective parts must be detected early on to prevent interruptions, rework and warranty costs, and to ensure product quality. The digital lock notification in the Catena-X network allows suppliers to efficiently report critical components, thereby preventing costly rework. This enables information to be exchanged more quickly, errors to be minimised through targeted updates and the resilience of the supply chain to be strengthened. In times of global challenges, it is those who respond quickly and based on data that ensure the continuity of production.

The video below demonstrated the first successful implementation and integration of the “blocking notification” use case within internal processes and systems.

Another milestone: Since April 2025, Catena-X registration has been an integral part of the BMW Group's procurement process. Suppliers who are Catena-X ready meet the technical requirements for data exchange and benefit from centralized, secure certificate management, for example. Quality and compliance certificates such as AEO/CTPAT, IATF 16949, and ISO 9001 will in future be shared centrally via Catena-X with all partners involved in the network – instantly with one click. Although the interfaces to various customer portals will continue to exist, the maintenance effort will be significantly reduced thanks to one-time, centralized data maintenance.

This significantly improves collaboration efficiency. In addition, programs such as the Readiness Booster make it easier to enter the data ecosystem and lower the barriers to entry for companies of almost any size. The Readiness Booster program includes training, onboarding and certification. It provides essential knowledge and practical support for basic data exchange, as well as assistance with certification as a “Catena-X Ready Company.”

Catena-X is much more than just a technical framework: It brings together numerous elements that collectively support the transformation of the entire industry—including data sovereignty, interoperable standards, data contracts, and robust security mechanisms. By focusing on transparency, sustainability, and efficiency, it creates an industrial standard that fosters innovation and strengthens companies like the BMW Group in a dynamic market. Data isn’t simply shared, it ensures long-term viability for the future.