Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Auto Supply Chain Champions
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Reinvention Mindset for Supply Chain Leaders with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:32:20 | |
Is your organization ready to thrive in a world of constant disruption? Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Chief Reinvention Officer and founder of the Reinvention Academy joins Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths on Auto Supply Chain Prophets to explore why reinvention has become the top priority for businesses worldwide. The days of long business cycles are over. Today, the average lifespan of a business model is down to just five years. With change accelerating across industries, companies can no longer rely on incremental improvements—they must embrace reinvention as an ongoing, proactive process. But what does reinvention look like? From Philips' shift from consumer electronics to medical imaging to how a Slovenian heating company found its future in the automotive sector, Dr. Nadya's real-world examples reveal how rethinking strengths and opportunities can open new doors. She also introduces The Titanic Syndrome, her groundbreaking book that draws a parallel between the Titanic's fate and the challenges modern businesses face. With striking examples—from Kodak's demise to startling statistics about Fortune 500 turnover—Dr. Nadya challenges leaders to rethink their approach before their organizations hit their own iceberg. The real challenge? Culture. To address this, Dr. Nadya offers practical advice for leaders: gather your team for a "75-5 Exercise" that encourages them to rethink long-held assumptions and establish new rules for thriving in today's fast-paced world. Dr. Nadya's message is clear: Stability is gone, and disruption is here to stay. Leaders must adjust their mindsets and embrace reinvention as a continuous journey. By doing so, they can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure their organizations not only survive but thrive. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva Title: Founder & Chief Reinvention Officer, Reinvention Academy About: Known as “The Reinvention Guru” and “The Queen of Reinvention,” Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is a scientist, entrepreneur, and acclaimed author with expertise in resilience and reinvention. She has guided organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Coca-Cola, Cisco, L’Oréal, Danone, Henkel, Erste Bank, Danfoss, and Knauf Insulation in transforming their products, leadership strategies, and business models to adapt to shifting market demands and anticipate future disruptions. Nadya has delivered keynotes and workshops to over 500,000 executives, including four TEDx talks. Her award-winning books, along with her contributions to Forbes and Harvard Business Review, further solidify her as a thought leader in her field. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [03:30] Why Reinvention Matters Now: The lifespan of a business model has shrunk from 75 years to just five. Dr. Nadya explains why reinvention must be a continuous, proactive process—more like brushing your teeth than a one-time project—to keep up with today’s fast-paced world of change. [06:39] What Reinvention Really Means: Dr. Nadya defines reinvention as managing a diverse portfolio of changes—ranging from incremental tweaks to radical transformations. She emphasizes that there’s no universal formula; each company must develop its own approach, blending continuous innovation and system-wide reinvention to adapt and thrive. [09:33] Rebuilding Trust in Change: Employee support for change has plummeted—from 74% in 2016 to just 43% 5 years later. Dr. Nadya explains how broken psychological contracts and constant disruptions fuel resistance and why quick wins and confidence-building are key to re-engaging teams. [14:47] Reinvention in Action: What do you do well, and who else might need it? Philips transformed from TVs to medical imaging, and Hidria pivoted from heating systems to automotive parts, proving the power of aligning core strengths with new market opportunities. [18:23] The Titanic Syndrome: Dr. Nadya shares how her consulting journey began unexpectedly and led to her groundbreaking book, The Titanic Syndrome. She explains how overconfidence, resistance to change, and lost knowledge spell disaster for modern companies. [23:04] Turning Crises into Opportunity: Dr. Nadya introduces the “75-5 Exercise,” a powerful team activity that revisits outdated rules from the long-cycle era and creates strategies tailored to today’s fast-changing environment. By rethinking old methods and embracing the new normal, teams can turn constant disruption into a competitive advantage. [29:29] A Painful Business Metaphor: Using a live example with CEOs, Dr. Nadya demonstrates how many businesses are stuck in temporary fixes, refusing to adjust for long-term change. Her advice? “Adjust your chair” and embrace reinvention as a permanent mindset to stop the discomfort. Top Quotes: [05:13] Nadya: “If in the 20th century, the average life cycle of a business model was 75 years. This year, the average life cycle of a business model, including monopolies, mining, metals, and all those very long-cycle companies, is five years. Meaning you have to reinvent faster than you have ever done before. And 20% of companies today are reinventing faster than the budgetary price cycle, faster than every 12 months. So, when you are at this speed of change, things are moving very fast: new technology, new regulations, new customer demands, new competitors; you have to go faster and faster. And that's why reinvention is becoming such a big, big thing. Is that we recognize that incremental change is no longer sufficient. You still need to do it, but you cannot limit yourself only to incremental change.” [10:20] Nadya: “Just in 2016, on average, 74% of employees were willing to support enterprise change, 74%. Five years later, it was only 43% and falling. Most employees today are actually trying to prevent their companies from changing, and statistics from another organization, Gallup, actually show that an average of 15% of employees are actively sabotaging their businesses, their companies, and their bosses in trying to prevent change from happening. So, they're in a state of active sabotage. That's Gallup 2024 research. Those two numbers combined, those two studies combined, tell me that the way we approach change is all wrong.” [19:48] Nadya: “By 2014, the number of companies that were in desperate need of reinvention and were facing bankruptcy was through the roof. And I couldn't figure out what it is, because most of them think it's a technical or technological problem. If we only figured out the right technology, we would solve it. That's a very typical mistake. When I stand in front of a group of people and ask them, "What killed Kodak?" They say, "Digital photography." Great answer; the problem is Kodak invented digital photography; it was their own R&D. And that is the case for most companies; they think if we gather winning technology, this would be solving all our problems. No, it's a mindset problem. It's a management system problem.” [27:45] Nadya: “Stop thinking this is temporary. If it's not electric China, it will be COVID. If it's not COVID, it will be elections. If it's not an election, it will be a recession. If it's not a recession, it... | |||
| Embracing Ethical AI for Future-Ready Automotive Supply Chains | 02 Dec 2024 | 00:28:01 | |
AI is revolutionizing the automotive supply chain, but how do leaders harness its potential while staying true to ethical principles? In this episode, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths dive deep into the transformative power of AI with Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt, Head of IT Partner Management at ZF and a global thought leader on ethical AI. Charlotte's impressive career—spanning roles at Porsche, Volkswagen, Johnson & Johnson, and Amazon—gives her a unique perspective on how ethical AI is transforming the industry. Charlotte introduces ethical AI as the development of systems that prioritize fairness, transparency, and accountability. She explains how addressing challenges such as bias and privacy during development ensures these systems align with ethical standards. This approach, she explains, not only fosters trust with suppliers and partners but also gives businesses a competitive edge. For supply chain leaders, Charlotte offers practical insights on integrating AI into procurement and supply chain processes. She explains how AI can automate repetitive tasks, optimize decision-making, and strengthen supplier relationships. Through examples from industry leaders like IBM and Unilever, she shares the benefits of adopting ethical AI, from improving efficiency to meeting sustainability goals. This transformation, however, requires more than just technology—it demands a cultural shift. How do you ensure AI-driven decisions are fair? How do you build a governance framework to guide ethical AI integration? Most importantly, how do leaders move from the outdated command-and-control approach to a collaborative, trust-based supply chain? Charlotte's message is clear: The time to start embracing AI is now. The future is here, and the companies that embrace ethical AI today will lead the industry tomorrow. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of ethical AI in the automotive industry! Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Dr. Charlotte Anabelle de Brabandt Title: Head of IT Partner Management (with Procurement) & Deputy Head of IT Governance and Compliance, ZF Group About: Dr. Charlotte Anabelle de Brabandt is a recognized digital futurist and procurement expert with over a decade of international experience across industries such as automotive, technology, and pharmaceuticals. She’s a published author, TEDx speaker, ISM 30 under 30 Megawatt Winner, a key member of the (ISM®) Thought Leadership Council, Executive Board member of Global Women Procurement Professionals (GWPP), and Advisory Board member of the Global Council for Diversity and Inclusion in Procurement (and Supply Chain). Charlotte is passionate about fostering collaboration, building high-performing teams, and aligning procurement strategies with sustainability goals. With a global perspective and proven expertise, she continues to drive impactful change in procurement and IT governance. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [04:44] What is Ethical AI? Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt explains the concept of ethical AI and how it can provide competitive advantages for businesses that choose to adopt it. [06:07] Ethics vs. Economics: Global economic challenges may slow ethical AI adoption. However, technological advancements present opportunities for businesses to invest in AI that aligns with ethical practices and attracts value-driven customers. [08:03] AI in Supply Chain Management: AI transforms procurement, from automating tasks to strengthening supplier relationships. But its true potential lies in fostering trust—identifying risks, ensuring fairness, and enhancing transparency across every connection. [10:48] The Mindset Shift for AI: AI isn’t here to replace jobs but to elevate them. Handling repetitive tasks frees professionals to focus on creativity and high-value work. Examples from IBM and Unilever show its potential in improving efficiency and meeting sustainability goals. [20:09] Building Ethical AI Frameworks: Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt recommends starting with strong internal frameworks, leveraging resources like IEEE and European Commission guidelines, and tailoring best practices to fit your company’s goals. [24:27] The First Step in AI: The first step in adopting AI? Establish a governance framework that integrates ethics into every stage of AI development. [25:36] The Time to Act is Now: AI is evolving rapidly, and delaying adoption means missing opportunities. Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt reflects on how openness and collaboration can revolutionize procurement and drive innovation with ethical AI. Top Quotes: [05:06] Charlotte: “In the field of AI, ethical AI actually focuses on continuously developing artificial intelligence systems that ensure fairness, transparency, accountability, and respect for privacy. It is extremely crucial to get more familiar with this word, and as businesses evolve, integrating that ethical AI element is just essential to aligning technology with ethical standards and addressing biases, protecting data privacy. So, companies that then prioritize ethical AI, they get to build trust with their partners, with the vendors, they get to reduce risks, they gain a whole lot of competitive advantage, the whole competitive edge as being responsible leaders.” [08:34] Charlotte: “AI is definitely revolutionizing procurement and supply chain management by, very much, automating all the tasks that we have going on, also enhancing decision-making, and especially improving the supplier relationships. So, I would say key ethical considerations. They include avoiding these biases but also going more into depth into ensuring transparency and protecting sensitive data. And while AI can help to identify supply chain risks, in my opinion, it's just essential to ensure algorithms are fair and do not disadvantage specific suppliers or regions, if you would like to say.” [20:23] Charlotte: “Establishing a solid governance framework within the organization and integrating ethics into all stages of AI development and engaging the stakeholders for insights that should be the step number one. So, investing into trainings to build internal expertise and then staying informed. But for businesses aiming to then integrate ethical AI as the second step, I do recommend resources such as the IEEE guidelines, the European Commission’s AI ethics guidelines, and materials from the AI Now Institute, actually. Additionally, industry-specific resources and case studies can also be found just all over. And there is no perfect match, as there is never perfection around us, but there are just insights into best practices, sharing, and real-world applications of ethical AI.” [26:17] Charlotte: “When I started in 2009, working for Volkswagen, it was really just hiding the vendors and no information, and really having that poker face. But then, as time emerged and as COVID happened, and we went into that virtual environment, I remember I then hosted this global RFP, and for the first time, I actually set up a call with 77 vendors. And back... | |||
| Meet the Software Supplier in 600 Million Vehicles | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:27:15 | |
In this Auto Supply Chain Prophets episode, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths explore the world of automotive software and technology with their guest, Manoj Karwa, Chief Revenue Officer for the Americas at Elektrobit. Manoj dives into the exciting world of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and the advantages of open-source technology. He explains how SDVs, much like smartphones, will continually evolve with new features and improvements over time, enhancing everything from infotainment to safety. Elektrobit is at the forefront of these innovations, with its software powering over five billion devices across over 600 million vehicles. Manoj highlights Elektrobit's groundbreaking Linux OS solution, the first and only to meet ASIL B/SIL 2 safety requirements. This commitment underscores Elektrobit's dedication to advancing safer and more reliable Software-Defined Vehicles. The discussion also covers the challenges and importance of validating software to prevent issues like the recent CrowdStrike incident that caused the largest outage in the history of information technology. When it comes to choosing the right software partners, Manoj believes that opting for the cheapest option can backfire. Instead, he advocates for focusing on value and quality, drawing from his experience in the automotive industry. He notes that as the market becomes more fragmented with new players and technologies, flexibility and a commitment to delivering exceptional value will be key for supply chain leaders. Manoj concludes the episode with critical advice for leaders in the automotive supply chain: prioritize software above all else. He warns that failing to adapt to this software-driven future could lead to obsolescence, urging leaders to reinvent themselves or be left behind. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the auto supply chain looking to understand the future landscape of automotive technology and software's pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Manoj Karwa Title: Chief Revenue Growth Officer Americas at Elektrobit Automotive Americas Inc. About: Manoj Karwa, Chief Revenue Growth Officer Americas at Elektrobit Automotive Americas Inc., brings over 20 years of experience in the mobility industry, specializing in electric vehicle infrastructure, electric drive, power electronics, and energy storage systems. He has played key roles in scaling operations and facilitating acquisitions in the EV and renewable energy sectors, including overseeing the deployment of over 10,000 EV charging stations across major automakers and nearly 3,000 dealerships. Before Elektrobit, Manoj held leadership positions at EVBox, Leviton Manufacturing, General Motors, AT Kearney, and Ricardo Consulting and was part of the management team that led to the acquisition of Rhombus Energy Solutions for $185MM by BorgWarner, marking the largest North American electric vehicle infrastructure transaction to date. He also serves as a board member of the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute and holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University, and the University of Michigan. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [04:47] Elektrobit and Software-Defined Vehicles: Manoj introduces Elektrobit and delves into software-defined vehicles, explaining how it transforms cars into continuously updated platforms through software updates. [06:14] What is Open Source? Elektrobit's view and approach to open-source software highlight the collaborative benefits and the potential for rapid innovation and cost savings in the automotive industry. [09:00] A Leader in Automotive Software: Manoj explains Elektrobit's competitive edge in the industry and showcases the first and only Linux OS solution to comply with ASIL B/SIL 2 safety requirements. [10:29] Software Delivery: Manoj explains Elektrobit's various partnerships and commitment to over-the-air updates to integrate software with vehicles seamlessly. [11:29] CrowdStrike Incident: Manoj recounts his experience with a significant cybersecurity incident involving CrowdStrike, emphasizing the critical importance of validating software to prevent failures and ensure safety. [15:35] Cheapest is Not the Way to Go: Understand why opting for the cheapest solution in automotive software is a mistake. Manoj offers valuable advice for industry leaders looking to partner with software providers. [19:24] Why Offer Software? Companies should start offering software solutions to position themselves at the forefront of the automotive industry's shift towards Software-Defined Vehicles. [24:38] Think of Software First: Manoj explains the disruptive impact of prioritizing software development before hardware design and how embracing this mindset is crucial for automotive companies' future survival and competitiveness. Top Quotes: [05:34] Manoj: “What is Software-Defined Vehicles? Well, just like your smartphone, when you first buy it, it keeps getting better. The expectation is there are more features and more benefits, and you're going to evolve; the vehicle will evolve over time to meet customer and fleet requirements. There's a wide range of sensors to provide inputs, and there's communication internally and externally. The expectation is that it's not a one-and-done, that you buy it, and this is the experience. But the fact is that it'll get better over time; it'll delight you either with infotainment, with safety, with performance, with diagnostics; this is what's happening now, and this is the future.” [14:15] Manoj: “The example that happened with the airlines and the hotels (CrowdStrike), that was not a malicious attack. But when we're talking about autonomous, connected, shared vehicles, if this occurs, this is why it's so important to validate software, either through virtualization, through demonstrations, upfront, before you push it forward. I can only imagine what would happen in the US or any other country where a type of vehicle or a segment of the market just slows down or gets stopped. It made me very thoughtful about what I'm doing today with Elektrobit and how important embedded software is in everything we use, especially transportation.” [17:05] Manoj: “I need to differentiate between providing more value to the customer and more value in terms of either quality or saving them time... | |||
| Celebrating 6 of 60: Review of the Best Supply Chain Practices from our Podcast | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:28:32 | |
In this special milestone episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, co-hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths celebrate reaching their 60th episode by revisiting six key moments from previous episodes that highlight the core mission of their show: preparing leaders in the auto industry for the future. First up is TS Tech's innovative approach to MMOG/LE standard implementation. They share how Wendy and Jeff, key figures in MMOG/LE compliance, shed light on the often-overlooked material side of the supply chain. Next, they explore risk management with insights from Christopher Mattingly, former VP of Transportation for Stellantis, who underscores the critical need for risk management in supply chains, sharing practical advice on contingency planning. Shifting gears to the EV space, they revisit the comeback story of Volta Truck, an EV startup, showing how important training and alignment are in overcoming challenges in the auto industry. In another segment, Terry and Jan delve into the enduring relevance of EDI, with Fred Coe likening it to the industry's lifeblood, and touch on the potential of new technologies like APIs. They also discuss QAD's Red Zone in an episode with Kevin Shayer, who explains how implementing the connected workforce solution boosted their company's productivity and engagement. The final highlight is the episode with Mike Payoink, whose passion for moving beyond spreadsheets to a standardized, automated process across different plants demonstrates the significant benefits of real-time visibility and collaboration in managing quality and supplier issues. In a captivating wrap-up, they identify five key success factors drawn from their extensive podcast journey, offering listeners actionable advice for navigating the future of the auto supply chain. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: Jan is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President and founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she hosts the Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:59] TS Tech's MMOG/LE Journey: TS Tech's implementation of the MMOG/LE standard showcased the power of consensus and thorough education. Their approach ensured everyone, from plant managers to all departments, understood the mission, significantly impacting their success. [08:01] Only the Paranoid Survives: Christopher Mattingly, a former VP at Stellantis, stresses the importance of risk management, emphasizing that disruptions are inevitable and preparation is crucial. He advocates for proactive contingency planning, asserting that "only the paranoid survive." [11:44] Volta Truck's Comeback: Shiv Tailor from Volta Truck talks about the company's remarkable comeback from the brink of failure. Their successful rebound is attributed to practical training and level-setting across their diverse team, ensuring everyone understood key supply chain and quality processes. [14:33] The Future of Automotive EDI: Fred Coe's discussion on EDI highlights its enduring significance, likening it to electricity—essential and often taken for granted. Despite being around for decades, EDI remains crucial, with potential new developments like APIs being explored to enhance its functionality. [16:46] Stepping into the Red Zone: Implementing the... | |||
| The Route to Success: Understanding Transportation Dynamics in Supply Chain Management | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:29:02 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths interview Christopher Mattingly, a seasoned veteran of over 40 years in the automotive industry. Being a retired Vice President of Transportation at Stellantis, Christoper is here to talk about the dynamics of the transportation aspect of automotive supply chain management. Christopher begins by sharing an important milestone in his professional journey: his time as a production supervisor at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant. He reflects on how industry leader Dick Dauch helped shape his career and inspired him to climb the corporate ladder. With experience in nearly every aspect of the supply chain, Christopher shares his thoughts on where the automotive supply chain should focus today: end-to-end visibility and schedule stability. He outlines his vision of a perfect supply chain and discusses potential solutions that would make the supply chain world a lot easier to deal with. "There's no better way than communication," says Christopher. To answer Terry's question on enabling better collaboration, Christopher suggests that no department should be left to solve its problems; instead, we should all work together and strive to advance the company's overall objectives. Regarding his transportation role, Christopher discusses the number one issue the transportation world faces today: capacity and the need to develop cost-effective solutions. He shares some of the disruptions he encountered in his career and the solutions they have applied, providing valuable insights into navigating the transportation aspect of supply chain management. In light of the massive transformation in the automotive industry, Christopher said that leaders must embrace the mindset of contingency planning, echoing the phrase, "Only the paranoid survive." He stresses that while it's challenging and requires discipline and collaboration, investing in robust contingency plans is crucial for leaders to navigate inevitable issues in the industry's transformation. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Christopher Mattingly Title: Retired Vice President of Transportation at Stellantis North America About: Christopher Mattingly is a seasoned automotive industry expert with over 40 years of experience. A Wayne State grad, he started as a production supervisor at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in the 1980s and retired as Vice President of Transportation at Stellantis. With a diverse background in Supply Chain Management, Christopher excels in Logistics, Procurement, Supplier Quality, and more. Known for his dedication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, he has consistently driven operational improvements and new product launches. Passionate about mentoring and motivating his teams, Christopher is respected across all levels of the industry. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Episode Highlights: [03:25] Young Christopher’s Dream: Christopher reflects on his early career at Warren Assembly, admitting he had no clue about transportation back then. Inspired by Dick Dauch, a revered leader who became a plant manager at 30, young Christopher aimed for the same. [05:19] The Main Focus: Diving into the world of supply chains, Christopher identifies two key areas we should focus on: achieving end-to-end visibility and maintaining stable production schedules. [09:54] Collaboration 101: "There's no better way than communication," Christopher said. To foster collaboration, he said we should align objectives and have inclusive meetings where all departments work together to tackle challenges and deliver effective solutions that advance the company's overall goals. [13:55] The Need for Capacity: Christopher tackles the biggest challenge transportation faces today—capacity, from ports to trucking—and the need for cost-effective solutions. He shares his experiences managing these challenges and ensuring efficient supply chain operations in the face of disruptions. [21:45] “Firefighter” Mentality: Terry and Christopher discuss the importance of moving from a reactive "firefighting" mentality in supply chain management to a proactive approach. They stress the need to learn from past crises to create strong contingency plans and effectively use technology to ensure smoother operations and readiness for unexpected disruptions. [25:46] Only the Paranoid Survives: Christopher emphasized the importance of contingency planning as the industry embraces transformation. Drawing from his past experiences in leadership, he encourages leaders to take a "paranoid" approach—being ready for and preventing disruptions through planning and tech integration to keep operations running smoothly and production on track. Top Quotes: [06:31] Christopher: “My vision has always been to have that end-to-end visibility of those parts. And it's not an easy thing to do. When you think about it, in today's world, we measure it and monitor it with websites with EDI, but it's all individual transactions from the different providers that you have. In the world that I see someday in the future, we're going to be able to grab that digital data from every one of these systems, standardize that data, and then compare and forecast when those arrivals are going to be and compare that to what the build plan is at our OEM plants. And then we'll know what's in trouble.” [09:54] Christopher: “The key for any kind of barrier busting is getting aligned on what each individual goal is in the different departments and looking for those areas where you can collaborate. Where you can work with each other for both of you to be able to meet your particular objectives.” [10:39] Christopher: “Just because it's a supplier quality issue doesn't mean it's just supplier quality's responsibility to help resolve that. Engineering needs to have their input in terms of what they need to do. The supply chain needs to be considered because maybe we have to change schedules in order to make that happen. So, how do you support making that happen? Manufacturing will have to implement or execute those things in the specific shop floor environments. So, getting aligned on what the particular objective is and figuring out how we can all collaborate to make that happen, I think, is important.” [12:39] Jan: “When people retreat back into those silos and protect their turf, that's when the problem starts. When you have leaders at the top that start to behave that way. Often, they don't realize that emulates all the way and disseminates all the way through the organization. And then people start behaving that way. So, it starts right at the top. When leaders at the top can say, yes, it doesn't matter whose issue it is, we're all in to solve this together as a team, as a business. That's when we can really move a culture forward.” [25:59] Christopher: “Only the paranoid survives. And it gets to that contingency planning type attitude when it comes to the supply chain. There are going to be problems. Things are going to go wrong. There are going to be failure modes. And so, what? We get paid to figure out how are we going to mitigate and minimize the impact of that particular issue. That's our responsibility, as leaders, to be able to do that contingency planning to make it happen. It's almost like you want to look at your supply chain as it's mapped out, and you would say to yourself, ‘What happens if I fail here? What's going to happen?’” | |||
