Description

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, co-hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths welcome Steve Povenz, a recognized leader in automotive quality, to discuss the crucial integration of quality and supply chain functions.

Steve believes quality and supply chain are inseparable and fundamental to an organization's success. He points out that many organizations fail because these functions operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for improvement. 

He stresses that quality should be proactive and collaborative, engaging with other departments to understand and mitigate issues before they arise.

Steve highlights the importance of regular cross-functional reviews and the use of technology to bridge gaps, streamline processes, and enhance data accuracy. He praises Terry and Cathy Fisher's 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes as a comprehensive roadmap for improving these integrations.

Jan and Steve discuss the impact of leadership and culture in fostering collaboration between quality and supply chains. Steve says effective leadership and shared goals lead to successful outcomes regardless of organizational structure. 

They touch upon the need for evolving standards like IATF 16949 to keep pace with industry changes, particularly the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. 

Steve encourages quality professionals to engage with AIAG, participate in summits, and provide feedback to help shape the future of automotive quality standards.

The episode concludes with Steve's practical advice for leaders in the automotive supply chain: engage with quality counterparts, involve them in daily operations, and leverage their expertise to solve problems collaboratively. 

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The importance of integrating quality and supply chain functions within organizations
• The issue of quality and supply chain functions operating in silos and the negative impact of this separation 
• Leadership's role in fostering collaboration between quality and supply chain functions 
• How technology can automate processes, enhance data collection, and improve overall efficiency within quality and supply chain operations
• The use of performance scorecards, such as those mandated by IATF 16949, to measure and manage quality and delivery performance within the supply chain
• The potential benefits of leveraging frameworks like the 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes to align quality and supply chain operations
• Why quality and supply chain functions need to adapt to rapid changes in the automotive industry, particularly with the shift from ICE to BEV
• How to achieve continuous improvement through the use of technology, better integration of functions, and proactive identification and resolution of pain points within the supply chain

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Steve Povenz

Title: Visionary Global Quality Leader, Director of Quality at Shape Corp.

About: Steve is a visionary global quality leader with extensive expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS) and project management. As the Director of Quality at Shape Corp. for 18 years, he has driven significant improvements in customer satisfaction, cost reduction, and quality standards. Steve excels in fostering organizational growth, creating an empowered employee experience, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. His multicultural