Making the auto supply chain transparent

By Russel Beron

Similar to Haier Group, China’s automotive industry has an array of suppliers which require sophisticated systems to manage them. China’s auto market, an ongoing hot topic is becoming more competitive and manufacturers have to look at the entire supply chain to cut costs.

BeijingBenzDaimlerChrysler (BBDC) is a more recent joint auto venture which built a new manufacturing facility in Beijing in early 2007 to build the EClass Mercedes and Chrysler 300C. Recognizing the importance of communication with their suppliers, BBDC implemented a web-based EDI system which is user friendly for all levels of BBDC suppliers. This implementation earned Seeburger the CHaINA award of Best IT Supply Chain Solution for China. Read the rest of “China’s Supply Chain raises the bar: Part IV” or post a comment

While Alfred Dunhill needs specialized service to handle its high value products, large manufacturers such as Haier Group need specialize strategies to handle their suppliers.

According to a Gartner Research study about on Why supplier relationship management matters, procurement costs account for about 50% of expenses. As profit margins in manufacturing tend to be slim, the incentive to save on purchasing costs is very high.

Read the rest of “China’s Supply Chain raises the bar: Part III” or post a comment >>

You doubtlessly have heard and read many different stories about sourcing in China. Some are thrilling and others are scary. But ultimately, what really matters is to understand enough of the ins and outs of the China sourcing scene in order to answer a few key questions for your company: To Source or Not To Source; To Source What and What Not To Source?

Read the rest of “Ins and Outs of Sourcing in China” or post a comment >>

Innovation is a word we are hearing a lot more of in China these days. The consensus is that as manufacturing costs in China continue to rise and supply chain complexity increases, so companies have to innovate both to save money and to increase efficiency.

In this story we take a deeper look into what a few companies and individuals in China, both foreign and Chinese are doing to lead the way in service, supplier management, IT implementation, as well as cost and process efficiency. These companies and individuals were all winners of awards at the November 2007 CHaINA Summit.

Read the rest of “China’s Supply Chain raises the bar - Part I” or post a comment >>

Sourcing from China has evolved from a straight-forward, cost-driven approach to more elaborate and strategic varieties. While the recent product recalls did not seem to have impacted Chinese exports based on overall figures, however we have come across anecdotal evidence suggesting the otherwise.

Undoubtedly the initial sourcing interest was triggered by China’s notorious low costs, both direct (such as those for labor and land or rent) and indirect …

Read the rest of “Latest China Sourcing Trends” or post a comment >>