| Inside Global Trade, Compliance, and Logistics | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:26:20 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths dive into the complexities of global trade, compliance, and logistics with their guest, Jeff Peterson, Director of Global Trade and Logistics at DRiV, a Tenneco company. Jeff digs into the challenges facing the trade compliance industry today. He highlights the ocean shipping container shortage, which has led to increased costs and delays. He also addresses other disruptions, such as port backups and global trade policies, which compound the complexities faced by professionals in the field. According to Jeff, staying informed through reliable 3PLs and brokers and leveraging technology and software applications is crucial in dealing with these issues. Jeff Peterson explains that they handle customs audits by focusing on security and compliance. They take a proactive "shift left" approach, doing necessary work upfront to avoid audits. Their comprehensive strategy helps mitigate risks to both business and national security. Talking about the challenges at the US-Mexico border, Jeff explains that security is the main focus. They use the CTPAT and FAST programs to facilitate smoother border crossings, similar to a TSA pre-check for cargo. These security measures help ensure efficient movement across the border. Jeff's passion for people development shines through as he discusses his strategies for talent growth. He believes in creating comprehensive programs that offer career paths, hands-on experiences, and continuous learning opportunities. When it comes to future-proofing the industry, Jeff advises Tier One and Tier Two leaders to focus on the people aspect of the business first, have an action plan, maintain pristine data, and be ready to pivot as necessary. He believes that while technology is vital, it's the dedication and expertise of individuals that truly drive success. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Jeffrey Peterson Title: Director, Global Trade and Logistics CI, DRiV Inc. – a Tenneco company. About: Jeff Peterson is a seasoned professional specializing in global trade and logistics. Currently serving as Director of Global Trade and Logistics CI at Tenneco, Jeff has extensive experience managing various functions, including Client Management, Reconciliation, Restricted Party Screening, and Export Operations, during his tenure at Livingston International. He has also led the Graduate Rotation and Development Program, aimed at cultivating entry-level talent for accelerated career growth. Jeff's expertise spans emergency management, cross-border improvement projects, and implementing supply chain processes to meet regulatory requirements. His leadership and contributions are instrumental in driving operational excellence and client satisfaction in international trade environments. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [04:48] Global Container Shortage: Regarding current customs and trade challenges, Jeff highlights the shortage of ocean shipping containers. With high demand and low capacity, he anticipates escalating costs and delays globally. [06:12] Staying Ahead of Global Events: Jeff shares how to stay on top of the issues they currently face in global trade, compliance, and logistics. He explains the importance of utilizing information from trusted partners and the use of technology. [09:46] Always Shift Left: Terry explores the risks of customs audits with Jeff, who advocates for proactive measures. Jeff stresses the importance of "shifting left" or doing necessary work upfront to avoid audits. [15:02] The US-Mexico Border: Outlining the challenges at the US-Mexico border, Jeff talks about their focus on security and their use of programs to expedite cross-border movements. [19:05] People and Talent Development: Discussing his commitment to talent development, Jeff believes in structured programs and wide-ranging experiences to cultivate skills and perspectives essential for success in customs and trade. [23:19] Advice for Supply Chain Leaders: Jeff advises leaders to focus on the people aspect of the business first, have an action plan, maintain pristine data, and be ready to pivot as necessary. Top Quotes: [04:54] Jeff: “I think the biggest thing that I'm dealing with right now, and I think it's unfortunately going to get worse, it's the ocean shipping container shortage. We're facing high demands and low capacity, and that's starting to come down the pipeline right now. So, it's not necessarily a trade compliance issue. It's a global trade impact, and it's going to get progressively worse. So, if you're talking about one thing that I'm dealing with right now, that's it. We're going to expect higher container costs. We're going to expect delays at the moment.” [07:47] Jeff: “There's a lot of software opportunities out there that you can rely on, so you could put your supply chain in a software application that'll analyze risk for you. So, we rely heavily on that. That's beyond basic restricted party screening, where you're actually looking at your suppliers for a risk base, or you're actually looking at your supply chain environment. So, we have labor disputes, you have natural disasters, you have things like that, and they can actually put your supply chain into software and detect where risks might be to kind of put you into that challenge at hand. So, that would be probably one of the other areas that I would concentrate on.” [10:30] Jeff: “With audits and risks, always shift left. So, that means you're doing the work upfront. You're doing the work while it's happening, not in an audit. So, we don't wait for audits. We don't want to prepare for an audit. We want to avoid an audit. And by doing so, it's developing that risk analysis, doing our own internal audit. So, if a governing agency came to you and presented you, we can say, 'Okay, here's our audit results. We've done most of the work for you. Show us where you think we've done right or where you think there's holes in it, and if you ask us to validate it, we have a proper audit trail to do it.'” [12:31] Jeff: “I think in the supply chain, you have that visibility, that end-to-end on the inbound from the suppliers, on the outbound to the customers, and everything in between. That connection with purchasing, corrective actions on suppliers that are challenged, and getting data on the back end in countries that have indirect tax implications: Europe and Mexico. A lot of times, you'll see more of an argument to go that direction, but generally, that's what I would say is the | |||
| Collaborative Excellence: Merging Quality and Supply Chain | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:25:18 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, co-hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths welcome Steve Povenz, a recognized leader in automotive quality, to discuss the crucial integration of quality and supply chain functions. Steve believes quality and supply chain are inseparable and fundamental to an organization's success. He points out that many organizations fail because these functions operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for improvement. He stresses that quality should be proactive and collaborative, engaging with other departments to understand and mitigate issues before they arise. Steve highlights the importance of regular cross-functional reviews and the use of technology to bridge gaps, streamline processes, and enhance data accuracy. He praises Terry and Cathy Fisher's 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes as a comprehensive roadmap for improving these integrations. Jan and Steve discuss the impact of leadership and culture in fostering collaboration between quality and supply chains. Steve says effective leadership and shared goals lead to successful outcomes regardless of organizational structure. They touch upon the need for evolving standards like IATF 16949 to keep pace with industry changes, particularly the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. Steve encourages quality professionals to engage with AIAG, participate in summits, and provide feedback to help shape the future of automotive quality standards. The episode concludes with Steve's practical advice for leaders in the automotive supply chain: engage with quality counterparts, involve them in daily operations, and leverage their expertise to solve problems collaboratively. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Steve Povenz Title: Visionary Global Quality Leader, Director of Quality at Shape Corp. About: Steve is a visionary global quality leader with extensive expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS) and project management. As the Director of Quality at Shape Corp. for 18 years, he has driven significant improvements in customer satisfaction, cost reduction, and quality standards. Steve excels in fostering organizational growth, creating an empowered employee experience, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. His multicultural corporate background highlights his proficiency in quality leadership and relationship management. Additionally, Steve actively contributes to industry groups, including the AIAG and Eastern Michigan University, and serves on Nissan Motor Corporation's Supplier Quality Council. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [03:11] Quality and supply chain: Both quality and supply chain are crucial, and recognizing their interdependence is critical to organizational success. [03:50] Addressing silos: Steve highlights the need for quality functions to proactively collaborate and take accountability to build a resilient supply chain. [07:08] 24 Essential Processes: Steve praises the 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes as an excellent roadmap for integrating quality and supply chain functions to enhance overall effectiveness. [12:44] Leadership and Collaboration: Effective collaboration and shared goals between quality and supply chain leaders are crucial to achieving organizational success and leveraging technology effectively. [19:03] Adapting to EV Risks: As the industry shifts to electric vehicles, IATF 16949 processes must strengthen risk management and agility to keep pace with rapid technological changes. [20:34] Volunteering at AIAG: Steve encourages professionals to get involved with AIAG, highlighting the benefits of networking and contributing to industry best practices through volunteering and providing feedback. [23:38] Invite them over: Steve offers practical advice for leaders in the automotive supply chain on improving collaboration with their quality counterparts. Top Quotes: [03:15] Steve: “Terry, when we first met, we had the conversation, and I had joked with you a little bit, and I said, 'Quality, Terry, is everything.' But you could also turn around and say to me, 'Oh, Steve, supply chain is everything,' and the truth is, we would both be right. There is no quality without a supply chain, and it's important that we recognize that. In fact, we could even say that it starts with the supply chain. No matter where you're at, you're dependent upon your supply chain for your performance as an organization.” [08:05] Steve: “Utilizing the 24 Essential Processes of Supply Chain really sets you up for planning, execution, monitoring, and corrective action; that whole PDCA cycle that needs to take place within the supply chain. If the quality professional is not engaged with those and doesn't understand what's being done upstream, that's going to make their job a lot more difficult in manufacturing.” [10:31] Steve: “All functions throughout the organization need to be committed to that common goal of safely delivering a quality product to our customer on time, every time, at the lowest possible cost, and we need to continue to work to drive that cost down, and quite often, the use of technology can help us. Whether it's more accurate ordering, faster responses throughout the supply chain, and that connection to our operations, leveraging technology to do that is really vital.” [14:38] Steve: “No matter where supplier quality resides, if it's in the supply chain or it's reporting up to the quality function, if we're siloed, one silo is going to be disappointed and feel like they're not being served. It's vitally important for quality function leadership along with the supply chain leadership to be synced up, to be seeing things the same way, to have that common goal, and how we're going to get there.” [19:47] Steve: “New products and new processes mean risk. Couple that with our speed to market because we're going at a breakneck speed now more than ever, and it's going to continue to get more. We were taking on this increased risk when we had less time to mitigate that risk. So, I think, while the last revision of the IATF 16949 really was focused on risk, I think that we need to... | |||
| AutoCulture 2.0: Shifting Leadership and Culture in the Auto Supply Chain | 20 May 2024 | 00:25:12 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths switch things up as Terry interviews Jan about her new book, AutoCulture 2.0. The conversation starts with Jan sharing the intense yet fulfilling journey of launching her book, which has already reached number one in Amazon's leadership category. Jan explains that her book is designed to drive a much-needed cultural shift in the auto industry. She stresses that while the industry is buzzing with technological transformations like EV adoption and smart cities, the focus must also be on evolving leadership and culture to match this rapid change. Terry and Jan delve into the importance of effective communication and stakeholder buy-in for successful change initiatives. They highlight how a collaborative approach, rather than a command-and-control style, can drive better results and innovation within the supply chain. The discussion also touches on personal stories that shaped their leadership styles. Jan shares how her father's farming background and pub negotiations subtly taught her invaluable leadership and negotiation skills. Terry recalls the lessons her father imparted, emphasizing the profound impact fathers can have on their daughters' careers. The episode wraps up with Jan advising listeners to reflect on their own leadership identity and values. She encourages leaders to be clear and intentional about who they are, which will, in turn, help inspire and guide their teams more effectively. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: Jan is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President & Founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she is the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world. With her extensive experience and commitment to fostering positive change, Jan is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive landscape. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [04:15] Book Overview: Jan dives into the book, emphasizing how important it is to match the culture of the automotive industry with its technological advancements. [05:35] Technology and Culture: Jan discusses the critical link between technology adoption and organizational culture, highlighting how effective leadership and cultural alignment can mitigate the high failure rate of technology initiatives. [08:57] Command and Control: Discussing common pitfalls, Jan explains why change initiatives often fail due to ineffective leadership and insufficient stakeholder engagement, highlighting the importance of buy-in and communication. [13:26] Make Them Understand: OEM mandates like MMOG/LE and EDI add savings at all levels; still, resistance often comes from a lack of understanding. Jan emphasizes that effective leadership means setting strategy and inspiring teams rather than micromanaging. [18:13] The Toyota Way: Highlighting Toyota's coaching mindset, they discuss the importance of nurturing supplier relationships and working collaboratively to achieve the best business outcomes rather than focusing solely on penalties and blame. [20:31] Parental Influence: Reflecting on childhood experiences, Jan and Terry share insights into the profound impact of parental guidance and influence on their personal and professional development. [23:18] Jan's Advice: Terry asks Jan for one actionable takeaway for listeners. Jan's advice: "Ask yourself, who are you as a leader?" Top Quotes: [03:28] Jan: “What really matters, and the reason I wrote the book, is to impact an entire industry. So, the question now is not how many books are we selling. It is what people are doing with these books. It's written in a way so that leaders in the auto industry can use it as a tool to open up dialogue about culture and about leadership. So, that's what I want to see, Terry. The real impact that we're going to feel in the industry.” [04:26] Jan: “We know the automotive industry right now is going through a massive transformation: EV adoption, we talk about batteries, we talk about technology, we talk about autonomous driving, smart cities, and on and on. We talk about this all day long, but what we're not talking about is the people and the culture required to go along with this change. Think about it this way. You wouldn't try to run a 4k video on a Windows 95 operating system. So, what makes you think that we can run this industry with the massive transformation that's going through right now, all the technology, the speed and agility that's required, the innovation, and on and on?” [22:55] Terry: “One of the things I want to tell the listeners today, especially the men out there, is don't underestimate the impact that you can make on your daughters. You can teach them to be very successful women, and it's just amazing what you can do in their life.” [23:31] Jan: “Ask yourself this question: who are you as a leader? So often, Terry, we can't answer that question, and if you don't know who you are as a leader, how do you expect other people to support you and follow you? You've got to know who you are as a leader. What do you stand for? What are your values? What is the culture that you want with your team and in your company? Answer that question.” | |||
| Lessons Learned in a CPO's Transition from Auto to Life Sciences | 06 May 2024 | 00:20:40 | |
In the latest episode of the Auto Supply Chain Profits podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths interview Carrie Uhl, who is the Chief Procurement Officer at Danaher Corporation. Carrie shares her extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive and healthcare industries, helping to bridge the gap between these two seemingly different sectors. Carrie's journey from Magna to GE Healthcare and now Danaher shows how versatile supply chain expertise can be. Despite the differences in products, the core challenges remain consistent—such as security of supply, cost reduction, talent acquisition, and digitalization. Technology plays a significant role in both industries. Carrie talks about how it enables communication and process adoption and facilitates lean manufacturing. She emphasizes the importance of supply chain technology for enhanced visibility and effective risk management strategies. Carrie highlights the collaboration between the automotive and healthcare industries during the COVID-19 pandemic in the rapid production of ventilators. Showcasing how different sectors can come together to support each other in times of crisis. The episode covers topics such as supply chain resiliency, supplier relationship management, and early supplier involvement in product development. It addresses the need for the automotive industry to recognize suppliers as essential partners rather than adversaries. In the end, Carrie calls upon automotive leaders to prioritize supplier segmentation and proactively engage with key suppliers to leverage their expertise. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Carrie Uhl Title: Chief Procurement Officer at Danaher Corporation About: Carrie is the Chief Procurement Officer at Danaher Corporation, where she spearheads initiatives to enhance quality, cost efficiency, and supply continuity. With a background encompassing leadership roles at GE Healthcare and Magna International, Carrie brings a wealth of experience in procurement and supply chain management to her current position. Recognized for her contributions to the automotive industry, she was named one of the 100 Leading Women by Automotive News and featured in Procurement Magazine's Top 100 CPO list. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [03:32] The Transition: Carrie's journey transitioning from automotive to healthcare, shedding light on the similarities and differences between the two industries. [04:59] Tech in Focus: Exploring the role of technology in the health and automotive sectors, Carrie discusses how it varies between the two industries. [08:57] Supply Chain Resiliency: Strategies for building resilient supply chains and adapting to unexpected disruptions. [10:46] Program Launch: Jan and Carrie explore program launch processes and how automotive processes translate into the healthcare sector. [12:11] Starting Early: Why it is important to involve suppliers early in the product development process. [16:16] Unlearning Old Habits: Reflecting on her experience, Carrie shares valuable perspectives on what the automotive industry needs to unlearn. [17:52] Carrie's Impact: How Carrie's automotive background benefits her current role in the healthcare industry. [18:22] Actionable Advice: Carrie advises automotive leaders to take proactive steps amidst industry transformation. Top Quotes: [07:43] Carrie: “One of the things that is super important now and always is visibility into your supply chain. For example, as of this recording, there was an earthquake last night in Taiwan. And when I woke up to that news, the first thing I wanted to know at the touch of a button was how might my supply chain be affected. So, there's been a lot of progress over the last decade in maturing kind of those third-party feeds for risk. Maybe it could be financial risk feeds, or it might be geographical events. Those things are really helpful to companies to be able to connect them to your own internal technology.” [09:15] Carrie: “You can't de-risk everything. It's just not possible. So, you've got to define what's most important as your place to start. Have a really good method for quantifying revenue impact, for example. If you don't get certain components, you need to know what's common across platforms. So, you've probably heard the term the industry uses about the golden screw, knowing what that one part is that is on everything you make, and it might be low revenue, but it's very high impact. So, I think you've really got to be intentional about scoping.” [12:17] Carrie: “Whether it's a new product introduction or its end of life, you really need to be engaged with your most critical suppliers, especially if you're doing platforming because it's a risk of designing something that's going to be a very big and expensive problem later. If you don't understand their technology roadmaps, you choose something that's going to be obsolete. You put it on all of your products, or you pick a material on a sustainability watch list that can be a problem later.” [16:56] Carrie: “We've got to stop treating our suppliers like they're adversaries. Nobody wins here in that model for very long.” [19:47] Carrie: “Your best suppliers are almost always underutilized in terms of their expertise and their ideas. So, I would say for my call to action, spend the time with them proactively at their sites, at your sites, not on a team's call. Going to Gemba really matters with the right suppliers.” | |||
| Start Your Sustainability and Profitability Journey with Our New E-book | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:20:52 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths are joined by Cathy Fisher and Alexis Scipio to talk about their new eBook called "Delivering on the Promise of Delivering: Automotive Sustainability and Profitability." Discover why ESG is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry and why you should care. Alexis explains how sustainability can lead to profitability and what benefits companies get from having solid sustainability strategies. We'll explore how ESG is now part of industry standards like MMOG/LE and quality management systems. Organizations must now consider their environmental impact and align their operations with sustainability objectives, a shift that Terry, Cathy, and Alexis aim to support through their upcoming eBook. Terry talks about the crucial role of technology in supporting ESG initiatives, citing examples such as supplier relationship management tools and ERP systems. Cathy explains how ESG relates to the 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes, which could help organizations integrate ESG into their operations. Their combined expertise in ESG, quality management systems, and supply chain management led to an eBook that simplifies complicated regulations into a digestible format. It's a lifesaver for leaders industry leaders who are overwhelmed by the task of navigating numerous regulations. The episode concludes with advice encouraging listeners to embrace ESG proactively. It reminds us that ESG is not a passing trend but a fundamental aspect of automotive operations that requires immediate attention and action. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Alexis Scipio Title: Founder, The Thrive Point About: Alexis Scipio is a seasoned ESG aficionado and supply chain professional with over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry. She’s the Founder of The Thrive Point LLC. and a certified diversity specialist who passionately integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business processes. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Cathy Fisher Title: Founder and President, Quistem About: As Quistem's driving force, Cathy helps its clients, particularly automotive manufacturers, eliminate customer complaints and increase their profits. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s when she started her career with General Motors. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [01:40] Teamwork: Learn about Cathy, Alexis, and Terry's individual contributions to the eBook's creation. [03:27] Why It Matters: Discover the importance of ESG and why it's crucial for listeners to take it seriously. [04:57] Adding ESG: Find out why the third eBook is about ESG this time, expanding upon previous topics of quality and supply chain. [06:28] ESG in Industry Standards: Explore the connection between ESG and MMOG/LE industry requirements. [07:30] Climate Change Amendment: Learn about the significant amendment ISO made to management system standards regarding ESG. [10:23] Complexity of ESG: Gain insight into the vast number and complexity of ESG requirements and regulations. [13:51] Role of Technology: Learn how technology plays a crucial role in supporting ESG initiatives. [15:33] ESG to Supply Chain Processes: Discover how ESG relates to the 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes. [17:13] Special Offer: Terry is offering a complimentary one-hour discussion on ESG implementation. [18:09] Release Date: Find out when the eBook will be available for download. [18:33] Embracing ESG: Receive advice from Cathy, Alexis, and Terry on what actions listeners can take right now to embrace ESG. Top Quotes: [05:37] Cathy: “The key topic on everybody's minds and lips is ESG, especially in the past 12 months, that has really been a main focus and not just from a supply chain standpoint. We're actually seeing ESG as a topic across the organization and even at an operational level as well. So, we realized that the direction we needed to take the discussion in this third eBook is really supporting this idea of how you bring ESG into your organization from an operational level, as well as, integrating it into your supply chain activities.” [09:57] Terry: “That’s why the three of us teamed up, and said, 'We need to be able to help them,' because we know off the bat, this is not going to be something that's inherent to them. And we're really excited because upon doing research, I think this is the only eBook or information out there on how to help the plant to look at ESG within their facilities and to educate IT, supply chain, and quality on how to meet these ESG requirements.” [18:47] Alexis: “One thing manufacturers can do right now is just to see themselves in ESG…I think that there's very likely things that tier ones, tier twos, OEMs are already doing that are ESG relevant, especially if you're TS certified and if you're ISO certified, there are tasks that are already going on that could be captured in a sustainability strategy. So, I think it's important to take those wins and celebrate the ESG topics you're already delivering.” [19:26] Cathy: “I think a great place to start, especially for larger organizations, is to look at what the corporate direction is regarding ESG. Understand how, as a corporation, your business is addressing sustainability and what resources may be available from the corporate standpoint that can then be deployed within the operations and relevant to the operational processes.” [20:18] Jan: “ESG is not going away. It is here to stay. And the sooner you take action and start to understand what it's all about and what it means to you and your organization, the better.” | |||
