Development of Standard Operating Procedures for the Formation of Partnerships with Suppliers of the Caterpillar Corporation.
Abstract
Manufacturers world wide are seeking ways to reduce costs without lowering the quality of their product. The cost of purchased materials accounts for more than sixty percent of manufacturers' expenses. In a market where quantity is giving way to quality, inefficient suppliers are being passed over. This causes suppliers to become prime targets for cost cutting by big companies. Only suppliers with the highest quality product, delivery record and desire to meet the needs of the manufacturing sector will survive. The traditional view of the supplier-manufacturer relationship has been adversarial. Manufacturers placed emphasis on multiple-sourcing with competitive bidding to acquire short-term contracts. Technology sharing between the buyer and supplier was very limited. Work on new projects was awarded to a supplier primarily on the basis of the low bid. Cooperative manufacturer and supplier relationships are lacking in the United States. Manufacturers and buyers of many varieties are utilizing suppliers outside of the country to obtain the supplies they need at lower cost and higher quality. This is a dilemma for suppliers, as they struggle to stay competitive. Manufacturers such as Caterpillar are seeking long term partnerships with their suppliers to ensure positive business relationships in the future. By developing partnerships, manufacturers and suppliers may share information, conduct joint problem solving activities and share technology in a mutually dependent association. (RWJ)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA294996
Entities
People
- Daryl L. Conklin
Organizations
- Purdue University