You're juggling multiple automotive suppliers. How do you decide which priorities to follow?

É fundamental garantir que os fornecedores mantenham um padrão de qualidade consistente, especialmente em indústrias como a automotiva, onde a segurança e a confiabilidade são cruciais. Testes de qualidade rigorosos, auditorias e feedback contínuo são essenciais para assegurar que os fornecedores cumpram as especificações exigidas.

In Automotive sector Quality should be the 1st priority as it involves human life. All supplier should adhere to the quality criteria for the said product and should maintain the consistency over a long period of time. This also helps in building trust and brand. On the other hand it will avoid recall which is humongous. To ensure the the quality of the supplied product, there should have a proper audit and checks of the product. "It has always been an unbearable thought to me that someone could inspect my product and find them inferior. I would rather loose money than the confidence of my customer." - Robert Bosch

There is no way around this. All suppliers are required to follow all applicable legislation and strict safety standards. Here, compromising is just not acceptable. The supplied parts or components must fulfill the performance requirements and show consistency over an extended period of use. Poor quality will result in recalls, warranty claims, and reputational harm to your company. Long-term and batch-to-batch consistency in quality should be the supplier's strength. Variations in quality can cause production disruptions and annoyance from customers.

When juggling multiple automotive suppliers, prioritizing effectively is crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Start by assessing each supplier's impact on critical project timelines and the quality of their deliverables. Focus on those who directly affect key milestones, ensuring that any delays won’t disrupt the overall production flow. Evaluate cost-effectiveness and long-term partnerships, giving priority to those who consistently meet deadlines and maintain high standards. Communication is key-keep all stakeholders informed to make well-informed, data-driven decisions. Flexibility and contingency planning will also help manage unforeseen challenges. #SupplyChainManagement #SupplierPrioritization #OperationalExcellence

Don't limit your attention to the initial cost. The total cost of ownership comprises various fees such as shipping, possible maintenance or repair costs, and the cost of downtime if a part breaks. Aim for a reasonable cost that is advantageous to both sides. Be ready to compromise in terms of quantity, long-term obligations, or other value propositions. Cost is important, but keep in mind that sacrificing quality can have unintended consequences. Strike the ideal balance between quality control and cost-effectiveness.

Custo é uma preocupação constante, mas deve ser equilibrado com a qualidade. O objetivo é garantir que os fornecedores ofereçam um valor competitivo, sem comprometer os padrões de desempenho. Negociações de preço e análises de custo-benefício são uma parte importante deste processo.

A capacidade de entregar no prazo é vital para evitar atrasos na produção. Priorizo fornecedores que podem cumprir os cronogramas acordados, tendo em mente eventuais flexibilidades que podem ser necessárias devido a fatores externos. Ter backups ou soluções alternativas pode mitigar riscos de atrasos.

Relacionamentos fortes com fornecedores podem levar a colaborações mais eficientes e confiáveis. Investir tempo em construir parcerias de longo prazo, baseadas em confiança mútua e comunicação aberta, facilita a resolução de problemas e promove um ambiente colaborativo.

For any launch of the product there should be a proper planning and time line based on clear understanding of the Market, user feedback and brainstorming on the features. Then finalize the required suppliers in each category based on the product valuation. Asked for RFI with timeline and RFQ with the clear deadline. Then go for a suitable supplier who has given clear information with commitment for next 10 to 15 years of production support along with quality. To execute the project properly all the stakeholder has to come to a common understanding. For this communication should be clear and there should not be any ambiguity or assumption. This will avoid lot last minute issues in planning or quality or supply.