| Volta Truck's Electrifying Comeback to EV Business | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:22:50 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica welcome Shiv Tailor, the VP of Enterprise Technology for Volta Trucks, to discuss the challenging journey of a startup in the electric vehicle (EV) industry and Volta Trucks' comeback to the EV business. Shiv brings exciting news that Volta Trucks is back in action and is preparing to launch its electric commercial vehicles in Europe by the end of this year. Reflecting on Volta's journey, Shiv emphasizes the lessons learned. He stresses the importance of focusing on customer needs and the business's core value proposition. Shiv advises startups entering mass production to pay attention to detail, from supply base maturity to financial planning. He also points out the significance of optimizing processes, nurturing strong relationships with partners, and prioritizing workforce well-being for operational success. Shiv highlights the importance of QAD's comprehensive training course based on 24 essential supply chain processes, which helped them align their team's understanding of the supply chain and automotive best practices. Sharing his perspective on quality management, Shiv advocates partnership-driven relationships with suppliers and shares Volta's proactive approach to ensure product quality and reliability. Shiv explores the critical role of IT and data strategies in managing supplier collaborations and enhancing operational efficiency. They discuss the significance of technology in fostering transparency, streamlining processes, and driving innovation, with Shiv sharing insights on Volta's approach to leveraging emerging technologies like Gen AI. The episode ends with Shiv's advice for EV startups and pioneers, urging them to focus on what truly matters for the business's success. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Shiv Tailor Title: VP Enterprise Technology at Volta Trucks About: Shiv Tailor, VP of Enterprise Technology at Volta Trucks, drives digital transformation and agile strategies for the company's mission to enhance urban sustainability with fully electric trucks. With a decade of automotive industry experience, Shiv's expertise spans telecommunications, electronic engineering, project governance, program delivery, and lean manufacturing. Under his leadership, Volta Trucks has swiftly implemented Salesforce, ERP, and PLM systems, facilitating the successful launch of nine products across various platforms. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [01:59] Volta is back: Hear Shiv's exciting announcement about Volta Trucks' bounce back from bankruptcy to resume EV business. [02:48] Lessons learned: Shiv reflects on lessons learned from Volta's journey, emphasizing the importance of focusing on customer needs. [04:27] Mass Production: Shiv's advice for other startups undergoing mass production. [06:52] Tech advantage: A discussion on the importance of information and technology in a company's ramp-up for production. [09:37] Supplier Experience: Shiv discusses the significance of prioritizing supplier relationships and fostering a positive supplier experience. [13:26] Best practices: Learn about the training course that helped Volta collaborate to align their teams with automotive best practices. [15:43] Quality first: Learn how Shiv prioritizes quality in manufacturing processes by fostering strong partnerships with suppliers. [19:44] Generative AI: Explore the potential applications of generative AI in revolutionizing supply chain operations and enhancing customer experiences. [21:23] Shiv’s advice: Shiv shares practical advice for startups navigating the challenges of the EV industry. Top Quotes: [03:13] Shiv: “One of my lessons learned, especially on the technology side, is to really focus on what the end customer and the end user want. So, drive your activities based on what they want. We're focused, but were we focused on the right areas? And that's something that we're addressing with what we call Volta Version Two, but I think that's probably what went wrong.” [04:44] Shiv: “We've all been in the automotive industry; we know it. Launching a product that's been designed from scratch in what was going to be two and a half years is a monumental effort. Never underestimate the number of loops and cycles that you need from the supply base in terms of the maturity of tooling, the maturity of parts, and the maturity of the product before it even kind of enters the customer’s hands. And never underestimate the amount of capital that's needed.” [11:51] Shiv: “What we're trying to do in Volta version 2 is have supplier communities, whether it be indirect or direct. Create a community of suppliers that can ask each other questions. If they're having difficulties or whatever it might be, it's definitely on our roadmap for Q3, Q4, is that kind of creation of that supplier community kind of forum where people can ask us questions or ask other suppliers questions that are contracted and NDAs, etc.” [19:59] Shiv: “There's so many use cases within automotive that you could apply Gen AI to. What I haven't seen yet is a cohesive strategy of how someone is going to execute from an OEM perspective, Gen AI in supply chain quality, product development, etc., across the whole platform, but also how it matters to our customers. I'm worried about end users. How can AI help our customers? How can it help fleet managers? How can it help, ultimately, these logistics companies deliver quicker? Even if it's one more parcel drop a day, that's a huge revenue impact for them as they scale up their fleet.” [22:16] Shiv: “Focus on what actually is valuable for the business. It's as simple as that. Just focus on what's valuable for the business.” | |||
| Driving Supply Chain Efficiency: TS Tech's MMOG/LE Journey | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:21:17 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths discuss the importance of improving supply chain efficiency in the auto industry. They are joined by Wendy Horwitz, Corporate MMOG/LE Senior Manager, and Jeffrey Baltazar, Vice President of Manufacturing at TS Tech Americas, Inc., to talk about the challenges and benefits of embracing change and implementing MMOG/LE standards. The conversation focuses on TS Tech's MMOG/LE journey. Jeffrey discusses the challenges of obtaining executive management commitment, particularly in a culturally diverse organization like TS Tech. He stressed the importance of showing the benefits of MMOG/LE in terms of efficiency and cost savings. Wendy elaborates on the role of education and communication in garnering employee buy-in, stressing the need for understanding and alignment with company goals. She highlights the significance of leadership support and the establishment of dedicated teams to drive the implementation process. They explore practical aspects of TS Tech's initiatives, including developing internal tools and systems to facilitate compliance and performance tracking. Wendy explains how they use the tools to automate processes and enhance visibility across multiple locations. Jeffrey and Wendy encourage listeners to start their MMOG/LE journey early and emphasize the competitive advantage it brings. Additionally, they advise leaders to be proactive in embracing change and to see it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Jeffrey Baltazar Title: Vice President of Manufacturing at TS Tech Americas, Inc. About: Jeffrey is the Vice President of Manufacturing at TS Tech Americas, Inc. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, Jeffrey leverages his expertise in manufacturing, lean manufacturing, operations management, engineering, and more to drive excellence in operations. Endorsed by colleagues for his proficiency in various areas, including Six Sigma, ISO standards, and value stream mapping, Jeffrey is committed to optimizing processes and enhancing efficiency within the automotive industry. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Wendy Horwitz Title: Corporate MMOG/LE Senior Manager at TS Tech Americas, Inc. About: Wendy serves as the Corporate MMOG/LE Senior Manager at TS Tech Americas, Inc. With a focus on spearheading the development of a new Corporate MMOG/LE program for the Americas Region, Wendy brings extensive experience and strategic vision to her role. Her leadership and expertise drive innovation and efficiency, ensuring the organization meets and exceeds industry standards. With a passion for excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, Wendy plays a pivotal role in shaping the future success of TS Tech Americas, Inc. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:39] Executive Commitment: Discussion on the strategies for gaining executive buy-in and team alignment in supply chain initiatives. [08:44] Internal Tool Creation: TS Tech's innovative approach to enhancing MMOG/LE implementation with a custom tool. [11:35] Executive Engagement: Addressing the significance of executive engagement and its impact on successful implementation. [13:44] Technology Integration: Exploring the role of technology, particularly ERP systems, in enhancing supply chain efficiency and coordination. [15:18] Training Impact: Examining the effects of on-site training on team collaboration and breaking down organizational silos. [18:26] Wendy and Jeffrey’s advice: A call to embrace the challenge and prioritize implementing supply chain standards like MMOG/LE sooner rather than later to gain a competitive advantage and avoid being left behind. Top Quotes: [05:09] Wendy: “Taking the time and starting with education, making sure that everybody understood why we were doing this. You can tell people it's because of compliance or because a customer wants it or whatever, but you really need to have people understand the foundation and what's in it for them and how this is going to make their life easier.” [11:55] Jeffrey: “With the labor situation and how hard it is to get people, the more efficient we can be throughout the complete manufacturing process is an ultimate gain. So, as we show those efficiencies, the one thing that we're uncovering is the redundant work that we do with all these multiple spreadsheets. We've got three or four people basically doing the same thing in a different spreadsheet to double-check. Instead of leveraging those systems that are out there, that is data in, data out.” [09:16] Wendy: “One of the big tenets of MMOG/LE is to automate. The less Excel sheets and manual processes, the better. So, one of our big pushes is to utilize technology as much as we possibly can.” [18:53] Wendy: “Start now. Don't wait for a customer to come to you and say it's a requirement. Don't wait for the industry to force you into it. You need to get started. I guarantee however long you think it's going to take, it's going to take longer if you're going to do it right because it’s, like you mentioned, it takes laying the groundwork and the training.” [20:19] Jeffrey: “I would challenge them to take the challenge. Embrace the challenge. There will be benefits reaped in the end. And always remember that your competitors aren't waiting. So, embrace that challenge for change. Look for those efficiencies improvements and the material side is also always overlooked, but there's a lot of opportunity there.” | |||
| What's Next for EDI? Be Part of the AIAG Survey | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:20:10 | |
Are APIs the future of automotive data exchange? Fred Coe, the chair of AIAG’s business-to-business committee and Global B2B and Portal Leader at General Motors, believes they might be. In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Fred joins Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica to explain why APIs are stirring up excitement in the auto industry — and why they’re not quite ready to push EDI aside just yet. With decades of EDI history on their backs, supply chains are now looking to APIs for a faster, more flexible way to move data across tiers. Fred shares insights from other industries already using APIs, from healthcare to retail, and talks about Europe’s early steps to standardize APIs in automotive logistics. As the auto industry prepares to catch up, AIAG is launching a survey to gather industry feedback on EDI and API integration. This is an opportunity for the entire industry to share their input—every voice matters, from IT staff to supply chain leaders. Tune in to learn how APIs could reshape data exchange in the automotive world, and don’t miss Fred’s parting advice for supply chain leaders: Understand every link in your chain, from tier one to the end. And as Terry reminds us, please don’t forget to complete the upcoming survey to help shape the future of EDI! Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Fred Coe Title: Chair, AIAG EDI Advisory Group; Global B2B and Portal Leader, General Motors About: Fred Coe is a global thought leader in EDI and automotive supply chain operations, known for driving complex eCommerce transformations across industries like manufacturing, retail, energy, and healthcare. With a consultative and inclusive approach, Fred has led GM’s B2B Center of Excellence to deliver industry-leading solutions, building strong relationships with stakeholders at every level. Passionate about fostering value, developing future leaders, and elevating customer service, Fred’s leadership has shaped business innovations and set new standards for operational excellence. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [05:56] APIs Explained? Fred breaks down APIs as a quicker, more flexible way for machines to share data, like a faster version of EDI. With AIAG exploring ways to standardize them, APIs could be the next big shift in automotive data exchange. [10:09] API on the Rise: Industries like healthcare and retail have already embraced APIs, running them alongside traditional EDI for flexibility. Europe is catching on, too, with big OEMs testing standardized APIs for logistics – and the signals show it’s only a matter of time before demand grows in North America. [12:20] EDI and APIs, A Perfect Pair? Fred clarifies that APIs aren’t here to fully replace EDI—at least not anytime soon. Instead, APIs offer a flexible, faster complement to EDI, allowing specific data exchanges to run more smoothly alongside traditional systems. [13:57] Inside the Survey: Fred outlines the survey’s focus: understanding EDI models in use, current API experiences, and industry interest in API adoption. It’s a call for voices across IT, supply chain, and customer service to weigh in, shaping a future that truly meets industry needs. [17:54] Survey Launch Details: The survey goes live in mid-November, with results expected in Q1 next year. AIAG, along with OEMs and partners, will spread the word, so keep an eye out for the link on LinkedIn and in your networks—don’t miss the chance to share your input! [20:10] Advice to Supply Chain Leaders: Fred’s advice? Know your supply chain inside and out—from tier one to the very end. And Terry’s? Simple: fill out the survey to make your voice heard and shape the future of EDI! Top Quotes: [04:50] Fred: “We've been talking here for a better part of the year about what role, if any, could APIs play in helping to augment our existing EDI processes. And they're so prevalent in every industry now, every time you get onto the Internet and you look up the weather, when you go to the doctor's office and you pull patient records, APIs are virtually everywhere now. And as we've talked internally to the group, we get really excited about it and say there's a lot of potential here, but we're not under the "Build it and they will come" model. And so, what we're looking to do is we've crafted a survey that we want to take out to the automotive industry, and get as many responses as we can and find out from the industry, where are they at?” [05:20] Fred: “An API stands for an Application Programming Interface, and it's very similar to EDI. When we use the terms EDI and API, it's exchanging data in a structured format from machine to machine. And like EDI, whether you're using AS2 or FTPS or SFTP, you can pull data, you can push data with APIs. It's primarily in the backend. It's based on JSON or XML, but it is direct from application to application, and you're talking seconds in terms of response time, as opposed to minutes with the EDI. And so, that API really provides some distinct advantages with some functions that are currently being done with EDI to help augment that process and getting data.” [07:41] Fred: “With APIs and the prevalence in the market today, I think it's just irresponsible not to look at it to say, "How can we start to at least evaluate and potentially adopt some of these?" And if we do find with the survey that there's interest in the market, and AIAG is in a unique position, Terry and you alluded to it earlier, right? That's to help standardize how we implement those APIs. What we don't want to see is if these APIs hold promise that all of the different OEMs or the tier ones to develop their own standards, right? And then we're going to be back where we were in the eighties and with everybody doing their own thing and then having to corral all of that into a standard later. So, we want to get ahead of it and help develop those standards if there's interest.” [09:44] Fred: “We want to hear from everybody. I want to hear from the people that say, "I want to do it all with APIs," and I want to hear from our diehard community that says, "Nope, EDI works fine now; we don't need to change it. But maybe this needs to be tweaked, or that needs to be tweaked." But we want to hear all opinions and all voices so that we can make a decision that is with the most consensus that we can get from the industry.” [20:19] Fred: “Get to know your supply chain, not just your tier ones, but your tier twos to your tier end. The more you know about your supply chain, the more that you can predict success as you go forward.” | |||
| Driving the Future: AIAG's Leadership in the EVolving Industry | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:30:27 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths interview Matt Pohlman, the CEO of Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). They discuss the organization's response to the rapidly changing automotive industry and how AIAG is keeping pace with technological advancements, regulatory changes, supply chain challenges, and the rise of EV OEMs. They explore the role of AIAG in setting industry standards and providing essential training for supply chain professionals. Matt highlights AIAG's collaboration with Wayne State University and offers their innovative training programs. Matt emphasizes the significance of adapting to new challenges while maintaining tried-and-true practices. Matt stresses the importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility in today's automotive supply chain. He emphasizes AIAG's commitment to addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns in the supply chain, particularly in light of forced labor regulations and other risks. Matt advises supply chain leaders to acknowledge the need for change. He emphasizes the importance of agility, flexibility, and collaboration within the industry. He also encourages the listeners to embrace progress over perfection and engage with AIAG to stay informed and proactive in addressing industry challenges. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Matt Pohlman Title: Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) About: Matt is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). With over 30 years of experience as a Global Supply Chain Executive, Matt has a proven track record of success in leading global supply chain organizations, processes, and transformations. His expertise lies in driving a culture of change, generating significant cost savings, and aligning enterprise goals with strategic business direction. Matt excels in leveraging enterprise operating system models to integrate and connect supply chain teams, processes, and functions while also employing lean techniques to drive transformative change and improve operating results and team performance. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:14] AIAG’s Transformation: Discover how the world's largest automotive industry group is changing to keep pace with industry changes. [04:29] CEO Role: Learn about the CEO's responsibilities, highlighting Matt's role in AIAG’s leadership amid industry transformation. [07:39] AIAG Initiatives: Find out about the initiatives AIAG is taking to keep up with the rapidly changing automotive industry landscape. [14:04] Working with EV OEMs: Explore AIAG's strategies for working with electric vehicle OEMs and adapting to the growing electrification trend. [18:54] Environment, Social & Governance: The significance of environmental, social, and governance factors in the automotive industry and how AIAG addresses them. [26:03] Advice to Supply Chain Leaders: Matt advises supply chain leaders to recognize the necessity for change. He encourages leaders to maintain an agile, flexible approach and prioritize progress over perfection. Top Quotes: [03:57] Matt: “We have to continue to make sure we're bringing new people in, bringing new ideas in, and making sure we're finding a way to start working on the newer challenges. It's too easy to work on the old stuff. Because it's tried and true, and it's easy. We know how to do that. But working on stuff involving EV batteries or working on software, working on ESG things, all of those things are hard.” [06:59] Matt: “Our membership has to want to come to us to solve problems. And we have to be viewed as problem solvers. We've got a great history of that and legacy of that, but we've got to get in this new space because a lot of people think of AIAG as maybe an automotive gas or diesel company, and we're not. We are many more things than just that. And we're broader than just quality. We were in the ESG space, the supply chain space; we do a lot.” [12:14] Matt: “AIAG is dedicated to empowering supply chain professionals and making sure that we're doing what we can to make sure they're ready for the challenges of the future.” [26:39] Matt: “You have to acknowledge that we're in an unprecedented time of change. I think it's really important to understand what the cultural impacts that it’s going to have on your organization, your product lines, how relevant are you going to be in the future.” | |||
| The Future of Supply Chain: Technology, Digitalization, and Industry Standards | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:27:57 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica interview Robert Cameron, Chairman of the Board at Odette International and VDA's Head of Production, Logistics, and Aftermarket Department. Robert shares their mission to digitize the automotive supply chain, including the initiative to adopt API technology and develop standards to support the auto industry's electrification. The discussion covers the latest on MMOG/LE, noting its success with larger OEMs like Ford and Volvo trucks. Robert stresses how these standards streamline processes, cut costs, and improve supply chain quality. Robert also explores ESG practices and European legislative compliance, touching on packaging laws, decarbonization, and hazard management. He underscores the need for guidelines to support smaller businesses to adhere to upcoming supply chain laws. Wrapping up, Robert urges leaders to be transparent with customers and suppliers. While he acknowledges the challenges of dealing with unfair players, he emphasizes the need for collaboration, especially in times of crisis. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Hugh Robert Cameron Title: Head of Production, Logistics, and Aftermarket Department at Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) and Chairman of the Board at Odette International. About: Meet Robert Cameron, a key figure in the automotive industry. As the Head of the Production, Logistics, and Aftermarket Department at VDA, he leads initiatives to enhance communication between OEMs and suppliers, driving efficiency and innovation. Additionally, as Chairman and Member of the Board at Odette International, Robert champions projects to increase supply chain transparency through technologies like EDI and RFID. With his expertise, Robert is shaping the future of automotive supply chains. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [03:33] Odette's Mission: Odette facilitates supply chain digitalization to make the EU’s automotive industry more competitive. [04:50] VDA Overview: A quick look at the role and pillars of the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA). [06:37] Supply Chain Challenges: Robert discusses the major challenges faced by the industry from both German and European perspectives and shares Odette's and VDA's current initiatives. [09:52] APIs vs. EDI: The potential of APIs as either replacements or supplements to EDI systems. [11:08] Integrating New EV OEMs: The benefits of existing systems to emerging electric vehicle manufacturers. [13:28] MMOG/LE Update: Robert provides an update on the latest version and its adoption within the industry. [19:53] ESG Focus: Robert discusses the current initiatives and developments related to Environmental, Social, and Governance practices. [25:22] Tier One Advice: Robert advises Tier One leaders to prioritize transparency and collaboration for future preparedness. Top Quotes: [07:48] Robert: “That is our mission. We try to increase the transparency in the supply chain. We try to get these separate stakeholders and members of the supply chain to work together to communicate and to cooperate for the greater good and the stability of the supply chain.” [10:19] Robert: “I don't think EDI is going away anytime soon. It takes a long time to implement but is extremely stable. And it's partially a legacy technology, of course, so everybody's scared to touch a legacy technology. Never stop a running system. But it is so stable that it provides you security for the production process.” [16:00] Robert: “If we have a standard employed by several OEMs or best all OEMs, you have less administrative hassle with reporting to your customers; if you have a different reporting system for each and every customer, that is going to be very tenuous, it's going to be very expensive, and it's going to ruin your profit margin basically. So, having these standards and processes in place actually benefits our suppliers, and it benefits the OEMs in the way that their suppliers can react more quickly to their demands.” [26:33] Robert: “I believe the next semiconductor shortage is coming up in less than a year. We all know how the last semiconductor shortage crisis was. We will have to work together. We have to figure out where the shortages are and where the bottlenecks are. And we will have to guarantee a stable supply chain together. This is a partnership thing.” [27:04] Robert: “The world is too fragile at the moment. It is too dynamic. And if we want to save our business model, we have to become stable on the inside to be able to deal with the chaos outside.” | |||
| ZNL Energy: The Next Unicorn in Battery Technology? | 12 Feb 2024 | 00:29:10 | |
