Reflections of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets

Jan Griffiths: 00:07

We really can't predict the future because nobody can. What we can do though, is help auto manufacturers recognize, prepare for in profit from whatever comes next. Auto Supply Chain Prophets gives you timely and relevant insights and best practices from industry leaders. It's all about what's happening now in the automotive supply chain and how to prepare your organization for the future. Because the auto supply chain is where the money is.

Jan Griffiths: 00:40

The auto supply chain profits podcast is taking a short break. But don't worry, we'll be back in two weeks with another brand new episode. In the meantime, take a moment and go through our catalogue of back episodes. We have six episodes already published, and our podcast audience is growing and we couldn't be more excited about it. If you're an avid listener, you'll know by now that we close each episode with the "one thing". The one actionable piece of advice that you can take on board right now to prepare your supply chain for the future and uncover all those opportunities for profit that we know are lurking out there somewhere in that supply chain.

Jan Griffiths: 01:23

In the automotive industry supply chain is typically not viewed as a driver of profits. And that needs to shift. We've moved from a tactical operations type view of supply chain to a far more strategic view. And that's what this podcast is all about. And it's all about giving you information that you can use. So to make it easy for you, we've created a document that compiles summary of all those "one things", those actionable pieces of advice from the six episodes into one document that you can read very quickly and take on board right away. And there's a link in the show notes so that you can do that. Go back and take a listen to some of the back episodes.

Jan Griffiths: 02:10

Go back and listen to episode one. What Cathy and Terry, your hosts for the podcast will talk about how supply chain has evolved. Their views their experience, and why supply chain needs to move forward as a strategic function that will most definitely have a massive impact on the bottom line.

Jan Griffiths: 02:32

In Episode Two, they turn the mic on me. And that's interesting. I get to share my experience in supply chain over 30 years in the automotive industry. And I believe that CEOs underestimate supply chain the power of supply chain as a money maker. I've seen it time and time again.

Jan Griffiths: 02:55

And then, episode three and episode five, we interview Bill Hurles. If you don't know Bill, most of you in the automotive industry will know Bill. He is now retired but he's the former Senior Executive of Supply Chain for General Motors, and he has seen supply chain evolve over the years take its twists and turns. So his perspective is really important to us as we take a look in the rearview mirror in order to look forward. And Bill talks about many things in his episodes. But he talks about his experience working for Lopez. We remember those days in the auto industry when he talks about what supply chain should look like. How it should be structured in the future and the kind of leader that we need to lead supply chain in the future.

Jan Griffiths: 03:50

And then in episode four, Julie Dedene. Julie works for Eastern oils and her podcast episode is titled, "Don't Forget the Grease", and she means it. So often in supply chain in automotive, we shy away from replacement products. We don't want to qualify alternatives because it costs money. And then we tell ourselves well, a customer won't approve it and on and on and on. She encourages us to not think that way. And you'll understand more about that in episode four.

Jan Griffiths: 04:27

In episode six, we really start to look into the future into the world of electrification. And the episode is titled, "Electrifying the Auto Supply Chain" with Paul Eichenberg, who is a recognized automotive thought leader in this space. And here's one thing his piece of advice might shock you. So be careful but I think you will enjoy this episode with Paul Eichenberg, episode number six.

Jan Griffiths: 04:54

In all of our episodes, we refer to and provide a link to a document, and it's called "The 24 Supply Chain Processes". And it's at the heart of this podcast. In as I look at this document, and it is co-created by Terry and Cathy, I think back to my experience in supply chain leadership. I wish that I'd had this document available to me then. It lays out in detail. This isn't some fluffy PowerPoint graphic.

Jan Griffiths: 05:29

This is a culmination of lessons learned over decades. Plus, in insightful view of what supply chain should look like in the future, defined very clearly into 24 essential supply chain processes. And I would encourage every supply chain leader out there right now to take a look at this document and evaluate your supply chain, bump it up against these 24 processes and see where the gaps are. If there's a gap that you see, that you would like us to provide some insight into, then let us know. We'll provide a link in the show notes so you can access us and contact us and make it we'll make it really easy, but we want to know what it is you need. Our audience is automotive supply chain leadership. And we want to know what can we do to create content that's meaningful to you. Other guests that you would like us to bring on the show, authors? Contact us, we want to hear from you.

Jan Griffiths: 06:40

Until then, have a great day and remember, the supply chain is where the money is.

Dietrich: 06:51

Are you ready to find the money in your supply chain? Visit www.autosupplychain prophets.com To learn how or click the link in the show notes below.