Shows
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsAgentic AI Isn’t the Future. It’s the Line Between Winners and LaggardsAutomotive manufacturing leaders have no shortage of data, but only those who turn it into action are winning, and AI is the accelerator.In this milestone episode, Jan Griffiths is joined by Sanjay Brahmawar, CEO of QAD, and Dr. Bryan Reimer, MIT Research Scientist and author of How to Make AI Useful, for a grounded conversation about how AI is creating real advantage in automotive manufacturing.The challenge facing automotive manufacturing leaders is not visibility. Leaders know where problems exist. The issue is that action often stalls between insight and execution. Dashboards explain what happened...
2026-01-1933 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsWrapping 2025: Farewells, Milestones, and Next Year’s PlansAt 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 As 2025 wraps up, the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast looks back on its journey and shares thoughts about what’s next. Hosts Jan Griffiths, Jim Liegghio, and Terry Onica take a moment to celebrate the podcast’s impact, highlighting 15,000 downloads in over 20 countries, and look forward to their 100th episode in 2026, a milestone only a few podcasts achieve.Jim encourages listeners to revisit past episodes to hear how industry leaders think, sol...
2025-12-2905 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsLessons We’re Taking Forward From Our Favorite 2025 EpisodesAt 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 This episode takes a break from our usual detailed discussions to reflect on the conversations that shaped the year for the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. Jan Griffiths, joined by co-hosts Jim Liegghio and Terry Onica, looks at why specific episodes stuck with them and what those moments reveal about where the automotive supply chain is heading.Live podcasting quickly rises to the top, especially the Midwest User Group e...
2025-12-1525 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsDeveloping Future Leaders: Inside the General Motors and WSU Supply Chain Case CompetitionAt 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 Every strong supply chain starts with strong talent, and at Wayne State University, that’s exactly what’s being built. This episode takes listeners inside the General Motors and Wayne State Supply Chain Case Competition, where students from across the country step into real-world challenges and learn what it takes to lead the industry’s future.The conversation opens with Lori Sisk from Wayne State University, who introduces the FAST Program (Fut...
2025-11-0340 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsBeyond Transactions: Why 3PL Partnerships Are Critical to Supply Chain Transformation TodayAt 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 Logistics doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the automotive world. Yet a wealth of knowledge is sitting inside 3PLs; companies that don’t just move parts but keep the entire system running.That’s why she brings in Jeff Kosloski, Vice President of Supply Chain Operations for Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial at Ryder, to talk about what a modern 3PL really does.Jeff explains that Ryder handle...
2025-10-2027 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsQAD Midwest Users Conference: Community, Culture and InnovationAt 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 This episode, recorded live at the QAD Midwest Users Conference, brings together voices shaping the future of automotive supply chains. Hosts Jan Griffiths, Terry Onica, and Jim Liegghio sat down with leaders across the supply chain to explore the future of manufacturing, technology, and collaboration.French Williams from Royal Technologies began by sharing how his company approaches automation. Rooted in a culture of “better tomorrow than today,” Royal has built a model wh...
2025-10-0748 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsVested Partnerships: Transforming Automotive Negotiations Into Win-Win PartnershipsAt 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 The automotive industry is famous for its tough negotiations—OEMs squeezing suppliers, suppliers passing the pressure down the line. For decades, that approach was seen as a strength. But what if it’s actually holding the industry back?In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, Jan Griffiths and co-host Terry Onica welcome Kate Vitasek, leading authority on collaborative business models and creator of the Vested framework. Kate has...
2025-09-2233 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsUniting Industry: How AIAG is Building Resilient Supply Chains Through Collaboration and StandardizationAt 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 The pace of change in automotive supply chains isn’t slowing down, and waiting for OEM direction is no longer an option. Regulations, tariffs, sustainability requirements, and labor laws are reshaping the way suppliers operate, and the companies that act first are the ones that stay ahead. That’s where AIAG comes in. In this episode, Tanya Bolden, VP of Supply Chain and Corporate Responsibility, walks through how her team is...
2025-09-0823 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsClosing Gaps: The Tier Two Perspective on Supply Chain SuccessAt 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 When OEMs change their schedules or requirements, the ripple effect through the supply chain can feel like a game of telephone. Messages get passed down the chain, sometimes altered and ignored, leaving those further down the line piecing together what has changed. That's the reality for Jenni Smith, VP of Supply Chain at Royal Technologies, who joins the show to share what managing that complexity as a tier two supplier is like...
2025-08-2523 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsResilient by Design: Embedding Risk Strategy into Procurement DecisionsAt 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 When constant disruption becomes part of the job, how do you build a supply chain that can withstand the pressure?In this episode, Kyle Price, Vice President of Procurement at Caterpillar, joins Jan, Terry, and James to talk about building a resilient, flexible supply chain in a world that doesn't slow down. With more than 20 years at Caterpillar, Kyle offers valuable insights that acknowledge the complexity of supply chain management, but do...
2025-08-1126 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsLeading Forward by Looking Back: Insights for Automotive Supply Chain LeadersAt 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 Sometimes the best insights come from looking back.In this special episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, hosts Jan Griffiths, Terry Onica, and James Liegghio break from their usual guest format to reflect on the year's most impactful episodes. Each shares the moments and lessons that resonated most with them and why they matter as the industry faces more pressure, complexity, and change.Terry highlights her favorite episode with A...