The demand for reliable battery solutions has surged as the auto industry moves towards EVs. In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, hosts Jan and Terry tackle the critical issues surrounding start-ups as they face the challenges of scaling up in this exciting new field of battery technology. They invited Benjamin Ferstad and Jan Børge Sagmo from ZNL Energy, a tech startup at the forefront of innovative battery technology, to explore this topic. The conversation covers various aspects, including ZNL's breakthrough technology that addresses the safety concerns associated with battery hazards, ZNL's mission to commercialize next-generation battery technology, the supply chain challenges they face in sourcing materials, and the impact of legislation such as the IRA Act in the US on their startup. Moreover, they discuss ZNL's strategies for ensuring a smooth startup operation, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and seeking expertise where needed. The dialogue extends to managing suppliers effectively and understanding the dynamic nature of customer requirements, highlighting ZNL's customer-centric approach. Finally, Jan and Benjamin offer valuable advice for aspiring tech startups, emphasizing the need for boldness in selling their product early and the importance of building a solid team to handle diverse tasks, allowing the CEO to focus on strategic growth and fundraising initiatives. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Benjamin Ferstad Title: Chief Executive Officer, ZNL Energy About: Benjamin is a seasoned management professional known for his exceptional interpersonal abilities and adeptness in P&L management within global corporate settings. Armed with a Master of Science degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Stavanger and a Bachelor of Science in Subsea Technology from Bergen University College, Benjamin brings a wealth of expertise in financial data analysis and process optimization. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Jan Børge Sagmo Title: Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, ZNL Energy About: Jan is a process engineer and manager serving as the Strategy and Marketing Officer at ZNL Energy, where they’re revolutionizing battery technology with an innovative separator, ZnL-NPx. With a background in chemical engineering, he led successful ventures like Bergen Carbon Solutions, and he’s passionate about investing, writing, and contributing to cutting-edge developments in technology and beyond. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:31] Battery Solutions: How ZNL’s innovative product addresses prevalent battery issues, offering a promising solution for the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles. [06:30] ZNL’s Mission: Benjamin articulates ZNL’s mission, emphasizing their commitment to revolutionizing battery technology. [08:59] Supply and Legislation: They discussed the supply chain challenges that ZNL tackles and the impact of legislation such as the IRA Act in the US on ZNL’s startup. [12:41] Smooth Startup: Benjamin and Jan elaborate on their strategies to ensure a seamless startup for ZNL’s operations. [16:20] Supplier Management: ZNL outlines its approach to managing suppliers and emphasizes the importance of a partner-based approach for startup success. [23:49] Customer Side: Benjamin explains their process for managing customer requirements, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear communication and ownership of the testing process through structured agreements like test contracts. [25:31] Expert Advice: Jan and Benjamin share advice for entrepreneurs and startups facing launch and scale challenges. Top Quotes: [07:52] Benjamin: “What we want to get out on the market and really help the industry with the adoption of our technology is you would be reducing or close to limiting the hazards of fire in batteries.” [08:47] Benjamin: “Everybody is talking about how we can work more sustainably and utilize energy as best as we can, and batteries are part of that solution. So, that's what we want to help with in this world that we live in.” [11:32] Benjamin: “I'm not saying that we have to have subsidizers to be successful in this industry, but for these very critical industries that have to succeed against the competition of the Chinese and the other Asian players, it's probably a necessity to build up an industry.” [13:05] Jan Børge: “One of the first things we did was to ensure that we had the best partners to help us do the scaling. We are continuously in discussion with these partners that can help us because we are good at what we are doing, but there is always somebody better.” [14:06] Benjamin: “The choice of doing this as a partner-based approach is quite important to us. In all the things we do, we try to find partners that are good in the things that they are experts in. And then we have the core competency in us. It's something we have been doing and will continue to do until we are successful.” [16:56] Benjamin: “We're telling our vendors that we don't want you as a vendor. We want you as a partner. We want to buy your lab scale machine or your pilot scale machine because we see that you can also deliver this larger, giga-scale machine that could serve us a couple of years down the road.” [23:50] Benjamin: “On the customer side, people are coming to us because they see we are solving one of the major headaches in the battery industry because of the fire hazard and short-circuiting and thermal runaway. So, they see that our product is really exciting.” [16:56] Benjamin: “We're telling our vendors that we don't want you as a vendor. We want you as a partner. We want to buy your lab scale machine or your pilot scale machine because we see that you can also deliver this larger, giga-scale machine that could serve us a couple of years down the road.” [25:50] Jan Børge: “Don't be afraid to sell the product in the early stage because of the value proposition; just talk to the clients, talk to the customers, get the feedback, and then you can iterate.” [27:46] Benjamin: “I would recommend any CEO of a brand new startup to make sure that you find some good people around you who can do the tasks that you probably want to do yourself and that you can trust that they will be able to perform them so that you can relieve yourself to have enough time to go raise money because you are going to be raising money all the time, and you need to have time for that.” | |||
| Supply Chain Dynamics: Technology, ESG Regulations, and Strategic Collaboration | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:22:54 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths welcome Nichole Felton, Vice President of Supply Chain for ZF North America and board member for AIAG. Nichole gives a glimpse into her role, tackling challenges like global compliance regulations and ensuring a unified approach for a North American regional role within a German-based company. They discuss upcoming supply chain challenges, covering trade regulations, sustainability, anti-dumping measures, semiconductor restrictions, and the roles of industry organizations like AIAG and MEMA. Nichole highlights the importance of technology, AI, and industry partnerships in improving data quality and sustainability efforts. The episode concludes with a discussion on women in supply chain leadership and advice for supply chain leaders. Nichole offers empowering advice to female professionals in the automotive industry, encouraging them to be vocal about their career goals and seek advocates. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for personal development among supply chain leaders to tackle future supply chain challenges effectively. This episode provides a direct and practical overview of current automotive supply chain challenges and future considerations, featuring Nichole's extensive industry experience. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Nichole Felton Title: Vice President of Supply Chain, ZF North America About: Nichole is a proven global supply chain executive in the automotive industry. With a remarkable international track record, she excels in motivating high-performing teams to achieve strategic objectives. Nichole has held key leadership roles, including Thermal Segment Director and Corporate Commodity Executive, showcasing her expertise in achieving business results and pursuing new growth opportunities. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Episode Highlights: [03:35] Future challenges: A conversation about the upcoming challenges the automotive supply chain will encounter in the next 2-5 years. [05:21] Data and Communication: Explore the complexities of acquiring and managing supply chain data and the essential roles industry organizations like AIAG and MEMA play in fostering collaboration and communication within the automotive supply chain. [12:48] Breaking Down Silos: Nichole's opinion on organizational silos emphasizes the need for agile solutions and an enterprise-wide approach to ensure wise decision-making. Also, learn how corporate leaders can collaborate effectively with plant managers for a cohesive supply chain. [16:25] Empowering women: Nichole shares empowering advice for women in the industry, encouraging them to vocalize their aspirations, seek advocates, and overcome common barriers to reach leadership positions in the supply chain. [20:57] Advice for supply chain leaders: Nichole wraps up with valuable advice for supply chain leaders, emphasizing the importance of personal development goals alongside professional ones. Top Quotes: [07:45] Nichole: “I think the industry partners with AIAG and MEMA, for which we're both board member companies, is really critical. It helps us to stay in touch with other companies and what they're doing around this space.” [08:30] Nichole: “Being active in those trade organizations and understanding what other companies are doing to the extent that they can share and feel comfortable sharing is really important.” [13:50] Nichole: “If you have people who can think with an enterprise view and not get hung up on their own metric to be successful but really make smart decisions about the overall business, I think that's where talent really shines.” [15:47] Nichole: “If I'm a plant manager, I want to know the benefit for me. Why should I enact and be passionate about your corporate directive? And if I can show the benefit to a plant manager in the idea, that's where the magic happens. I can get inspiration and passion from a plant manager when they see that there's a benefit for them, either directly from their cost, operational efficiency, or something that's going to make the life of their plant better.” [18:46] Nichole: “We as women cannot put our heads down and think someone's going to notice we're working hard. You have to be vocal about what you want.” [21:24] Nichole: “It's really easy for us to sit down and think of all of the work and employment goals that we're going to come up with within our action plans. But I would also say that your personal development is really important. Don't forget to think about your development goal for the year.” | |||
| Lean Manufacturing: Thriving or Dying in Today's Automotive Supply Chain | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:26:36 | |
Explore the transformative impact of Lean principles on automotive supply chains with Beth Crowley, President of The Crowley Group. Gain a clear understanding of Lean's philosophy, practical applications, and its profound impact on operational excellence. In this episode, Beth covered the following:
Whether you're a supply chain professional or a curious mind, this episode unravels the core of Lean principles and their significance in shaping resilient and efficient supply chains. Tune in, absorb, and reimagine the possibilities that Lean offers to elevate your industry standing. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Beth Crowley Title: President, The Crowley Group About: Beth is a passionate advocate for coaching organizations through Lean transformations. With her expertise, Beth collaborates with companies to enhance the effectiveness of people and processes. She believes in leading by example, fostering engaged teams, and eliminating waste in leadership and culture. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:57] What is Lean? Beth defines Lean as a philosophy and tactical approach to eliminating waste in time, energy, material, or transportation. [05:20] Leadership's role in Lean: Explore the essential link between authentic leadership and the successful implementation of Lean practices. [07:30] Lean and Just-in-Time (JIT): Beth addresses the misconception surrounding the death of Lean and Just-in-Time due to supply chain disruptions. She emphasized the importance of a mindset shift, continuous improvement, and resilient processes. [10:05] Challenges in Lean implementation: Common challenges faced during Lean adoption, including resistance and misconceptions. [22:18] Beth's leadership advice: Beth advises leaders on how to gain a Lean mindset and implement Lean in automotive supply chain processes. She stressed that by involving the people doing the job in discussions, leaders can address root causes and enhance efficiency. Top Quotes: [03:28] Beth: “Lean is really a lot of different things, and I agree with you; it's really misunderstood. But the basic premise of everyone who's trying to get leaner is the elimination of waste.” [05:38] Beth: “Lean, there really are two parts to it. There are the physical materials, getting something from A to B as effectively and efficiently as you can, but then there's the whole people aspect of it. And you're really coming in, and you're challenging conventional wisdom on things like how to run a shop floor at the basic level, how to do production planning, how to deal with your supply base.” [09:09] Beth: “Who's perfect? Nobody. But in Lean, or whatever you want to call it, If you make a mistake, you learn from it, you put something in to make sure it doesn't happen again, and that becomes like your new normal.” [10:29] Beth: “What's also interesting and maybe misunderstood about Lean is that I'm not trying to go inside the black box of how you process things to manufacture it, right? I'm not going to go in and tell you how to cut metal or what material to use. That's not what we do. We're looking outside those process boxes where all the transportation's happening, where all the "we got to go find our stuff" is happening, where all the warehousing is happening” [20:57] Beth: “Everybody has to know how to do the new process. Otherwise, they will revert to the old process because that's the one that they understand. People don't want to look stupid.” [24:45] Beth: “The bottom line of Lean is to get the people in the room who do the job to tell you how to improve it.” | |||
| 2023 Playback: Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast Summary | 02 Jan 2024 | 00:20:14 | |
As we enter 2024, the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast celebrates another successful year as the go-to source for industry knowledge and content for our dedicated audience. For two seasons and across 47 episodes, our podcast has remained committed to helping automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals navigate the complex landscape of the auto supply chain. In this special episode, host and producer Jan Griffiths reflects on the key themes that shaped our 2023. The Auto Supply Chain Prophets explored various aspects of the auto supply chain throughout this journey. We've covered critical topics like global standards, ESG, automation, digitization, and risk management. Our dedication to keeping our audience informed and prepared is evident in the episodes dedicated to future-focused topics like EV adoption and the importance of gamification in supply chain education, putting us at the forefront of industry discussions. As we bid farewell to 2023, the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering content that matters and encourages the audience to share their thoughts and suggestions for topics they want to explore in the coming year. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: A veteran executive in the automotive industry, Jan previously served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion, Tier 1 global automotive supplier. As the president of Gravitas Detroit, Jan provides online courses, speeches, podcasts, and workshops to break the mold of command-and-control leadership to help you unleash the potential of your team and allow authentic leadership to thrive. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [00:37] Celebrating success and metrics overview: Jan opens the episode by celebrating a successful year for the podcast, highlighting the podcast's achievement of surpassing 5,000 downloads and the publication of 47 episodes. Jan set the stage for a metrics overview and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's journey. [04:40] Reflecting on past episodes: Jan delves into a retrospective exploration of the past episodes, from discussions on ESG and automation to in-depth interviews with industry leaders. Jan offers listeners a recap of the diverse topics covered throughout the year. [19:36] Plans for 2024: With an eye on the future, Jan provides a sneak peek into the upcoming discussions, signaling a continued focus on supply chain digitization, AI, ESG, and supply risk management. | |||
| The crucial role of risk management in future supply chains | 11 Dec 2023 | 00:21:26 | |
White Paper - Leveraging Risk Management In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and Jan Griffiths explore the critical topic of risk management in the automotive supply chain. The conversation commenced with the hosts sharing their experience with an EV startup, underlining the crucial role of robust supply chain processes for successful scaling. Transitioning to the main topic of risk management, Cathy and Terry discussed their recently updated white paper, which explores risk management strategies and the development of resilient supply chains. They further delved into the paper's relevance amid current supply chain challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the semiconductor crisis. The conversation highlights the necessity of cross-functional collaboration in identifying and addressing supply chain risks. The hosts stress the significance of CEO involvement, cost considerations, and risk appetite in creating effective contingency plans. The episode concludes by emphasizing the critical role of proactive risk management, with a continual focus on the dynamic nature of risks, necessitating frequent assessments and quarterly reviews. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Cathy Fisher Title: Founder and President, Quistem About: Cathy’s firm helps its clients, particularly automotive manufacturers, eliminate customer complaints and increase their profits. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s when she started her career with General Motors. Connect: LinkedIn
Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: A veteran executive in the automotive industry, Jan previously served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion, Tier 1 global automotive supplier. As the president of Gravitas Detroit, Jan provides online courses, speeches, podcasts, and workshops to break the mold of command-and-control leadership to help you unleash the potential of your team and allow authentic leadership to thrive. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [03:32] Elevating risk management in the supply chain: Explore the updated white paper's focus on practical risk-based approaches for tackling today's supply chain challenges like COVID-19 and the semiconductor crisis. Learn about the essential need for collaboration across different company parts, involving CEOs, to identify, assess, and manage supply chain risks effectively. [09:25] Leadership role in risk management: Discusses the challenges of supply chain leaders embracing risk management. They stress the CEO's pivotal role, share a compelling example highlighting the impact of contingency planning, and emphasize the need for a broad risk evaluation, including suppliers and customers. [16:52] A guide for supply chain leaders: Terry and Cathy explain why the white paper is a good read for supply chain leaders, giving essential information on compliance requirements and a guide to robust contingency plans. The document encourages thinking differently, seeing risk management as a tool to try new ideas and innovate confidently. [19:08] Key advice for auto suppliers: The hosts discussed the critical role of proactive risk management, emphasizing the need for frequent risk assessments and quarterly reviews. Highlighting the dynamic nature of risks, they stress the industry's resilience while urging the importance of cross-functional discussions for strategic risk preparation. Top Quotes: [04:57] Terry: “What's really nice about the document is that there are a lot of new people in the industry who don't necessarily understand risk management, risk assessment, or contingency planning. And so, I think it's a really excellent document to help those who are new to the automotive industry.” [05:39] Cathy: “What we noticed even as a result of COVID was that a lot of organizations were still sitting in their silos in addressing risk. And today that is just, it's not possible. You can't do that. It wasn't effective before, but it's even more ineffective now, mainly because of the interconnectedness of what's happening in business and the reliance on the supply chain.” [07:07] Terry: “You got to break down the silos and get together when it comes to looking at risk. Because in a lot of cases, there are shared risks. If there's an earthquake, it's going to affect quality, it's going to affect supply chain, manufacturing, everything, right? So, you can really come together and build one cohesive plan in a lot of cases.” [18:51] Cathy: “Embracing risk assessment and risk-based thinking in your business actually helps you be a better innovator than if you're just not looking at the risks at all.” [19:22] Cathy: “We should be identifying risks and we should also be reviewing our plans on a frequent basis as well to make sure that we have viable plans to address when those risks are realized within the business.” [19:37] Terry: “I think to proactively manage risk you need to be sitting down a few times a year because they change, right? A pandemic was not a risk on anybody's radar several years ago. So, keep looking at risk, doing it once a quarter if anything new bubbles up.” | |||
| How electric vehicles are transforming supply chain dynamics | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:26:44 | |
In this episode of the Automotive Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths converse with Michael Robinet, Executive Director at S&P Global Mobility. They discussed recent disruptions in the automotive supply chain and the impending challenges transitioning from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). Michael breaks down the industry complexities, talking about the challenges like making electric cars affordable, the unclear timeline for widespread use, and the evolution of autonomous vehicles. The episode shifted its focus to the potential impact on lower tiers of the supply chain, discussing concerns about the readiness and strategies of suppliers. The conversation also explores the global landscape of BEV adoption, focusing on major markets, each progressing at its own pace due to varying factors. Additionally, attention is drawn to the changing dynamics in the automotive market, where traditional OEMs face competition from new entrants, especially from China, leading to shifts in global market volumes. The episode underscores the significance of careful planning, scenario analysis, and attention to supply chain details. It highlights the need for operational efficiency and diversifying customer bases as essential survival strategies for suppliers in the changing automotive industry. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Michael Robinet Title: Executive Director, S&P Global Mobility About: Michael is the Executive Director at S&P Global Mobility Consulting. With over three decades of experience, Michael is a leader and innovator in automotive research. In his role, he collaborates with decision-makers in supplier strategy, global production forecasting, and analyzing sourcing and production strategies for entities across the global auto ecosystem. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Episode Highlights: [02:29] Automotive industry’s shift to electric mobility: Michael discusses the ongoing transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and the global challenges and opportunities it brings. Michael provides insights into the industry's journey, addressing disruptions, regional variations, and the crucial role of affordability in shaping the future of electric mobility. [08:57] Supply chain transformation: An exploration of the automotive industry's future where emerging players like BYD and VinFast are reshaping the market. They discussed the evolving concept of volume production and the potential transformation of traditional OEMs. [18:38] Unpredictable road of BEV launches: A discussion about the unpredictable path of BEV launches, describing them as "lumpy," emphasizing the importance of scenario planning and meticulous attention to detail in preparing for BEV launches. [25:44] Michael’s advice: Michael provides valuable advice to the automotive supply base, emphasizing the importance of diversifying the customer base and enhancing operational efficiency for success during this period of transformation. Top Quotes: [03:56] Michael: “So, making capital decisions is much more important to the enterprise than ever was before. So, all these factors kind of worked in and then you add in this ever-present ICE to BEV transition and whatever that slope looks like. It's a critical time from a strategic perspective for not only the vehicle manufacturers but tier ones." [05:06] Michael: “We could wish that people want to buy better electric vehicles, but if they're not priced appropriately or don't have the right total cost equation for the customer, well, that's a problem. [12:58] Michael: “And even with the faster development times of BEVs, it's still a long process to work through safety and reliability and building an assembly plant, building a supply base, building all that sourcing. As you guys well know, it doesn't happen overnight. It is such a process.” [24:20] Michael: “The supplier doesn't have the same leverage that they did in the ICE world versus the BEV world. That is another message that gets lost a lot. And everybody said, well, that's somebody else's problem, because that's 10 years from now, and I'll be retired by then. But it is going to be a problem. There's no doubt.” [26:10] Michael: “Do whatever you can to diversify your customer base and operational efficiency, whatever you make, make it as well as you can. So, it's better than the next person.” | |||
| Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain through Digitization, Sustainability, and Diversity | 13 Nov 2023 | 00:30:44 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths engage in a compelling conversation with Anthony Emery, the Supply Chain and Logistics Director for PHINIA. They take a close look at how things work in the world of the automotive supply chain, pointing out the ups and downs that manufacturers deal with in this ever-evolving industry. Anthony's extensive experience offers a unique perspective on the complexities of aftermarket supply chain management and the digitization of operations. The conversation evolves into a discussion on the topic of sustainability, exploring PHINIA's commitment to environmental responsibility and the various initiatives taken to minimize environmental impacts across global operations. The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), with Anthony sharing personal experiences that have shaped his passion for fostering an inclusive workplace. Anthony delves into the subject of women in the supply chain, shedding light on PHINIA's initiatives to champion women within the organization. The episode wraps up with Anthony offering a crucial piece of advice for automotive supply chain leaders that emphasizes the importance of proactive planning for continued success. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Anthony Emery Title: Supply Chain and Logistics Director for PHINIA About: Anthony is the Supply Chain and Logistics Director for PHINIA, an internationally experienced leader known for building self-managing, high-performing teams. His expertise in data and trend analysis, coupled with a commitment to 'Thought Leadership,' contributes significantly to PHINIA's success in the dynamic landscape of logistics and operations. Connect: LinkedIn Episode Highlights: [01:57] Anthony and PHINIA: Anthony's journey with PHINIA, exploring his role as the Supply Chain and Logistics Director and the impactful initiatives undertaken by the company in the automotive supply chain. [06:28] Supply Chain Digitization: Anthony sheds light on the digitization of the supply chain, emphasizing the need for global connectivity and the critical role technology plays in achieving comprehensive enterprise visibility. [13:30] Sustainable Practices: Explore PHINIA's commitment to sustainability, where Anthony discusses the company's global strategies for minimizing environmental impacts. It also examines the positive intersection between sustainability efforts and cost-saving measures, showcasing the financial benefits of a sustainable supply chain. [19:42] DE&I in the workplace: Anthony shares personal stories fueling his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, discussing strategies like blind CVs for fair candidate evaluation. [28:24] Anthony's advice for supply chain leaders: Gain valuable advice from Anthony on building resilient teams and processes for sustained success in the automotive supply chain. Top Quotes: [18:21] Anthony: "Sustainability has a significant impact on profit and cash flow within companies. So, I think people need to make sure they're not only doing better for the environment but for themselves because the more money they make, the more we can put back in.” [23:50] Anthony: “Diversity, equity, and inclusion don't need to be a hot topic; it needs to be natural, and it needs to be organic, and that's what we're doing right now.” [25:03] Anthony: “Opening yourself as a leader and being vulnerable, being a servant leader, taking every little thing you've learned along the way actually helps you with that diversity. Because if you're open to criticism and be open to improvement. And if you're open to improvement, you're creating a better working environment for people.” [30:04] Anthony: "Build your team, build your process, like you're going to get hit by a bus tomorrow because when you're gone, you want them, your team, your company to be in its best and most optimal position, and that mentality then needs to go on through." | |||
