At Robert Bosch North America the answer is yes. This paper will outline how we answered the question: What is Supply Chain Management at Bosch in North America? We then used the answers as a template for our Purchasing Associate Training Program.
Bosch North America has over $5 billion in sales, approximately 70% in the Automotive Sector and purchased materials and services represent roughly 50% of that amount. As responsibilities shift from our customers to Bosch and as modules and systems become more complex - and involve a more complex supply chain - we must understand and manage our supply chain effectively. We realized that to a large extent concepts, strategies and processes were available, but there was no “big picture” or connection that was easy to understand and utilize in the day to day function.
In 1999, a team of purchasing, planning and supplier quality associates developed our Supply Chain Management Program as a:
Communication tool with our customers - both internal and external
Training tool for our associates
Measurement tool for our supply chain management activities
During 1999, this program was rolled out in our Automotive Division and to our supply base. Performance measures in Quality, Delivery and Cost areas were established and standardized across divisions. The program has been judged a success that provides the ability to “speak with one voice” both internally and externally.