Industryweek 7171 Robinet
Industryweek 7171 Robinet
Industryweek 7171 Robinet
Industryweek 7171 Robinet
Industryweek 7171 Robinet

The Proactive Supplier: On the Cusp of New Technology

Aug. 5, 2014
Proactive suppliers are working now to ensure that they are on the leading edge of new technology, ready for its entry point into the market.

To survive in the automotive industry, to be a part of the growth curve, suppliers need to be proactive. And that means being global.

Michael Robinet, managing director of IHS, during a presentation at the Center for Automotive Research Managament Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich. stressed the need for proactive suppliers ready to support OEMs and their global growth plans.

"The proactive supplier is one that looks out to '18 and '19 and '20," he said.

Those suppliers will be ready for the estimated 161 worldwide vehicle launches expected in 2018.

To be ready, suppliers are working now to ensure that they are on the leading edge of new technology, prepared for its entry point into the market.

They are working directly with manufacturers to get their components and specifications in front of the design teams and engineering teams as technologies are being integrated, "instead of waiting for the RFQ to hit their desk," Robinet said.

Those aggressive moves are necessary because manufacturers are largely only looking to work with one or, at most, two suppliers on any one program.  

"It's all about risk reduction," Robinet said. "That proactive supplier really ensures the longer term success going forward."

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Empowering the Modern Workforce: The Power of Connected Worker Technologies

March 1, 2024
Explore real-world strategies to boost worker safety, collaboration, training, and productivity in manufacturing. Emphasizing Industry 4.0, we'll discuss digitalization and automation...

3 Best Practices to Create a Product-Centric Competitive Advantage with PRO.FILE PLM

Jan. 25, 2024
Gain insight on best practices and strategies you need to accelerate engineering change management and reduce time to market. Register now for your opportunity to accelerate your...

Transformative Capabilities for XaaS Models in Manufacturing

Feb. 14, 2024
The manufacturing sector is undergoing a pivotal shift toward "servitization," or enhancing product offerings with services and embracing a subscription model. This transition...

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!