| Preparing the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders through Innovative Education, Gamification, and Talent Focus | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:21:59 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths are joined by Thomas Kull, a professor of operations and supply chain management at Arizona State University. They discuss the evolving landscape of supply chain education, workforce expectations, and the importance of gamification. Thomas shares insights on how Arizona State University has adapted to meet the needs of modern students and how they are integrating supply chain management into various fields, including public and nonprofit sectors. The conversation also explores the challenges students face entering the workforce, such as navigating workplace culture and the importance of understanding and influencing organizational culture. Thomas emphasizes the value of considering talent as a supply chain and treating labor markets as a supply base, highlighting the need for preventative maintenance on the human capital side. Ultimately, the episode encourages organizations to adopt a supply chain view of their workforce, embracing supply chain thinking across various business aspects to create a more interconnected and sustainable approach to talent management. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Thomas Kull Title: Professor of Supply Chain Management, Arizona State University About: Thomas is a distinguished professional with over 13 years of industry experience and an impressive 15-year academic career. He currently holds the position of Professor of Supply Chain Management at W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University. Notably, he is also an accomplished co-author of "People, Process, and Culture: Lean Manufacturing in the Real World" and a co-author of an upcoming book in 2024, emphasizing supply chain management and operations. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [03:23] Innovative supply chain education: Thomas discusses how universities like Arizona State are reshaping supply chain education to align with the changing needs and expectations of students entering the workforce. [07:30] Gamification in learning: The episode highlights the use of gamification in education and how it can be employed to motivate and engage students, making learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience. [14:07] Culture in the workplace: Thomas emphasizes the significance of understanding and navigating workplace culture, highlighting the importance of being a "student of culture" to thrive in various organizational environments. [21:44] Thomas’ advice: Integrate supply chain thinking: Thomas introduces the concept of treating talent as a supply chain and encourages organizations to adopt a supply chain perspective across different facets of their operations to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and talent management. Top Quotes: [04:20] Thomas: "What we've done, we've kind of reconfigured our institutions, reconfigured our colleges, they are no longer aligned by classical silos. They are integrated, and they're continually being integrated. And it changes how you approach students, who your students are, where your market of students is, and who comes to hire your students.” [08:07] Thomas: "I think probably one of the largest areas that we are trying to push into and continually are growing is the gamification of education. The nice thing is that everyone likes it – even seasoned executives enjoy these 'video games.' I believe that gamification will only continue to flourish." [10:23] Thomas: "I would rather have a bunch of people who wanted responsibility than a bunch of people who didn't want responsibility." [11:11] Thomas: “One of the great aspects of gamification is the constant sense of leveling up. When you find yourself in a job where you don't experience that upward progress, it's easy to feel stagnant or discontent. Instead of dwelling on the frustration, it’s better to embrace that and figure out a way to leverage that need to feel like I'm progressing.” [14:59] Thomas: "When you join any organization, recognize that its culture transcends its physical appearance. Whether it's a manufacturing setting or a gleaming glass-walled office, the culture's impact can be profound. Sometimes, even in seemingly humble surroundings, a vibrant and energetic culture thrives. The social elements of a work environment are very, very important. [21:14] Thomas: "I think that my piece of advice is to help others have a more systemic, interdependent network value stream thinking beyond just production."D | |||
| Taking a Break | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:02:19 | |
Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. Today, we are taking a break. This episode will air on November 4th, and both Terry and I will be at the QAD Transform conference. So we're very excited to meet with supply chain professionals, IT leaders, and business leaders, and we're going to talk about one of our favorite subjects: transformation. Yes, we will. So stay tuned because we'll be talking about it in future podcast episodes. So take a moment and go back through our back catalog. If you haven't heard the episodes with some of our guests like, Beth Crowley, Chief Resilience Officer and President of the Crowley Group. She talks about why every supply chain needs an army of problem solvers. And then, we move across the pond to the UK. We interviewed John McClellan Grant, the regional engagement manager for SMMT, and we talked about what's happening in the UK auto industry. And then, of course, our one and only Jim Liegghio from AIAG, in episode 64, talks about leading the charge and building tomorrow's supply chain leaders. One of our favorite episodes, way back in episode 54, is Shiv Taylor. We talk about the comeback at Volta Truck. There's a lot in our back catalog. Check it out, and we'll be back with a fresh new episode in two weeks. Until then, take care. Mentioned in this episode:
Please visit this link to access our complete collection of podcast episodes. | |||
| UAW Strike, Supply Chain Turmoil, and Their Role in the EV Journey | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:30:36 | |
In this episode of the Automotive Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths engage thought leader Paul Eichenberg in a comprehensive discussion about the ongoing strikes within the automotive industry. They delve into the root causes of these strikes and provide insights into their potential duration. A central theme of their conversation revolves around the pivotal role played by battery facilities in shaping the future of the automotive industry, particularly in the context of the transition to electric vehicles. The discussion also addresses the strikes' impact on OEMs and suppliers, the need for strategic adaptation in a rapidly changing automotive landscape, and the evolving dynamics of the global supply chain influenced by geopolitical factors and national security concerns. Furthermore, the episode addresses the formidable challenge posed by suppliers unprepared for the rapid shift to electric vehicles Paul's insightful comments underscore the importance of recognizing the ongoing 20-year cycle of disruption and proactively preparing for it. The episode serves as an invaluable resource for industry leaders, providing a comprehensive view of the current challenges and opportunities within the automotive supply chain. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Paul Eichenberg Title: Managing Director, Paul Eichenberg Strategic Consulting About: Paul turns technology into growth by helping executives across North America, Europe, and Asia navigate the operational, systemic, and strategic issues this disruptive time in the automotive industry presents. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:06] Ongoing Strike and Battery Facility's Role: The episode addresses the ongoing strikes within the automotive industry, exploring their root causes, potential duration, and implications for OEMs and suppliers. It also highlights the central role of battery facilities in shaping the automotive industry's future. [04:59] Impact on OEMs and Suppliers: The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics of the strikes, emphasizing that they have yet to disrupt the core operations of major automakers. However, the episode anticipates a potential shift as the strikes progress, affecting essential vehicle lines. [07:41] Complex Post-Strike Startup: As suppliers grapple with the strikes' economic repercussions, they face the daunting challenge of an impending startup phase. [10:31] Suppliers Unprepared for Electric Vehicles: The challenge of suppliers unprepared for the shift to electric vehicles comes to the forefront. [21:44] Supply Chain of the Future: Paul delves into the future supply chain landscape, emphasizing the need for substantial investment and a singular focus on the EV value chain, driven by government incentives and the discovery of critical resources. [24:52] Global Supply Chain Dynamics: Taking into account the influence of geopolitical factors and national security concerns on global supply chain dynamics. The semiconductor shortage and its effects on supply chain strategies receive particular attention. [28:15] Paul’s advice for Industry Leaders: Paul stresses the necessity of recognizing the ongoing 20-year cycle of disruption and proactively preparing for it. Paul advises leaders to focus on scenario planning, supply chain resilience, and forward-thinking strategies to successfully navigate the evolving automotive landscape. Top Quotes: [02:50] Paul: “The heart of the issue comes down to the battery facilities and the union's desire to unionize those facilities for a couple of different reasons, but most importantly because that's the future of the industry. And if they aren't tied to those vehicles of the future, they really don't have as strong of a future.” [05:46] Paul: “I think you're going to start to see more car plants as the next focus of the strike, which will create some challenges, but it's not DEFCON 4 like striking the heart of the profitability of the OEMs. Whether it's the expedition, the navigator facility, the F-series, Ram trucks, these will be the last moves of labor to inflict pain on the OEMs.” [06:36] Paul: “You're going to see the union go all out with a shutdown of the OEMs, potentially in the next two to three weeks. Then there will be a real push because they feel they're close enough to get to a resolution. So, for suppliers, it's going to be a disruptive month.” [15:11] Paul: "I would say it's not too late, but it's getting to the late innings of the game. When we started talking about this five or six years ago, it seemed like a distant future. Now, 10% of the vehicles in the US are electric, and we're heading towards 30 to 35% by the end of the decade. So, you need to be developing those strategies today." [21:55] Paul: “Just look at some of the megatrends that we have now in the industry and what's taken place… if you're an OEM or you're a supplier, and you're in the EV value chain, you've got to be investing heavily.” [29:02] Paul: “What you have to be thinking about is where is disruption going to come from and why? And then, how do I start to put together scenarios to plan so that when those things happen, I'm prepared; I know how the organization is going to react.” | |||
| Preparing for Post-Strike Success in Automotive Supply Chains | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:29:28 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths sit down with Bill Hurles, former executive director of supply chain for General Motors, to discuss the current challenges facing the automotive supply chain. They discuss the ongoing UAW strike against major automakers, highlighting the importance of preparing for a smooth restart once the strike concludes. The conversation shifts to the role of technology in supply chain management, particularly the significance of electronic communication and the adoption of AI. Bill and Terry stress the importance of having up-to-date records, utilizing EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), and implementing robust supplier relationship management tools. The episode also highlighted the need to break down silos within organizations for more efficient communication and decision-making, especially during crises like strikes. They also touch on sustainability in the supply chain and how small steps within the plant environment can contribute to a greener future. The episode wraps up with a focus on talent development and continuous learning. Bill emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent, sharing knowledge, and setting personal goals for ongoing learning and improvement. In a world of evolving supply chain challenges, Bill Hurles' insights offer valuable guidance for professionals seeking to navigate and thrive in this complex landscape. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Bill Hurles Title: Former Executive Director, Supply Chain at General Motors About: Bill Hurles is a highly accomplished Senior Executive in Supply Chain with over 38 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has a proven track record of effectively addressing complex supply chain challenges through cross-functional collaboration and strong supplier relationships. He actively contributes to Supply Chain education and advancement through engagements with institutions like Wayne State University, AIAG, Supply Chain 50, and the Global Supply Chain Resiliency Council, where he currently serves as Executive Director. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [01:54] The current strike: The hosts set the stage by discussing the ongoing strike by the UAW against major automotive manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of addressing supply chain challenges during such crises. [03:46] Anticipation of restart: Bill emphasizes that supply chain leaders should anticipate the restart of operations once the strike is resolved, requiring them to plan for changes in production volumes and schedules. [06:25] Technology, Communication and EDI: Technology, especially AI, is discussed as a tool to replace manual tasks and enhance operations within supply chains. Effective communication, especially through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), is highlighted as a critical factor in supply chain management during a strike. [06:25] Supply chain relations: Bill emphasizes strong supplier relations, paralleling them with personal relationships. He stresses robust communication as crucial for support and responsiveness, along with maintaining supply chain record integrity and timely communication to ensure stability, especially during unforeseen challenges like labor shortages. [17:25] Breaking down silos: Jan and Bill tackle silos in the automotive industry, highlighting their drawbacks during crises. Bill emphasizes breaking them down for improved communication and decision-making. He advises effective management when fostering collaboration, cautioning against excessive input, and underscores the importance of speed for productivity and efficiency. [20:09] Sustainability in supply chains: The discussion shifts to sustainability, where Bill underscores the responsibility of organizations to preserve resources and create cleaner environments. [24:24] Talent development: Bill highlights the critical importance of talent in the supply chain, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, skill development, and nurturing a strong team. [22:50] Bill’s closing advice: Bill encourages individuals and leaders to remain committed to continuous learning and development. He emphasizes setting personal goals to enhance skills and knowledge regularly and fostering open communication and shared understanding. Top Quotes: [04:57] Bill: “Anything you can do to better position yourself for the restart needs to be done right now.” [10:37] Bill: “Building on that supplier relations is no different than a personal relationship. When you've got a good bond between two individuals, things move much smoother and much more flawlessly. I think all efforts have got to be to continue to improve supply relations.” [18:50] Bill: “The better an organization can work to eliminate silos, the more efficient they're going to be, the communication is going to be better, people are going to be able to anticipate what is being done, and can then thereby react quicker.” [24:57] Bill: “I think each individual, including the leader themselves, needs to be committed to continue to learn, things are changing fast. And you need to keep ahead.” | |||
| Shaping the Future: Why Talent Development Is Paramount in Automotive Supply Chains | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:29:24 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, Naseem Malik, the Managing Director of MRA Global Sourcing, brings his extensive 25 years of supply chain expertise to the table. He joins hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and Jan Griffiths in discussing the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive supply chain. Naseem sheds light on the profound shifts catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for agile leadership in a rapidly changing environment. The conversation delves into the pivotal role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in reshaping procurement and supply chain operations. Naseem also underscores the significance of nurturing emerging supply chain leaders, fostering learning agility, and embracing technology to maintain a competitive edge. Moreover, the episode explores the emerging trend of isolating purchasing functions from manufacturing, impacting communication, relationship building, and supplier innovation. It also explores the concept of a talent supply chain, highlighting the importance of talent development, training, and retention within organizations. Notably, Naseem identifies a critical challenge facing the automotive industry: catching up with tech-focused competitors like Tesla, who have made significant strides in technology integration, placing traditional automakers at a disadvantage. To remain competitive and drive innovation, automotive companies must invest in enhancing their workforce's technology proficiency and readily adopt digital advancements throughout the supply chain. This episode offers invaluable insights for professionals navigating the dynamic automotive supply chain sector. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Naseem Malik Title: Managing Director, MRA Global Sourcing About: Naseem Malik, with over 25 years of automotive industry experience, serves as the Managing Director of MRA Global Sourcing. He excels in talent development, curating exceptional supply chain talent, and offers expert advisory and consulting services to enhance organizations' supply chain operations. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [03:44] Challenges in the Post-COVID Supply Chain: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the automotive supply chain, introducing disruptions, tariffs, and volatility. Naseem emphasizes the need for agility and end-to-end expertise in managing these challenges. [05:30] Crucial Skills for Supply Chain Leaders: Naseem highlights the importance of an agile mindset for supply chain leaders. In a rapidly changing environment, practitioners need to be adaptable and versatile, capable of taking on various roles within the supply chain. [11:28] The Impact of Separating Supply Chain Functions: Naseem discusses the growing trend of separating purchasing functions from manufacturing in the automotive industry. This separation affects communication, relationship building, and supplier innovation, posing challenges for supply chain leaders. [18:27] Technology and AI Adoption: The adoption of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is on the rise in supply chain management. Naseem discusses how companies are leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. [22:33] Talent Supply Chain: Naseem introduces the concept of a "talent supply chain." Similar to the traditional supply chain, this model focuses on strategically sourcing and nurturing talent within an organization. [25:37] The One Thing: Naseem emphasizes the need for the automotive industry to catch up with tech-focused competitors like Tesla. To remain competitive and innovative, the industry must bridge the technology gap by investing in talent development and technology adoption. Top Quotes: [6:50] Naseem: “It's better to be able to hire for the future, meaning somebody that's got the potential, somebody that's got the upside and can do this versus saying, we have to find somebody that's got a very specific skill set.” [19:24] Naseem: “Continue to learn as much as you can, that learning agility is what will set you apart.” [19:45] Naseem: “The more you embrace what's happening today on the technology side, and understand that while it's not going to replace you or replace your jobs, the people that actually use this AI technology will be in a much better position than people that don't use it.” [25:59] Naseem: “If you provide your talent within your company the opportunities to grow, if you train them, whether it's internal, or whether it's external, and encourage them, incentivize them, that is only going to help you and pay dividends.” [28:04] Naseem: “In order for us to build a competitive car and to stay on the cutting edge, we have to understand technology because we have to go negotiate with the suppliers, we have to be able to speak their language.” | |||
| ESG in the Automotive Industry: Embracing Sustainability for Global Supply Chains | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:24:29 | |
In the latest episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and Jan Griffiths dive into the dynamic realm of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) standards in the automotive supply chain. Their guest, Alexis Scipio, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in procurement and supply chain, lends her invaluable insights to illuminate the path toward embracing ESG principles to enhance sustainability and ethical practices within the automotive industry. In an in-depth discussion, the hosts and Alexis explore the profound significance of ESG in the automotive sector. Drawing on her wealth of experience, Alexis navigates the complex landscape of global ESG standards, highlighting challenges stemming from diverse agreements and frameworks that can create confusion. The conversation also underscores the importance of cross-functional collaboration and leadership in addressing ESG requirements. Alexis emphasizes the involvement of every function in ESG implementation, while also emphasizing the transformative potential of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) in fostering deep partnerships and engagement with suppliers. In this engaging episode, listeners gain valuable insights into ESG's multifaceted nature, its crucial relevance to the automotive sector's global supply chains, and the concrete steps leaders can take to align their organizations with ESG principles. With a passionate emphasis on partnership, engagement, and education, the episode concludes by inspiring automotive leaders to champion sustainable and ethical practices for a brighter future. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Alexis Scipio Title: ESG Strategy Consultant About: Alexis Scipio is a seasoned ESG aficionado and supply chain professional with over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry. She’s the Founder of The Thrive Point LLC. and a certified diversity specialist who passionately integrates ESG principles into business processes. Connect: Linkedin Episode Highlights: [03:31] Defining ESG and Navigating Complex Frameworks: The conversation not only defines ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) standards but also delves into the complexity arising from numerous agreements and frameworks referencing ESG. [04:55] Significance of ESG in the Automotive Sector: The podcast underlines the profound importance of ESG in the automotive industry. The discussion revolves around how ESG considerations influence various aspects of the sector's operations and future direction. [07:24] Impact on the Supply Chain: The hosts and Alexis delve into the broader impact of ESG on the automotive supply chain. They discuss how ESG requirements extend throughout the supply chain and require collaboration from multiple functions. [15:46] Importance of Cross-Functional Collaboration: Alexis emphasizes the significance of cross-functional collaboration in effectively addressing ESG requirements. Alexis highlights the need for every function to play a role in ESG implementation, stressing its broader impact on the automotive supply chain. [16:50] Fostering Value through an ESG Mindset: Alexis reflects on the transformative power of viewing ESG as a value-driven proposition rather than an added responsibility. By aligning ESG efforts with quality improvement, she emphasizes that this shift in perspective can reframe the role of ESG within automotive operations. [22:50] Insights into ESG Implementation: Alexis’ expertise shines as she provides actionable advice for starting the ESG journey within the automotive industry. Addressing leaders and listeners in supply chain operations and C-suite roles, Alexis emphasizes the significance of proactive engagement. Top Quotes: [13:19] Alexis: “There's true value in ESG in automotive.” [18:31] Alexis: “There's a direct correlation between people being happy and quality.” [20:52] Alexis: “I find real value-add in making sure that you, as a buyer or supplier-facing role, know the culture of that company, knows and partners with them on technology, making sure that they're heard, making sure that they're engaged.” [21:23] Alexis: “I mean, these are the suppliers. These are the relationships that will withstand pandemics, recessions, they will be there for you based on the relationship that you've cultivated.” [23:40] Alexis: “So, my real request is for OEMs to step up, to make sure that they're partnering along with their suppliers to make sure that they are being partners in sustainability.” | |||
| Revving Up the Supply Chain: Exploring the Future of Automotive EDI | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:26:15 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, we dive deep into the world of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and its pivotal role in the automotive supply chain. We have a special guest with us, Fred Coe, an esteemed expert with over 25 years of experience in the B2B space and the chair of the AIAG EDI Advisory Group. We will dissect the significance of EDI in managing the intricate web of components, from orders to production, across tiers and borders. Gain insight into how EDI ensures the seamless flow of information, which is critical for the assembly of every vehicle. Fred Coe guides us through the AIAG EDI advisory group's projects, outlining the potential for AI to automate complex tasks like mapping and troubleshooting. Learn how this alliance is reshaping the landscape by bringing automation and intelligence to the forefront. Delve into the strategic importance of accurate process setup and the profound lessons learned from supply chain disruptions. Explore the roadmap for attracting new talent to the EDI arena and fostering innovation. Learn how EDI's role is evolving and how embracing innovation can pave the way for an adaptive and agile future. Tune in now to gain an invaluable perspective on the intersection of tradition and modernity in the automotive supply chain. Embark on a journey that promises to enlighten and inspire, offering a glimpse into the strategies and technologies driving the industry's future. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Fred Coe Title: Chair, AIAG EDI Advisory Group, and a Global B2B Leader About: Fred Coe is a recognized global thought leader in the world of EDI and supply chain operations in the Automotive industry. Connect: Linkedin Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:45] Understanding EDI's Significance: Fred Coe, a prominent figure in the EDI landscape, explains the fundamental role of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in today's complex automotive supply chain. With vehicles comprising of thousands of parts sourced globally, EDI becomes the linchpin that orchestrates seamless data communication and collaboration between all tiers. [03:44] AIAG's EDI Advisory Group: Fred Coe's leadership in the AIAG EDI advisory group highlights the collaborative efforts within the automotive industry. Industry leaders, software providers, and stakeholders convene to address challenges, improve adoption rates, and explore innovations that enhance the EDI ecosystem. [5:55] EDI's Transformative Power: EDI emerges as the driving force behind operational efficiency, accuracy, and visibility. Hear how it eliminates manual tasks, streamlines communication, and empowers suppliers with real-time data for effective decision-making. [8:26] Emerging Technologies and the Future of EDI: Fred Coe shares insights on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) into the EDI landscape. Explore how AI can enhance EDI mapping and streamline troubleshooting, while APIs offer an avenue for quicker data exchange between suppliers and OEMs. [16:31] Encouraging Adoption Beyond Tier Ones: The hosts discuss strategies to convince tier twos and tier threes of EDI's value proposition. Fred Coe emphasizes education, highlighting EDI's role in eliminating manual efforts, enhancing accuracy, and fostering efficient operations across all tiers of the supply chain. [20:53] EDI's Critical Placement in the Organization: The discussion touches on the optimal placement of EDI responsibilities within an organization. Whether in supply chain, IT, or other functions, EDI's interconnected nature ensures it impacts every facet of business operations. [25:10] The One Thing: Fred Coe encourages supply chain leaders to embrace innovation and attract new talent to the EDI space. The key lies in fostering an open learning environment, continually adapting to evolving technologies, and ensuring operational stability while driving transformative change. Top Quotes: [03:02] Fred: "I often compare EDI to electricity. You take it for granted. It runs every day, it turns on. But when it's off, things just grind to a halt." [13:07] Fred: "EDI has to be a condition to do business with any organization. It's no longer an order qualifier. It's no longer a nice-to-have." [13:25] Cathy: “EDI powers the automotive supply chain.” [23:15] Jan: “We got to get in there, we got to set up these parts properly, technology cannot run without the basic process of discipline.” [23:40] Terry: “EDI is like the IV into the plant. If they don't get those releases, it's like the patient starts dying.” [25:44] Fred: “You're going to learn something new every day and to keep that open mind and keep learning.” | |||
| Roadmap to Auto Supply Chain Success | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:25:44 | |
In this episode, hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and co-host, Jan Griffiths share a roadmap to success in the automotive supply chain. The roadmap comprises five crucial steps that aim to help organizations prepare for the future and thrive in the industry. Step one involves identifying the 24 essential supply chain processes, crucial for success. Steps two and three emphasize the importance of assessing competencies and providing training for a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. In step four, they highlight the significance of adopting a strategic supply chain mindset, and step five explores the benefits of technology and automation. Throughout the episode, the hosts provide valuable insights and examples to inspire and guide listeners on their journey toward supply chain success. Don't miss out on all of these insights and real-world examples that can propel your supply chain toward profitability and success.
Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Cathy Fisher Title: Founder and President, Quistem About: Cathy’s firm helps its clients, particularly automotive manufacturers, eliminate customer complaints and increase their profits. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s when she started her career with General Motors. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: A veteran executive in the automotive industry, Jan previously served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion, Tier 1 global automotive supplier. As the president of Gravitas Detroit, Jan provides online courses, speeches, podcasts, and workshops to break the mold of command -and-control leadership to help you unleash the potential of your team and allow authentic leadership to thrive. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: The five-step Roadmap The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes Episode 32: Why Automating your QMS improves your Supply Chain Performance Episode 11: Silo is a 4-letter word! Episode Highlights: [04:49] Roadmap: Step one - Essential Processes: Cathy discussed the significance of identifying the 24 essential supply chain processes that form the foundation of success in the industry. [06:28] Roadmap: Step two & three - Assessing Competencies and Providing Training: Terry emphasized assessing the competencies of the workforce and recognizing the need for a knowledgeable and skilled team. And, the next logical step would be investing in training for supply chain professionals, along with AIAG's new training program for the automotive industry. [08:33] Roadmap: Step four - Strategic Mindset: The fourth step focuses on adopting a strategic supply chain mindset, breaking down silos, and aligning operations for better performance. [09:43] Roadmap: Step five - Leveraging Technology: Terry delves into the benefits of technology and automation in the supply chain, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead in the rapidly evolving industry. [15:15] Embracing Change: The need for automotive manufacturers to embrace change and invest in technology and process improvements now. With the industry rapidly changing, delaying transformation can lead to missed opportunities and decreased competitiveness. Top Quotes: [07:44] Cathy: “There's definitely a unique language to supply chain in the automotive space. There are some common supply chain terms, but there are also quite a few that are unique. And so that's one of the things that this training that AIAG just released is going to definitely help new people coming into the industry.” [10:28] Terry: “We need to have systems so that we can get that data quickly. So, we comply with AI. Because I'm hoping, AI is going to be that reason that we finally start to really take technology more seriously, in the business environment in supply chain.” [15:04] Cathy: “There's a tremendous risk to the overall industry, but also the individual manufacturers by not adopting the automation as part of their quality systems as well.” [15:37] Jan: “My gut feeling tells me and from the interviews that we've had with Mike is that they made a decision to do it because it's the right thing to do. They didn't do it because they were trying to conform to a standard or something, they just did it because they could see the benefit.” | |||
| The Future of Supply Chain and Quality Management in the Auto Industry | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:23:15 | |
MMOGLE and IATF cross reference document In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, The hosts, Cathy Fisher and Terry Onica, along with the Co-host, Jan Griffiths take a broad picture of the automotive sector and its changing standards. Cathy stresses the necessity of clarity in relation to clients, markets, and value for strategic planning to be successful. Terry talks about MMOG/LE training and the need to align MMOG/LE with IATF 16949 standards for a more thorough supply chain management strategy. They discuss the benefits and difficulties presented by the automotive industry's changing landscape. To build a potent fusion of innovation and mass manufacturing skills, they underline the importance of dismantling silos and encouraging collaboration between established OEMs and EV startups. The relevance of sustainability is also discussed, as well as how automotive standards should change to account for emerging technologies and cybersecurity issues. The hosts repeatedly emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to supply chain management and the necessity of fusing quality, supply chain, and other elements to ensure long-term success in the rapidly changing auto sector. Join this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets and dive in as they take a macro view of the industry and the standards of the auto industry. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Cathy Fisher Title: Founder and President, Quistem About: Cathy’s firm helps its clients, particularly automotive manufacturers, eliminate customer complaints and increase their profits. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s when she started her career with General Motors. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: A veteran executive in the automotive industry, Jan previously served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion, Tier 1 global automotive supplier. As the president of Gravitas Detroit, Jan provides online courses, speeches, podcasts and workshops to break the mold of command and control leadership to help you unleash the potential of your team and allow authentic leadership to thrive. Connect: LinkedIn Episode Highlights: [02:19] Streamlining and Adding Value to Clients: Cathy Fisher discusses the importance of streamlining processes to recognize and add maximum value to clients in the strategic planning process. Having clarity about clients, markets, and the problems they face helps in refining approaches for better client outcomes. [05:30] Future Automotive Standards: The hosts discuss the evolution of automotive standards, including IATF 16949 and MMOG/LE. They emphasize the need to keep up with technological advancements, especially in software, and anticipate changes in standards to adapt to the rapidly transforming automotive industry. [09:23] Mapping MMOG/LE and IATF: Terry Onica talks about the efforts to harmonize MMOG/LE and IATF 16949 to create a comprehensive supply chain management approach. The hosts highlight the benefits of understanding where these standards complement each other and how organizations can leverage existing processes to fulfill the criteria. [13:09] 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes: Cathy and Terry present the 24 essential supply chain processes, derived from MMOG/LE and designed to address critical aspects of supply chain management. They discuss how these processes help identify and overcome challenges in the automotive industry. [14:42] Lean in Supply Chain: The hosts discuss the challenges of implementing lean practices in supply chain management. They share frustrations they've encountered during plant visits, where outdated systems and resistance to change hinder efficient supply chain operations. [19:24] Frustrations in the Industry: Cathy and Terry express their frustrations with the command-and-control culture prevalent in the automotive industry. They emphasize the need for CEOs and leaders to define the culture they want and encourage breaking down silos for better collaboration. [22:02] Innovation Culture and Traditional Companies: The hosts discuss the potential benefits of merging the innovation culture of EV startups with the mass production capabilities of traditional automotive companies. They stress the importance of learning from each other and creating a more powerful and efficient industry by embracing both approaches. Top Quotes: [01:55] Cathy: “I think it really starts with having clarity around who your clients are, who you're working with, the markets you're serving, and most importantly, the value that you're bringing to your clients and the problems you're helping them solve. [05:14] Jan: “And I look back and I think, how far we've come from those days when there was resistance to just a little old APQP planning. But that being said, what does the future look like?” [07:78] Cathy: “We really need to take a strong look at our automotive standards, not just from the quality standpoint.” [14:02] Terry: “It goes back to we're not documenting our processes. We don't have that culture yet in our plants, because when these new people come in, they lose all of that knowledge.” [18:24] Terry: “We got to get people working together and all phases of the supply chain. Otherwise, we will just continue to fight these battles. And it's just at the end of the day. It always feels like it's about cost and not about doing the right thing in the industry.” Mentioned in this episode: Episode 28 - How the MMOG/LE is transforming the automotive supply chain Episode 29 - Speeding past spreadsheets and silos: the intersection of IATF and MMOG/LE | |||
| 10x Impact: Revolutionizing the Role of Procurement | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:25:33 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, we interviewed Phil Ideson, Managing Director of the Art of Procurement, who is on a mission to revolutionize (10X) the impact of procurement in organizations. Phil emphasizes the need for procurement professionals to think outside the box and reimagine their roles to achieve greater influence and value. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with suppliers, especially in the automotive industry, where tight margins and disruptions in the supply chain are common challenges. The conversation then focuses on the automotive supply chain, where Phil points out that procurement's role is vital due to the industry's high dependence on cost-efficient components. He highlights that automotive procurement is often measured solely based on cost savings, which neglects other critical aspects like supplier quality, performance, and innovation. In a bid to shift procurement from a transactional to a strategic function, Phil advises building empathy with stakeholders and focusing on their needs, rather than solely on individual metrics. Join us in this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets as Phil Ideson also shares his insights from the telecom industry, where strategic procurement partnerships are prevalent, offering guidance to the automotive audience in fostering similar practices. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Phil Ideson Title: Founder & Managing Director, The Art of Procurement a company on a mission to 10x the impact of procurement. It promotes the value of procurement within the organization, actively engaging colleagues in the business by offering access to case studies, resources, insights, thought leaders, tools, and technologies that empower confident change. About: With over two decades of experience, Phil has successfully developed, transformed, and led procurement teams, generating significant value for stakeholders through cost optimization, innovation, employee retention, and risk mitigation across Direct and Indirect procurement. He has served as a practitioner, consultant, change agent, and Head of Procurement. Phil hosts the #1 procurement podcast in the world - The Art of Procurement Podcast Connect: Linkedin Episode Highlights: [01:35] Redefining Procurement's Impact. Phil Ideson's mission is to "10x the impact of procurement" by challenging traditional views and encouraging creative thinking in redefining procurement roles. He highlights the significance of procurement in the automotive industry's supply chain, given its tight margins and cost management challenges. [05:36] The Importance of Customer Satisfaction in Procurement. In the automotive supply chain, the discussion revolves around the crucial focus on quality and on-time delivery. Phil emphasizes that timely delivery plays a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction, and he urges procurement professionals to acknowledge and prioritize this vital aspect in their work. [07:37] Procurement's Role during Disruptions. During the conversation, the focus shifts to the disruptions faced in supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic. Phil highlights how procurement played a critical role in securing essential supplies and maintaining business continuity, gaining well-deserved recognition in the process. He motivates procurement professionals to continue demonstrating their value beyond just cost management to retain this elevated position within organizations. [10:14] Breaking the Status Quo. They explore the idea of procurement becoming a strategic partner for both the business and suppliers. Phil underlines the importance of showcasing the value that can be derived from nurturing strategic supplier relationships, emphasizing that solely focusing on cost savings can have negative consequences. By shifting the perception of procurement and encouraging a broader perspective, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth and success. [11:32] Innovating in the EV and Autonomous Vehicle Era. Phil discussed how procurement plays a crucial role in driving innovation, especially in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles. He points out that the supply market holds vast potential for research and development (R&D) and urges procurement professionals to act as facilitators in accessing this potential. By fostering collaboration between suppliers and the company, procurement can stimulate innovation and help stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the automotive industry. [12:09] Exemplary Strategic Partnership in Procurement. Phil concluded by mentioning the telecom industry, particularly companies like BT, Vodafone, and MTN, as excellent examples of strategic procurement partnerships. He encourages other sectors, including automotive, to learn from their approach and adopt a more strategic outlook for procurement success. [23:11] The one thing. Phil highlights that the biggest challenge faced by CPOs is the digital literacy of their teams. He emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity, interest, openness, and literacy in technology to leverage its advantages. He stresses the need for procurement teams to be supported in their journey towards digital literacy to ensure effective utilization of technology investments and avoid issues arising from lack of adaptability or implementation knowledge. Top Quotes: [04:38] Phil: “The rest of the organization suddenly saw procurement in a different light in how they can actually support the business and it wasn't just about cost savings. In fact, right now, it's probably more about cost increase mitigations as opposed to cost savings, but we could play a really leading role in availability of supply.” [05:41] Cathy: “We can't live in the status quo anymore, especially with how rapidly things are changing.” [11:32] Phil: "When you're looking at EV and autonomous vehicles, the number one role that procurement can play is around innovation.” | |||
| Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the EV Startup World | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:19:05 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Andreas Bareid, head of e-mobility for QAD shares his insights on the topic of e-mobility and supply chain management. He highlights the advantages and disadvantages of EV startups, including their ability to move quickly but lack of experience and infrastructure. Traditional automotive companies face similar challenges in adapting to the EV market while dealing with legacy systems. Andreas emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach and scalable solutions for efficient supply chain management. This episode delves into the concept of speed and the differences between traditional automotive companies and EV startups in terms of implementation expectations. EV startups work on shorter timescales, aiming to move from ideation to engineering, small-scale production, and eventually massive scale in a matter of months. Traditional OEMs tend to follow a more thorough and time-consuming process. The ability to make quick decisions and access data in real time is crucial for growth and competitiveness. Join this conversation with Andreas Bareid as he also highlights the common pain points in the industry, including the importance of time-to-market for both startups and established companies. And, the interest of foreign companies in establishing onshore operations in the US, as well as the potential consequences of US policies on battery production in Europe and other regions. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Andreas Bareid Title: Director of E-Mobility and Battery Business Development at QAD About: Andreas leads transformative growth and sustainable innovation in the automotive industry. With QAD Adaptive Applications, he empowers companies to navigate disruption, scale sustainably, and thrive amidst technological advancements. Connect: Linkedin Episode Highlights: [02:28] EV startups and infrastructure. The importance of a good supply chain management system and ERP system for the success of EV startups. [04:12] Funding requirements for startups. The need for EV startups to move quickly in order to secure funding and avoid going out of business. Different funding requirements at different stages of the startup journey, such as ISO 9001 documentation and compliance with industry standards. [09:03] US-made car battery supply chain. The impact of US regulations on the battery supply chain, specifically the requirement for 40% of battery components to be produced in the US to qualify for EV subsidy tax credits. The challenges and opportunities for foreign battery companies to establish their supply chain in the US. [11:14] Tax credits and profit. The profitability of building batteries in the US due to tax credits and incentives for production. [16:55] Supply chain success. The importance of establishing robust and stable supply chains amidst disruptions caused by the influx of companies in the battery industry; and the significance of speed in scaling up production and meeting future goals related to EV adoption. Top Quotes: [03:02] Andreas: "But you want to do as much as possible within the solutions that you're having giving a good foundation for growth and rapid speed to benefit. That is actually the main reason for why many of the EV companies, both tier ones, and OEMs are coming to QAD, because you're sitting on a lot of knowledge and processes and expertise with QAD embedded inside of the system." [05:15] Andreas: "You take the decision speed, if you're not having the data available at the right time, the ability to take the sessions at a time you actually need it, that is going to hinder you for your further growth." [14:19] Andreas: "There's a lot of disruption in the market. There's a lot of uncertain supply chains. You need to establish them. You need to be able to onboard them. You need to ensure robustness and your supply chain and the stability and capacity of them in order to look for your goals for 2030 and 2035." [17:04] Andreas: "Get rid of excel, get rid of excel, and get rid of JIRA to manage your supply chain and to manage your quality. They are tools that are not able to scale, they will break. No matter if you're established or if you're a new entrants that will hinder your growth. You need to lean on the knowledge that are within the supply chain solutions for how you enable your suppliers and communicate with them and execute on the supply chain." | |||
| Transforming the Auto Supply Chain Workplace Through Engagement, Communication, and Gamification | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:25:35 | |
Supply chain operators are more likely to ask a superior for help or relay critical information to a colleague if it feels like shooting a text to a pal about where to grab dinner after the game. Truly connected workforce solutions combine accessibility and accountability by employing familiar tech (like iPads) with real-time performance tracking displayed throughout the workplace. In this episode of Supply Chain Prophets, Kevin Shayer of Allied Wire & Cable reveals some of the biggest successes and challenges he experienced shaking up the status quo and implementing QAD Redzone, a connected workforce system that ushered in a new culture and exceptional results. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Kevin Shayer Title: Vice President Operations and Supply Chain, Allied Wire & Cable About: Kevin brings over 24 years of supply chain leadership experience to his role at Allied Wire & Cable, where he has helped to revolutionize their processes through implementing connected workforce solutions. Kevin has a background spanning multiple disciplines and a servant leadership style that motivates team members at all levels to achieve tangible results. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [3:11] Texting FTW, LOL: Apple TVs displaying progress like a scoreboard, iPads at each station, and the ability to message co-workers at any level in a familiar way all create an environment that encourages authentic participation and meets people where they are. [4:35] Green bar, gold star, can’t lose: Kevin’s team emphasizes positive reinforcement by celebrating accomplishments through visible stats and addressing issues in real-time. [9:00] Checkered flags replace carrots: In addition to engagement and communication, Kevin credits the gamification of workflows for incentivizing productivity. “Everybody is competitive — our goal is to help everybody win,” he explains. [15:47] Collaborating and empowering: Democratizing dialogue with tools and language that Gen Z relates to, utilizing connected workforce solutions, can create a collaborative environment that empowers younger workers. [19:14] Sprucing up the showroom floor: As prospective clients, potential team members, vendors, and other visitors tour facilities, Kevin explains that the highly visible new tech is an easy selling point to quickly showcase modern processes in a recognizable way. [21:14] Jumpstarting rusty engines: More than installing accessible tech, Kevin describes their new system as a rallying point for leadership to revolutionize antiquated systems and create almost magical transformations in connectivity, productivity and engagement. [30:44] The one thing: Adopting state-of-the-industry technology is one thing — getting siloed legacy teams on board during a transitional period of change is a different animal. As Kevin explains, engaging as many people as you can early in the process greatly improves your ability to get everyone rowing in the same direction. Top quotes[5:55] Kevin: “I’m half embarrassed to say this, but after implementing the new system we saw productivity improvements of over 100%. I’m very proud of that, and it was all done by challenging the status quo.” [12:10] Kevin: “Technology enables engagement. People have a voice, management and colleagues are listening to their ideas, and it's leading to positive change out on the plant floor.” [18:02] Kevin: “At the end of the day, the one group that has won the most with our new connected workforce solution is the customer.” [19:44] Kevin: “Embracing the new technology and tools has become a part of our program — better yet, it’s in our DNA.” [32:00] Kevin: “We had some big early wins, which led to a tidal wave of positivity that we rode for a year. Now the challenge has become maintaining that momentum through continuous improvement and engagement.” | |||
| SMMT’s Role in Shaping UK Automotive Supply Chain | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:21:40 | |
We're no strangers to challenges in the auto industry, especially when it comes to supply chain management. We've seen it all in the US with our OEMs and Tier One suppliers, but what about across the pond in the UK? In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, we bring in John McLellan-Grant from SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) to explore SMMT’s role in shaping the future of the UK auto sector and the current state of the industry. SMMT isn't just any trade association; it has been the backbone of the UK's automotive industry since 1902, bringing together nearly 900 members, from OEMs to raw materials suppliers. Their mission? To lead the way in industry transformation and ensure the UK stays competitive in the global auto market. John sheds light on how they tackle issues like post-Brexit labor shortages, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), and the race toward decarbonization. Whether it's helping companies pivot to sustainable practices or guiding them through regulatory changes, SMMT is at the heart of the UK's automotive transformation. But it's not all smooth sailing. John talks about the growing pains in EV adoption—yes, even in the UK, where some places still struggle to offer enough petrol stations, let alone charging stations. Yet, despite the hurdles, there's progress, from the rise of Gigafactories to bold new energy initiatives aimed at future-proofing the industry. What stands out? The importance of trust and transparency. John believes that open communication between suppliers, OEMs, and the government is key to solving problems faster and smarter. His advice to supply chain leaders? Embrace collaboration like never before—because it's the only way forward in this rapidly evolving landscape. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: John McLellan-Grant Title: Regional Engagement Manager, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) About: John McLellan-Grant is the Regional Engagement Manager at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), bringing over 20 years of experience in business development, account management, and procurement across multiple industries. His expertise lies in crafting both short- and long-term strategies that drive sales growth, enhance profitability, and streamline processes. His proven track record in high-level account management across various sectors reflects his commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and fostering meaningful client relationships. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights: [02:00] Getting to Know SMMT: An introduction to SMMT, the UK’s leading automotive trade association, and its role in supporting the industry. [04:32] UK Automotive Industry: SMMT is working to support the UK auto sector by advocating for an industrial strategy, addressing EV infrastructure challenges, and backing key projects like Gigafactories. [06:27] Going Green: John explores the challenges and progress in the UK’s shift toward sustainability and decarbonization within the automotive supply chain. [09:08] The Power of Collaboration: SMMT thrives on collaboration, connecting regional clusters, government bodies, and global automotive associations to drive industry transformation and set future standards. [11:53] Technology and Transformation: The UK auto industry is steadily embracing the shift from ICE to EV, with manufacturers ramping up discounts and new models as they work to meet government mandates and consumer demand. [14:30] Into the Future: SMMT’s strategy for helping the UK automotive industry navigate future challenges, including electrification and post-Brexit trade. [15:27] Speaking of Statistics: John reveals interesting data on the UK automotive industry, focusing on clean air zones and their impact on businesses. [17:40] Advice for Supply Chain Leaders: John’s key advice for supply chain leaders is to embrace collaboration as the cornerstone for overcoming industry challenges. Top Quotes: [02:16] John: “SMMT, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, is probably the largest and most influential trade association in the UK for the automotive sector. We are, and have been, the voice of the industry since 1902. We have a membership of just under 900 members at the moment, and that ranges from all the automotive companies right the way, from OEMs down the supply chain to raw materials providers. And what we do there is help voice their views and concerns affecting the sector with local and UK government, and help with regulatory authorities, et cetera. We do a lot of events that mean we can get members together and hopefully share best practices, but obviously, help them promote their own businesses within the sector also.” [07:35] John: “I think focusing on sustainable supply chains is what every part of the supply chain is doing at the moment. You know, that's becoming a critical priority, not just about how they're maintaining their green standards, but how the people that they're purchasing from are looking at their supply chain and going, are you giving us sustainable product? Is it politically correct? The health and well-being of workers. Things like that. That's certainly becoming a lot of stronger emphasis along the way.” [14:48] John: “Our focus is really around that support that we can give to the network of members and supply chain around the challenges that they're all facing, which is the, you know, the electrification, the battery supply chain, the diversification of supply chain as well because we're certainly seeing a lot of that post-Brexit. You know, how we can look at working together with trade deals with Europe, for example, that's still very much on the agenda for us and talking to government and making sure that they're making certainly the right moves into Europe so that we've got the right environment that we had previously, which was virtually a zero tariff. Currently, we're still trying to thrash out the ins and outs of that.” [18:01] John: “I think the more that companies are prepared to collaborate with the | |||
