Supplier Integration Available to Purchase

Reports on two presentations given at the 1994 R&D Management conference organized by Manchester Business School, which highlighted the research being undertaken to study customer‐supplier partnerships– an aspect of the product development process whose importance is now being recognized by Western industry. Outlines past research which graphically illustrated the contrast that existed within the automotive industry between Japanese assemblers′ use of suppliers and that of US and European companies; provides examples of differences and the benefits gained by Japanese companies. Highlights the fact that the automotive industry has changed significantly and new research is being undertaken to examine the present extent of supplier involvement in product design. Provides an emerging picture of UK processes from the data being collected. Other industries also recognize the importance of partnership. Discusses the general findings of ongoing research at two OEMs and their suppliers; reveals practices already found to be conducive to supplier integration.