| Why Automating your QMS improves your Supply Chain Performance | 29 May 2023 | 00:26:42 | |
For more information on the QAD EQMS system, click here Dive in to the Penn Engineering EQMS case study With great success comes great complexity. As thriving automotive supply chains acquire businesses and add customers, choosing an automated Enterprise Quality Management System (EQMS) that harnesses AI can jumpstart a company’s trajectory. In a competitive landscape filled with actors racing to leverage paradigm-shifting technologies, doing so is more important than ever. In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Mike Payionk of PennEngineering shares challenges and triumphs from his epic five-year journey to automate processes, standardize best practices, and consolidate data at all 12 of his organization’s facilities around the world. An impressive up-front lift, choosing and mastering a powerful EQMS proved invaluable to fine-tuning a sophisticated self-regulating system that purrs like a dream. Simply put, “It’s absolutely worth it.” Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Mike Payionk Title: Quality Control Program Manager, PennEngineering About: Mike manages PennEngineering’s Enterprise Quality Management System and is a stakeholder for its supplier onboarding and management. Also an automotive industry veteran, he helps ensure best practices are consistent in PennEngineering’s 12 manufacturing plants across the globe. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [2:08] In search of standards and excellence: Seeking to add continuity to a growing patchwork of decentralized companies, Mike cites the need to standardize best-practice documentation and customer complaint tracking as a key factor in PennEngineering’s decision to explore QMS automation technology. [2:42] Teaching old dogs new tricks: Incorporating legacy data into novel systems was one of Mike’s biggest challenges. The “we’ve always done it this way” mentality doesn’t cut it for people or processes. [8:09] The suggestion box goes global: Lightyears ahead of filing systems and spreadsheets, automating their EQMS means that PennEngineering can see customer complaints live in one central system in real-time, from any of their facilities worldwide. [9:08] Falling numbers that are good for ROI: Mikes shares that the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) has decreased significantly at one plant after implementing an automated EQMS. Combined with increasing sales, this drop equals significant results for the bottom line. [10:22] Audits to die for: Utilizing an EQMS system based directly on Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) requirements, PennEngineering’s teams can proactively tackle the “low hanging fruit” of easily auditable offenses like scheduled document reviews by demonstrating to auditors how their system automatically prompts those steps. [14:58] Scream off the line before your competitors start their engines: Ford is the first company to require automation in its customer-specific requirements, and it certainly won’t be the last. Implementing automated EQMS software now will put you in a prime position while others are stuck reacting. [17:39] Four deal-breakers for a quality relationship: To ensure exceptional outcomes, Mike needed an EQMS that was cloud-based, standardized documentation, improved Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and made adding products during growth a breeze. [20:04] The bot doesn’t call the kettle black: AI and machine learning eliminate waste and increase efficiency by identifying identical processes miscategorized under different names. [12:22] The one thing: After devoting the better half of a decade to achieving tangible results with their shiny new EQMS, Mike has some pointed advice for anyone about to fill his shoes: know your stuff. “I got a heck of a lot more pushback when I was still learning the EQMS as I tried to sell major changes to different departments. Now that I know the system inside and out, not so much.” Top quotes[9:49] Mike: “This is our culture now. When a customer calls, we do this, then we do this, then we do that. You can easily see that no steps are missed because it's automated. We're actually getting to the root causes of issues and correcting them in the field, which has been fantastic.” [11:51] Mike: “The automated system will tell you, ‘Hey, it's due today. Hey, you're seven days late.’ It goes as far as, ‘Hey, you're 14 days late’ — and now it's emailing your boss.” [17:49] Mike: “We wanted to ensure we could access the data from all 12 global sites on demand. Now I can access it from my mobile phone from pretty much anywhere that has internet access — we joke around that if your printer has internet access and a browser, you can get to the QMS.” [22:24] Mike: “The benefits you will see from an Enterprise Quality Management System far outweigh anything you could even imagine.” [22:46] Mike: “Embracing technology is the way of the world, that's why we're calling it Industry 4.0. We're seeing some organizations still trying to fight that — the ones that don't jump on the train will struggle to catch up or be left behind.” | |||
| What Automotive Supply Chain Leaders Need To Understand Before Reshoring | 15 May 2023 | 00:26:34 | |
The U.S. trade war with China is in full swing, and automotive supply chain leaders are considering their next moves. With the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) now signed into law and preventing imports from areas using forced labor in manufacturing, companies are setting their sights on alternative markets including India, Mexico and Africa. The Reshoring Institute’s executive director, Rosemary Coates, returns to Auto Supply Chain Prophets with insights into why automotive supply chain leaders need to ensure that any reshoring plans encompass proper planning and plenty of supplier analysis. “You have to go out there and look at your supply chain,” the author of The Reshoring Guidebook says. This proactive approach is critical to adapting to the way supply chain is done in the 21st century. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Rosemary Coates Title: Executive director and founder of The Reshoring Institute About: As a supply chain professional with many talents, Rosemary provides insight and expertise into automotive supply chain management and the growing trend of reshoring. Timestamped inflection points from the show [1:39] UFLPA shielding: The U.S. has come down hard on imports from labor camps powered by the Uyghur ethnic minority in China. [4:24] Positive control: Supply chain leaders need positive and proactive control over supply chains by (surprise) visiting factories making their products — not just any product. This limits the likelihood that suppliers are using slave or child labor. [6:20] Forbidden words: Jan pins down the “two words that every supply chain purchasing professional never wants to hear.” Thankfully, Rosemary provides guidance on a solid total acquisition cost model and where it needs to come from. [9:37] Goodbye, China: Companies intending to reshore manufacturing won’t find it easy. Chinese employment contracts make layoffs very expensive. Then there are the permits: If a company just leaves, they might never be allowed back in again. And they can forget about getting molds and tools back. [13:01] Africa: The next frontier: A low-cost labor intensive market like Africa could be the perfect place to move. But it’ll take time for China’s investment into its Belt and Road Initiative to really kick in over the next 25 years. [15:30] The Indian wildcard?: While it has an inexpensive labor market, India isn’t without its issues. Power cuts and poor infrastructure are rife compared to the modernity and efficiency in China. Mexico might be a better bet — especially as it’s located just across the border. [18:21] Around the world in half an hour: Unlike the U.S., Europe isn’t in the middle of a trade war and is still on good terms with China. Reshoring within the EU through economic development work is common, especially in Eastern Europe. But the U.S. also has consumer demand, manufacturing support and government support — which Europe lacks. [20:35] Local for local means global: Manufacturers have to think with a 21st century mindset, which encompasses strategizing globally while managing different localities. It takes time to reshore and redevelop. [22:08] Reskilling and upskilling: Gone are the days of grease under the fingernails defining manufacturing. Engineering now requires communication and IT skills. [24:38] The top two things: “There’s no substitute for planning,” Rosemary says, which is driven by strong project management leadership. Secondly, you need to “do a deep dive analysis on your suppliers,” to understand — in detail — where you’re vulnerable. Top quotes[4:31] Rosemary: “We've been preaching this for a while: You can't just expect everybody to mind all the laws and do all the right things. You have to go out there and look at your supply chain. And that means not just once a year having a meeting in a conference room going over what business you've done together, but [that] you need to go out to the factory and have a look. It means that you're not only having a look at the factory from time to time when you tell them you're coming, but also surprise visits. And you also want to be there at the factory when they're making your product — not just any product.” [5:55] Rosemary: “It's not like you can just snap your fingers and have enough personnel to be flying around the world to look at things. But you better know where those things are coming from, who's making them [and] what the content [is]. Are they being outsourced? Are there subcontractors involved? All these things should be in your purview as the buyer of products.” [6:44] Jan: “We can talk all day long about the ethical supply chain, [the fact that] it's the right thing to do, vulnerability — we can talk about all these things and they all have value. But at the end of the day in automotive, purchasing people are judged — rightly or wrongly — by the cost of that product. And in all my decades in automotive supply chain, I never actually saw a company that had a really good handle around total acquisition cost.” [20:36] Cathy: “That's a very important message for global manufacturers — [which] the automotive industry has consistently aspired to be: This idea of local for local means that they have to really be on their game — from a supply chain perspective — to be able to manage those different localities and optimize their supply chains globally as well.” [21:01] Rosemary: “We tell our clients, you can't just snap your finger and redevelop your supply base. [If] you're bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. you’ve got to expect it's going to be 18 months before you redevelop your suppliers here. Because as manufacturing went offshore to China, all the suppliers went with them — you have to redevelop all of that, and that's not a trivial task. We tell people it's [going to be] 12 to 18 months before you can really feel comfortable that you've made a good dent in sourcing locally in the U.S.” | |||
| Reshoring, the Value Chain and the Power of Automation | 01 May 2023 | 00:21:32 | |
Reshoring doesn’t mean what some companies think it means. Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. is all the rage. According to The Reshoring Institute Executive Director Rosemary Coates, there’s more to it than what meets the eye. “A mistake companies make is thinking about reshoring [as] bringing all your production back to the U.S. — that's not really the way global companies think these days. Instead, they're looking at the global manufacturing landscape, and determining if they should keep some of their production in Asia — specifically, because it's a huge growth market, especially for automotive.” Organizations also mistakenly view “supply chain” as generic and singular, instead of a complex orchestration of multiple supply chains. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Rosemary Coates Title: Executive director and founder of The Reshoring Institute About: As a supply chain professional with many talents, Rosemary provides insight and expertise into automotive supply chain management and the growing trend of reshoring. Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [1:50] The supply chain umbrella: Supply chain isn’t just purchasing — it encompasses front-end forecasting and planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics and import and export as well. [2:52] Trending reshorewards: The first step toward reshoring is talking about methodologies based on total cost of ownership. But the pandemic sent the conversation into overdrive — now we’re talking risk and strategy. [4:06] EV wins: There are already electric stirrings in the U.S. in places like Nevada and South Carolina. But infrastructure in the form of charging stations remains a top priority for moving EV ahead. [5:14] Bet spreading: It’s a mistake to see reshoring as bringing all production back to the U.S.. The concept of local for local means manufacturing close to market for both economic and environmental reasons. [7:16] Embracing ESG: What was once a nice-to-have is now a requirement, as boards decide ESG is a top priority for sustainability. [8:31] Top tier strategizing: The pandemic showed supply chain to be essential. It really did become the “value chain” people had been talking about for years. [10:19] Old-school hero recognition: Thanks to the internet and improved communications, reliance on firefighting in automotive is dying out. The unstoppable rise of AI provides a glimpse into the future of exciting supply chain applications. [12:27] Spreadsheet woes: The problem with your pivot tables is that they only work for you. Long-term ERP integration requires extracting data for all systems and users. [13:40] Be the cutting edge: Supply chains of the future will need to use technology to understand captured data and make better decisions. Case in point: Sharp supply chain companies caught signals from the Detroit of China (Wuhan) weeks before the pandemic frenzy hit the mainstream, in order to think and act fast for their clients. [17:30] Unique and special supply chains: It’s a mistake to use “supply chain” as a generic term, Rosemary explains. Managing multiple supply chains is a lot more complicated now, and requires real orchestration. [19:23] Cost offsetting: Between foreign-trade zones and automation, companies are keen to cut labor costs — which are comparatively high in the U.S.. But China is no longer on the low end either: India, Vietnam and Mexico take the prize. Top quotes[1:51] Rosemary: “We need to think about supply chain as being an umbrella term. And under that umbrella includes all of the operations of a firm: … forecasting and planning on the front end, procurement, purchasing, certainly manufacturing operations… logistics, import [and] export. However, I find myself explaining that a lot: Because [when] people hear supply chain they think purchasing, and that's only one small slice.” [5:14] Rosemary: “A mistake companies make is thinking about reshoring [as] bringing all your production back to the U.S. — that's not really the way global companies think these days. Instead, they're looking at the global manufacturing landscape, and determining if they should keep some of their production in Asia — specifically, because it's a huge growth market, especially for automotive.” [9:39] Rosemary: “This is a big change: in not only notoriety, but the acceptance that supply chain is the heart and soul of the manufacturing company, and results in a seat at the table [in] the boardroom [as the] chief supply chain officer [with] much more visibility at the executive level.” [11:30] Rosemary: “There are all kinds of applications throughout supply chain where AI is going to be used extensively … making it easier, more efficient and giving us an opportunity to make decisions based on actual data and facts. In the past, we were just picking up the phone and trying to call somebody and get [a] shipment on the plane — we don't do that so much anymore.” [16:48] Cathy: “Many automotive manufacturers were planning their semiconductor requirements in the same way that they were planning fasteners … And those are two completely different supply chains. They require a different set of criteria and planning parameters. So that's a key message that we've been really emphasizing, especially in the automotive space: that we have to be a lot more discerning in how we are planning those supply chains.” | |||
| Speeding Past Spreadsheets and Silos: The Intersection of IATF and MMOG/LE | 17 Apr 2023 | 00:35:31 | |
Version 6 of MMOG/LE integrates supply chain processes and can reduce a company’s inventory by up to 60%. But cost savings isn’t the only reason to love this self-assessment. IATF 16949 hasn’t been updated since 2016. As the auto industry applies pandemic-era lessons to quality systems, MMOG/LE raises the bar for effective supply chain management and encourages collaboration across all functions in an organization. In this follow-up to How MMOG/LE Is Transforming The Automotive Supply Chain, the Auto Supply Chain Prophets dive into the quality components of MMOG/LE and examine its role alongside existing IATF standards.
Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Cathy Fisher Title: Founder and President, Quistem About: Cathy’s firm helps its clients, particularly automotive clients, eliminate customer complaints and increase their profits. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s when she started her career with General Motors. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in the supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Timestamped inflection points from the show [2:01] Answering the naysayers: Terry consistently sees customers reduce inventory by 15-60% after a proper MMOG/LE implementation. She challenges anyone who doubts the assessment’s cost-saving powers. [3:59] Automating the response: Lower tiers support electronic data interchange (EDI) so they can react to OEM demands. Terry and Cathy discuss the importance of automation in supply chain communication. [6:23] Explain yourself: Terry says the high-level work instructions she sees from suppliers are often “pathetic.” With QAD, detailed work instructions are included for every process. [12:16] What’s new with v6: From environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria to risk assessment, Cathy and Terry outline the recent updates to the MMOG/LE. [17:29] 68 points of integration: The conversation moves to IATF and its intersection with MMOG/LE. Cathy explains the importance of quality standards in the new MMOG/LE and why the auto industry has moved away from ISO/TS standards. [21:10] Value flow: Supply chain, quality, and IT teams must work together to achieve customer satisfaction. Terry and Cathy agree on easy fixes to streamline supply chain processes in any organization. [24:40] Playing leapfrog: Jan and Terry discuss changes in automotive culture and leadership. With the right resource planning mindset and processes, startups can speed past many of the legacy systems at traditional OEMs. [26:01] ‘I can do more on my cell phone’: Cathy explains why congruency between the technology developed for vehicles and the processes used to produce it is vital for talent retention and long-term success. [30:26] The one thing: Cathy and Terry share their advice for CEOs and supply chain leaders. “Money is made in the supply chain, not just on the shop floor.” Leaders need to recognize their organizations’ true value streams. [4:35] Terry: “The lower tiers are just dying to know — what is the demand that's coming in from the OEM? They want that information as quickly as possible so that they can react.” [11:29] Jan: “It's this little bitty part that didn't come in because somebody didn't set it up right in the system … I've seen that happen time and time again, and now you're talking big money because now you're going to risk missing a launch date. And there's nothing that a CFO of an automotive company hates more than an unplanned expense.” [22:06] Cathy: “We can start with quality and supply chain because those are the two elements of customer satisfaction: quality and delivery. If those systems and processes are not working together, you have no hope of making your customer happy.” [26:04] Cathy: “We are at a point in our industry where the technology level on the vehicles that we're producing is basically a supercomputer on wheels. If we really think about it, how can you manufacture a supercomputer on wheels using green screens and Excel spreadsheets?” [32:57] Cathy: “Until we embrace that supply chain is the through line to cash, that it is the through line to making money in the business, [quality leaders] are going to suffer. They're going to constantly be reacting instead of being able to predict their future success.” | |||
| How MMOG/LE Is Transforming the Automotive Supply Chain | 03 Apr 2023 | 00:35:28 | |
Delivering on the promise of delivery — that’s the mark of a successful automotive supply chain. But when it comes to a smooth supply chain operation, many suppliers aren’t doing nearly as well as think they are. It’s time for an efficiency check-up. The Global Materials Management Operations Guidelines/Logistics Evaluation (MMOG/LE) is a plant-level self-assessment tool to help automotive suppliers determine how well they’re managing their supply chain — and the results are transformative. Tanya Bolden of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and Terry Onica, Director of Automotive for QAD are some of the organizations spearheading the development of MMOG/LE discuss how the assessment process is far more than just another standard. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Tanya Bolden Title: Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Supply Chain Products & Services, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) About: Tanya has more than 30 years of experience in corporate responsibility, sustainability and community relations. After a 20-year career at General Motors, she founded the corporate responsibility program at AIAG. She’s particularly interested in how responsibility issues like environmental stewardship are relevant in supply chain management. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [3:33] Pop quiz: What is MMOG/LE? Terry introduces the self-assessment tool and explains how OEMs and Tier 1s use it. “If you get an A, that means you’re world-class.” [5:56] Expect the unexpected: Tanya talks about her role at AIAG and their mission to reduce supply chain costs and complexity. She emphasizes the importance of standardization in an unpredictable world. [7:12] See what you’re missing: Terry offers two reasons why Tier 1 executives should care about MMOG/LE. [9:41] “I hate the word spreadsheet”: Version 6 of MMOG/LE focuses on automation. Greater supply chain visibility is vital both for meeting compliance requirements and successfully onboarding new employees. [13:53] Training the next generation: Tanya and Terry discuss the challenges presented by subject matter experts aging out of the workforce and why startups — especially in EV — need best practices for supply chain management. [19:18] Know your acronyms: Tanya explains the inclusion of ESG in MMOG/LE. These environmental, social and governance issues focus on sustainability initiatives to protect people and the planet. [23:25] Break down the silo: Corrective actions and contingency plans work best when teams collaborate. Terry speaks to the importance of quality and supply chain working together. [27:12] Essentials of supply chain: AIAG has virtual training modules that help small and medium-sized suppliers and new entrants to the field master the basics of supply chain best practices. This module launches June 1, 2023. [31:46] The one thing: Tanya’s best advice is to establish a collaborative work group to identify pain points. For Terry, it’s never underestimating the power of bringing fresh eyes to your systems. Top quotes[8:15] Terry: “By people taking the assessment, and sitting down and honestly going through each of the criteria, they reduce inventory anywhere from 15% to 60% … Maybe sometimes people fall off the wagon of doing certain things and they need to get back to using the system. [MMOG/LE] identifies that and allows them to correct that.” [12:03] Jan: “It's much better to be proactive and establish that foundation upfront than it is to be on the other side of that when you have supply chain issues that are disrupting an OEM … The time to be looking at your supply chain is way, way up front, as soon as you possibly can.” [24:51] Terry: “If I go into a supplier, I can guarantee you they will show me all their contingency plans for quality and disruptions, but they won't show me any contingency plans for what happens when the truck driver is late. Quality doesn't think about those types of things, right? … By working together, [quality and supply chain] can really look at the whole picture.” [26:54] Jan: “This MMOG/LE Version 6 really has the potential to break down these silos and help us work more collaboratively together, which, we all know, if we're going to achieve the speed and agility that we want in this industry, that's what we're going to have to do.” [34:21] Tanya: “Don't work in a vacuum. We can learn a great deal from collaborating with our peers, our customers and our suppliers. There's new technology coming out there. There's always something new to learn or something that might benefit you.” | |||
| Preparing for the future | 19 Mar 2023 | 00:07:36 | |
What’s going on behind the scenes at the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast? - Find out now! It's time to go back to basics and rethink the future of the automotive supply chain. Season 2 is coming, find out about our first industry expert guest. We want to hear from you! Contact us directly:- Jan Griffiths - Jan@gravitasdetroit.com Terry Onica - tjo@qad.com Cathy Fisher - cathyfisher@quistem.com | |||
| Supply Chain Perspectives from Emerging EV Suppliers | 06 Mar 2023 | 00:11:38 | |
Auto Supply Chain Prophets welcomes two guests from the OESA Supplier Summit in Novi, Michigan. Supply chain shortages continue to persist in the automotive industry, but some EV parts suppliers are finding success and growing quickly despite the challenges. Jovani Gonzalez, CFO of Acument Global Technologies, and Carolyn Sauer, the business development director at Schaltbau North America, offer their perspectives on how to manage relationships with customers and suppliers. As the automotive industry moves from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, it’s more important than ever to have good communication with OEMs, tier suppliers — and internally. “Ask questions” and “fail fast” are the ingredients for future supply chain success. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Jovani Gonzalez Title: CFO at Acument Global Technologies About: Jovani is a finance and operations executive with more than two decades of experience in manufacturing and automotive. Acument develops and manufactures fastening and assembly solutions for industries including auto, EV and aerospace. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Carolyn Sauer Title: Director, Business Development at Schaltbau GmbH About: An experienced marketing and sales director, Carolyn currently oversees business partnerships around EV infrastructure at Schaltbau North America. Her passion for safe and scalable electrification is built on more than 20 years of experience with global Tier 1 suppliers. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [0:44] Built on tradition: Jovani discusses Fontana’s acquisition of Acument. Fontana is a global supplier of fasteners, and its long history of success can extend Acument’s reach. [1:23] Shorthanded goals: How have labor shortages and supply chain slowdowns impacted Acument’s production? Jovani explains how his company approaches these challenges. [2:15] Communication is key: Jovani sees an opportunity in building relationships. Suppliers must stay in close contact with OEMs as the industry moves from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. [3:14] Crunching the numbers: From a CFO’s perspective, Jovani explains the difference between avoiding risk and managing risk. Prioritizing efficiency combats the effects of inflation. [4:29] Fail fast: Jovani’s recommendation to auto manufacturers is to be proactive. Future supply chain success relies on planning for changes, innovating and learning from mistakes. [5:35] New kid on the block: Schaltbau may be an unfamiliar name to an automotive audience, but Carolyn shares how a rail company from Munich is bringing decades of DC power experience to the world of EV. [7:01] Selling out: With so many applications for DC contractors in the EV space, Carolyn explains how one of the biggest supply chain challenges is finding the right buyer. It’s a big shift for the industry, but the increased networking presents an opportunity. [9:37] The one thing: Carolyn’s advice for supply chain success is to ask more questions. “The best way to solve problems is to understand what people need.” Top quotes[2:03] Jovani: “Just like any other company in the automotive industry, we have been dealing with shortages in general [...] What we are doing is staying in close communication with our customers, but also with our suppliers.” [3:40] Jovani: “One of the things we do as a company is not to avoid risk but to manage risk. We have to be in contact with all the changes in the environment.” [4:44] Jovani: “One of the things that prevent the industry from moving forward is the inability to be proactive against changes. The only way that we have to improve that situation is by making a strong plan. We test. We call this fail fast — adopt a change, then start moving forward.” [7:30] Carolyn: “There are so many different applications for [DC contactors] and so many relationships between the OEMs and the tier suppliers, that it's a challenge to figure out who's best to talk to. So, I try to talk to everyone.” [10:11] Carolyn: “The best way for me to solve problems is to understand what people need.” | |||
| The Backstory | 06 Feb 2023 | 00:10:27 | |
Jan takes over the microphone to share the story behind the podcast. E-Mail us directly at Jan@gravitasdetroit.com | |||
| The Connected Car: The Intersection of Cybersecurity and The Automotive Supply Chain | 23 Jan 2023 | 00:14:49 | |
Everyone in the automotive industry is thinking about cybersecurity. We got the opportunity to speak to not one but two thought leaders in the space — live from the OESA Summit in Novi, Michigan. “When you have software or technology plugging into the vehicle in a totally new and different way, understanding how all of the systems around you and those specifications work is absolutely mission critical to launch,” says Jennifer Dukarski, known as “The Geek Lawyer.” VP of Autocrypt Martin Totev sees digitalization reshaping automotive firsthand. “The auto industry is going to experience what the phone industry has experienced for the last 20 to 30 years,” he explains. Themes discussed on this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Jennifer Dukarski Title: Shareholder, Butzel About: Affectionately known as “The Geek Lawyer,” Jennifer is a recognized thought leader in the emerging tech media, IP privacy and cybersecurity spaces. As a “recovering engineer” — albeit, as she says, “one never truly recovers” — she brings “engineering sensibility” to legal issues within the automotive supply chain. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Martin Totev Title: VP, Autocrypt About: Autocrypt is a mobility cybersecurity provider dedicated to the safety of new transportation. With increasing cyber risks, Autocrypt works with OEMs and suppliers to offer cybersecurity solutions to the automotive industry. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [1:28] Recovering engineer: From engineering to the legal world, Jennifer brings her prior experience into emerging new tech-driven spaces. [2:14] Automotive supply chain prophecy: What’s on the horizon for automotive? A lot of exciting technology to modernize your supply chain. [3:03] Big challenges: Automakers have to contend with the risks of software, as well as benefit from its upsides. [4:47] Jennifer’s one thing: Terms and conditions and engineering specifications really matter when improving the supply chain — Jennifer explains how. [6:02] Where cybersecurity and automotive collide: Cars are growing more digitized by the day. With this trend, Martin explains, comes an increasing number of cyber threats. [6:56] ISO alignment: Along with ISO 26262, there are published industry standards like ISO 21434 and cybersecurity regulations like WP.29 to which companies need to adhere. But it’ll be a few years yet before everyone is fully compliant. [8:24] View from the supply chain: Martin explains how cybersecurity looks inside the car. Pressing a button to engage breaks is one of many new innovations that require manufacturers to assess different, new risks. [10:12] Change the program: Program management in organizations is in for a wild ride. The traditional way no longer works. Autocrypt engages OEMs to help prepare with the WP.29 and other new regulations. [11:57] Who owns cybersecurity?: OEMs and suppliers need to be aware of their responsibilities in this new world. This may include acquiring the necessary qualifications and considering how to mitigate vulnerabilities if (and when) they appear. [13:28] Martin’s one thing: Consumers need to accept updates to benefit from better cybersecurity. Martin explains how safety is the number one priority and where the balance can be struck. Top quotes[2:15] Jennifer: “There's a lot of exciting things on the horizon and a lot of them really do come from technology: components [for] the supply chain, [and] new areas like software, artificial intelligence sensors, electrical vehicle batteries — so many different new technologies. But at the same time, a lot of these technologies, software and AI can all be used to truly bring your supply chain up and into the modern era of manufacturing. I see technology as the place to be because it can help with the actual workload, and it can help with the product that we're creating [and] your engineering.” [4:47] Jennifer: “To truly improve the supply chain, understand your terms and conditions [and] include your engineering specifications. When we go and negotiate terms and conditions, we don't always look at everything underneath that agreement — we need to know and make sure we're understanding what the quality and test requirements are. Moreover, when you have software or technology plugging into the vehicle in a totally new and different way, understanding how all of the systems around you and those specifications work is absolutely mission critical to launch [and to make sure] it's going to be successful, have great delivery and quality, and also make consumers happy.” [12:49] Martin: “How we update our phones these days — every few months — I believe cars are going to be also updatable in a very similar manner. It’s the future: Digitalization is happening everywhere, and the auto industry is going to experience what the phone industry has experienced for the last 20 [or] 30 years.” [13:28] Martin: “When it comes to regulation, there should be a middle ground as to [asking] for permission from the driver and [when] the OEM [should] push it [out] themselves. If it's security and safety related, the OEM should not require any action from the drivers. … I hope that the regulation authorities are on the same page as myself, because safety of course is the highest priority.” | |||
| The Future of EV Wireless Charging | 09 Jan 2023 | 00:13:12 | |
For most electric vehicle owners, charging a vehicle at a public charging station is a dreaded affair. A recent J.D. Power survey found that 1 in 5 EV owners weren’t able to charge their cars during a visit to a station, mostly because of faulty equipment. Everyone in the automotive industry knows EVs are the future. So why aren’t more leaders focused on improving the charging experience? Jeremy McCool, founder and CEO of HEVO, has a message for auto industry leaders: get on board for the wireless charging revolution. He recently joined the hosts of Auto Supply Chain Prophets to talk about how his company is building the future of EV charging that consumers deserve. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Jeremy McCool Title: Founder and CEO, HEVO About: HEVO is the first wireless, third-party EV charging port approved by SAE International and UL Solutions and designed with the mission of eliminating global reliance on fossil fuels. Founded by Jeremy McCool in 2011, the company is built upon values built into HEVO’s name: Honesty, Empathy, Vision, and Optimism. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [0:40] A wireless charging revolution: Meet Jeremy McCool, founder of HEVO, the first wireless EV charging station on the market approved by SAE International and UL Solutions. [1:36] A perfect supply chain marriage: Jeremy explains why a wireless charging company like HEVO melds perfectly with the needs of supply chain and logistics providers. [4:33] Getting EVs on the road: Wireless charging mats have the power to revolutionize the EV industry. Here’s when we can expect to see them on the market — and how battery manufacturers could speed up the process. [7:31] Keeping it clean: The power used to charge EVs only helps to reduce carbon emissions if it is clean and renewable. HEVO has the power to do just that by connecting directly to solar, battery and wind — and reusing that energy to power your home after you park. [8:55] A more sustainable infrastructure: HEVO’s installation is not only efficient; it also costs less to power more cars in the same period of time. [11:03] The one thing: Jeremy’s message to auto supply chain industry leaders? Get involved in the EV revolution. “We need a charging solution that we should give to our customers because they demand better,” he says. Top quotes[3:50] Jeremy: “There's this complicated matter of OSHA and unions that really marries up with wireless charging because we make it simple, safe and seamless for them to be able to do it without having to worry about all these different problems.” [7:46] Jeremy: “We need to make sure that the power that's going into electric cars is clean — if you want to put it that way — or renewable. Because the total effect of end-to-end CO2 emissions abatement only happens in the way that we want it to if it's connected to renewable.” [10:33] Jeremy: “A one-mile stretch of charging equipment for wireless charging from HEVO will be [the] equivalent cost to two to three plug-in fast charging stations. The difference is, instead of charging one car at one time, you're now charging […] dozens of cars in that one period of time. There is a cost efficiency to deploying this technology. And we need to do it now because it's the real true universal way to do it and make it easy for everybody to adopt it.” [11:09] Jeremy: “Automakers have to get involved. We need the leadership of automakers, the visionary people out there to go, alright, we get it. We need a charging solution that we should give to our customers because they demand better.” [12:10] Jeremy: “All mobile phones can charge on any wireless charging dock around the world. The same is the case with wireless charging for electric cars — there's one universal standard, the SAE standard is the one that we follow, because we helped to bring it forward and bring it to life.” What's the buzz? Checkout the press releases:-
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| Supplier Relationship Management: Driving Success in Modern Supply Chains | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:23:33 | |
In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths explore one of the industry's most overlooked but critical aspects: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM). The discussion starts with reflections on Stellantis' layoffs, which got Jan thinking about how OEMs and the UAW still approach negotiations in a transactional way. The same old "tit-for-tat" mindset from her days in the supply chain continues, but the real question is, how can we move beyond this? Fresh off a trip to Belgium, Terry brings practical insights from a recent conference where she discussed the importance of internal collaboration. With so many moving parts—purchasing, quality, materials management, plant operations—the challenge is how to break down silos and get everyone aligned. The solution? SRM technology. With today's SRM tools, companies can finally achieve a "single version of the truth," enabling real-time data access and more reliable performance metrics. The recent disruptions have pushed risk management and ESG into the spotlight, highlighting the need for compliance. It's no longer a matter of "should we do this?" but "we absolutely must." Jan and Terry point out that for leaders listening, now is the time to commit to compliance. This is especially true as regulations increase and controls become tighter, making it mandatory to establish effective systems for managing suppliers. What shines through this episode is Terry's unwavering optimism. Despite being in the trenches of the auto supply chain for years, she stays passionate and hopeful because, as she explains, she's seen it work. She talks about her work with problematic suppliers and how walking them through the steps of MMOG/LE transformed their businesses. Even industries outside of automotive, like medical, have reaped the benefits of implementing these best practices. Join us for a thought-provoking episode that urges listeners to rethink supplier management and highlights the importance of leadership, collaboration, and a unified approach to data. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this episode: Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in the supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: Jan is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President and founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she hosts the Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world. Connect: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode:
Customer Case Studies:
Episode Highlights: [01:05] Let’s Talk About SRM: Reflecting on the recent layoffs at Stellantis, Jan points out that closer collaboration between OEMs and suppliers is necessary. This discussion leads to the topic of supplier performance and how using the right management tools can significantly enhance how suppliers perform in today's complex supply chain. [04:45] Navigating Compliance Changes: With stricter compliance standards shaking up the automotive industry, the focus is now on the critical need for effective risk management and collaboration across the supply chain. Learn from Terry and Jan how bringing all data together can transform supplier relationships and boost performance in these changing times. [08:27] One Source, Endless Possibilities: Terry dives more into the importance of having a single source of truth in supplier data, enabling teams to address issues before they escalate. She also points out how important it is for suppliers to embrace ESG principles and robust risk assessments, ensuring that everyone in the supply chain stays connected and accountable to deliver on time. [14:31] The Secret to Supply Chain Success: “We need more rigor,” Jan says as she talks about supplier management in the automotive industry with Terry. They stress the importance of ensuring suppliers follow through to keep everything running smoothly rather than just having requirements in place. [18:00] Transforming Challenges into Wins: Terry shares the secret behind her relentless positivity: witnessing the transformation of struggling suppliers into success stories. By focusing on the "why" behind compliance and implementation, she helps teams embrace change, reduce inventory, and improve efficiency, proving that positive results are always within reach with the right approach. [20:46] Join the Movement: Eager to share her passion and knowledge, Terry invites listeners to connect with her. With exciting collaborations, including a session with Moog Medical at the Transform Conference, she proves that the principles of supplier management can drive success across industries Top Quotes: [07:15] Jan: “We need one source of the data that we can all agree on. And I don’t want quality sniping, going, oh yeah, but that came out of the purchasing system, so we know that's not really right. Oh, we've got this spreadsheet that we use at the plant, and it's much more accurate. Those days are gone. They have to be gone because here's the thing: if we do not get our... | |||
| Happy Holidays! Explore Episodes You've Missed | 26 Dec 2022 | 00:06:28 | |
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! In case you missed it, check out some of our selected episodes from season 1. Episode 21 with Dan Sharkey. You'll know Dan, he's well-known in supply chain circles and he's got his finger on the pulse of today's issues. And he reminds us to and I quote, "contract deliberately" Episode 15 with Katie Pullin, also in the legal profession in the auto supply chain, she talks about the force majeure pandemic, are you abusing the term? Episode 11 with Mike and Rocky, self-confessed quality nerds and data geeks, you'll learn all about automating the quality management system and why the word silo is a four-letter word in their vocabulary Episode 12 meet the shop floor leaders making it happen at Detroit Manufacturing Systems and how they cultivated and uplifted a strong team that's designed for execution Episodes 3 & 5 an interview with a well-known supply chain veteran Bill Hurles, Bill is the former executive director of global supply chain for General Motors Episode 4 meet Julie Dedene as she reminds us not to forget the grease. She's in the grease business. Learn about the importance of a secondary source Episode 6 with Paul Eichenberg. Paul talks about the unique set of auto supply chain obstacles that the ICE and EV organizations face and the type of auto supply chain leader that the EV industry demands Episodes 16 & 17 with Gary Vasliash, you'll know Gary, he's a veteran auto writer in the space. And you'll hear his unique views on the challenges ahead Episodes 9 & 19 Are you ready to deliver on the promise of delivery? familiar with MMOG/LE, and IATF 6949? listen to Terry and Cathy and download their framework for success. They've done the work for you. | |||
| Legal Lessons From Automotive Supply Chain Attorney Dan Sharkey | 05 Dec 2022 | 00:08:37 | |
Not everyone has their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the auto supply base today. But among the few who do is attorney, co-founder and member of Brooks Wilkins Sharkey & Turco PLLC Dan Sharkey. A well-known legal expert specializing in supply chain contract disputes, Dan knows that the world of automotive is now facing some of its biggest challenges. In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Dan shares insight at the 2022 Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Annual Automotive Supplier Conference in Novi, Michigan. He takes us through the complex challenges and risks faced by automotive suppliers in today’s precarious world. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Dan Sharkey Title: Co-founder and member of Brooks Wilkins Sharkey & Turco PLLC About: With more than 60 trials behind him, attorney Dan Sharkey has expertise in business and commercial contracts and litigation — especially automotive supply chain contract disputes. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [2:12] It’s electrifying!: Autonomous automotive might be a decade or two off, but there are big challenges ahead for electrical — from pricing to volatility and releases. [3:38] Get ready for the B word: How should suppliers best manage volatility? Hint: breach. [4:47] Futureproof the schedule: OEMs have so many issues — from unions to chips and freight — they can’t meet suppliers with a firm plan. A lot of risk ensues. [5:58] The one thing: Dan is a firm believer that the automotive industry should “contract deliberately, not by default.” Make sure that it’s business you really want. [3:38] It’s just business: Suppliers should be careful not to outsell capacity. If this means firing the worst customer every year, so be it. (You’ll be better off anyway.) Top quotes[2:14] Dan: “Electrification feels very long term. I think a lot of people were skeptical about one or the other, but now they're saying, autonomous might be a while — a decade or two — but electrification is happening really fast.” [5:58] Dan: “Contract deliberately, not by default. You worked so hard to get the business, building relationships and responding to RFQs. [When] you finally get the PO, your instinct is to celebrate. Selling parts is tough, but you've got to take a deep breath and say, What did I really just get? … What do I really need out of this contract? When you're happy, take a deep breath, and make sure it's business that you really want.” [6:59] Dan: “We have clients who are super technical [and] great executors. Sales can survive. The most troubled clients we have have great sales teams, but the backend operations don't support it, and they can't swallow the capacity. … Sales is super important, it's your face to the customer, but don't outsell your capacity.” [7:35] Dan: “If you fire one really bad customer every year, you'll be happier. … Find that one customer you're not making money on and say hey, not that we're going to stop shipping tomorrow, but we're going to get out of this, and we're going to have an orderly exit over the next six to 12 months. And so many people look at you funny, like, Well, wait a minute, we're trying to get business. But once they go through that process, it's so much better.” | |||
| Let's get a sneak peek | 28 Nov 2022 | 00:01:57 | |
A sneak peek 🫣 into what's coming up next. | |||
| 24 Essential Processes to Build a Foundation of Supply Chain Management | 14 Nov 2022 | 00:13:43 | |
Two automotive supply chain experts sit down in a room and scour two of the most widely consulted, notoriously complex protocols for automotive supply chain management: the Automotive Industry Action Group’s Global Materials Management Operational Guidelines/Logistical Evaluation (MMOG/LE) and International Automotive Task Force (IATF) 16949. They emerge, probably with plenty of eyestrain, and produce a meticulously assembled document that identifies 24 essential supply chain processes and connects them to each other. The aforementioned experts are Auto Supply Chain Prophets co-hosts Cathy Fisher and Terry Onica, and they’re making the case for breaking down silos through open communication and critical analysis of processes. In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, they talk with co-host Jan Griffiths about the patterns that emerged when they identified each process and looked for connections between them, the results their clients have seen upon applying these findings and the reception they’ve been getting from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) so far. Themes discussed in this episode:
Featured on this Episode Name: Cathy Fisher Title: Founder and President, Quistem About: Cathy’s firm helps its clients, particularly automotive manufacturers, eliminate customer complaints and increase their profits. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s when she started her career with General Motors. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Terry Onica Title: Director, Automotive at QAD About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Jan Griffiths Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: A veteran executive in the automotive industry, Jan previously served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion, Tier 1 global automotive supplier. As the president of Gravitas Detroit, Jan provides online courses, speeches, podcasts and workshops to break the mold of command and control leadership to help you unleash the potential of your team and allow authentic leadership to thrive. Connect: LinkedIn Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show [00:26] From pain points to processes: Five years ago, Cathy Fisher and Terry Onica began identifying pain points for OEMs, especially in terms of supplier-related issues. Mostly, they found delivery failures. This led them to scour the IATF 16949 and the MMOG/LE guidelines to see if they could find essential processes that appeared in and were linked to each other in both documents. [3:43] Getting the word out: After identifying 24 essential auto supply chain processes and vetting their framework through the AIAG supply chain steering committee, they reached out to almost 50 OEMs with the data. [6:02] Seek and you shall find: The standards that Cathy and Terry consulted have been around for years and have shown an interconnectedness between quality and delivery. Yet because of the siloed nature of supply chain quality and other areas of supply chain, OEMs have not capitalized on this relationship to improve delivery. [7:29] Pick and choose: Cathy and Terry organized the 24 essential processes into five categories, so OEMs can more easily start at various points depending where they are in their life cycles.
[8:37] Cohesion: Just working through one of the 24 processes is proving helpful to Terry and Cathy’s clients by ensuring that each organization is “building a foundation of supply chain management, not just disjointed individual processes,” Cathy says. [10:09] It’s that simple: By having open, honest discussions with clients, Cathy and Terry are able to help them discover fundamental changes that need to be made. Sometimes it’s as simple as switching from purchase orders to scheduled orders. [11:30] Seeing the value: The 24 processes give organizations a starting point that enables them to see the true value-add of supply chain and which activities are involved in creating that value. [Download Cathy and Terry’s whitepaper, “Delivering on the Promise of Delivery,” Parts I and II, which examine all 24 processes in detail.] [1:25] Cathy: “We looked to the automotive quality standard, IATF 16949, and the existing MMOG/LE — materials management, operation guide, and logistics evaluation, which incidentally has been around for well over 20 years — and looked at the intersection of those two standards to see, are there common processes? Are there processes that link to each other that are essential to achieving delivery performance throughout the automotive supply chain. And that was essentially where the 24 essential supply chain processes came from.” [4:57] Cathy: “Delivery has always been a part of quality, and these 24 essential supply chain processes already have fingerprints inside of the IATF 16949 standard.” [5:29] Terry: “We started introducing them to other verticals, so outside automotive. This past week we were with a life sciences company using the 24 processes, and they completely related to them, and they made basically no change to those 24 processes.” [8:38] Cathy: “We find that working through just even one of these processes tends to help us link to other supply chain processes that are in the 24 essentials, that are the predecessor processes from a system standpoint, in ensuring that the organization is building a foundation of supply chain management, not just individual processes that are disjointed.” [10:18] Terry: “We started talking [with one client] about production scheduling, and they were using purchase orders, and we know we’re in a scheduled order environment, but the person didn’t know about it. So when we told them about switching to scheduled orders. Instead of all this time they’re spending doing purchase orders, you can just hit a button and all that will go out to your suppliers. And we asked him, how much savings will this bring to you? And his answer was nine days a week. These are the types of things we’re uncovering by just sitting down, having open, honest discussions.” [12:09] Jan: “You can either spend the time going line by line through MMOG/LE or the IATF 16949 and then map all of that together and understand how that relates to your supply chain, or you can download the 24 essential supply chain processes.” [Download Cathy and Terry’s whitepaper, “Delivering on the Promise of Delivery,” Parts I and II, which examine all 24 processes in detail.] | |||