2025-07-2825 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsCatena-X Explained: Driving Supply Chain Transformation with Real-Time Data ExchangeAt 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 “Just tell us why you’re making changes.” That simple request from a Tier 2 supplier at an AIAG conference says everything about where the automotive supply chain still struggles.The supply base still faces a lack of basic communication. Data is also slow to move, locked in outdated systems, or scattered across formats. Catena-X aims to address these issues.In this episode, Jan Griffiths, Jim Liegghio, and Terry Onica sit do...
2025-07-1420 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsKey Insights on OEM-Supplier Relationships: What the 2025 WRI Results RevealAt 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 What does it take to build trust between OEMs and suppliers — and why does it matter now more than ever?Dr. Angela Johnson, partner at Plante Moran and the new owner of the Working Relations Index (WRI), joins the show to walk us through the 2025 results and what they reveal about the automotive industry’s most critical, and often overlooked, business relationships.This year’s survey shows the biggest gap...
2025-06-3035 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsAIAG Supply Chain Conference: Real People, Real Problems, Real ProgressAt 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 Recorded live from the AIAG Supply Chain Conference in downtown Detroit, this episode captures real conversations with the people driving (and dealing with) supply chain change. With a fresh venue, new voices, and an unfiltered look at what's working (and what's not), the ASCP team dives into what's happening across the automotive supply chain, shaping the road ahead.The day starts with fresh eyes—Wayne State student John LaGarde shares what it...
2025-06-1829 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsMind the Gap: Rethinking Talent Pipelines with a Supply Chain MindsetAt 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 During her trip to Wales, Jan Griffiths took a call from CBS Detroit to weigh in on tariffs. That conversation led her to a bigger question: even if we bring manufacturing back to the U.S., do we have the workforce to support it?This led to this conversation with Torsten Schimanski, the Chief Strategy Officer at NJMEP, who’s spent years addressing the talent gap in U.S. manufacturing.In...
2025-06-0928 minAuto Supply Chain ChampionsTaking a Break for Memorial Day — New Episode Drops Next WeekAt 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 No full episode this week—but Jan Griffiths jumps on the mic with a quick Memorial Day update. She takes a moment to thank all military personnel, past and present, for their service and lets listeners know the team is taking a short break.Jan also shares a heads-up about the upcoming AIAG Supply Chain Conference on June 17th in Detroit — a fresh new venue and format, plus a live podcast re...
2025-05-2602 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsInside the Tariff Crisis: What Supply Chain Leaders Need to Do NowAt 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 Tariffs are back—and this time, it’s chaos. In this episode, Ambrose Conroy walks us through what’s happening in Washington as of April 28th, where policy shifts are fast and unpredictable. With talk of embargoes and “Global Tariff Day,” the administration is pushing to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., even if it means higher costs and economic disruption.Free trade is done. A 10–15% global base tariff is like...
2025-05-1233 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsRedefining Automotive Quality in a Rapidly Changing IndustryAt 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 What does quality really mean in today's automotive world—when the supply chain is shifting, the tech is evolving daily, and the pressure to get it right has never been higher?Scott Trantham is here to answer that. As General Motors' Manager of Supply Quality and Chair of the AIAG Quality Steering Committee, he's helping shape the systems that will define automotive quality—not just today, but for the road ahead....
2025-04-2820 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsProcurement in Motion: How SRM Drives Better, Faster Supplier DecisionsAt 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, we get real about a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in automotive: the strain on supplier relationships. With tariffs, lead time cuts, and constant disruptions, the old “just send the RFQ and hope for the best” approach simply doesn’t hold up anymore.That's where Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) comes in—and not just as a tool. We're talking about SRM as part of the procurement...
2025-04-1026 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsNot Just Talk: What Intentional Supply Chain Transformation Really Looks LikeAt 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 Most supply chain leaders say they're transforming—but are they really? Or are they just rearranging the same old playbook? In this episode, Maria Villablanca joins Jan, Terry, and Jim to unpack what real transformation looks like in a world where disruption is constant and uncertainty is the new normal.They start with the hard truth: traditional supply chain leadership—focused on cost and control—isn't built for today's demands. Maria calls...
2025-03-3124 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsTariffs, EV Struggles, and Policy: Can Auto Suppliers Keep Up?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 Tariffs are back. The EV transition is shaky. Autonomous vehicles are still a question mark. The auto industry is staring down a future full of uncertainty, and suppliers are stuck in the middle of it all.In this episode, Paul Eichenberg returns to break down the three biggest shifts shaking up the supply chain: the move away from globalization, the messy reality of electrification, and the evolving regulatory landscape for autono...
2025-03-1730 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsTech, Sustainability, & Talent: How Martinrea Is Building the Supply Chain of TomorrowAt 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 The automotive supply chain isn't what it used to be. Between shifting global policies, evolving AI capabilities, and the relentless push for sustainability, the pressure is on. And if you're not thinking ahead, you're already behind. But Martinrea is ahead of the curve, and in this episode, Megan Hunter, Executive VP of Procurement and Supply Chain Operations, explains how.One of the biggest game-changers? AI. Forget spending hours digging through Google...
2025-03-0327 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsInside Magna’s Strategy: Winning Business Through Early Customer CollaborationWhat’s the secret to securing big wins in the automotive industry? According to Guillermo Cano, Chief Customer Engineer at Magna International, it all starts with early customer collaboration. Instead of waiting for contracts to be awarded, Guillermo and his team invest in relationships early, working alongside customers to develop smarter solutions from the start. Sure, it’s a risk—there’s always the chance the business goes elsewhere—but the payoff is undeniable.He tells the story of a once-hesitant customer who, after three years of open communication and problem-solving, didn’t just come around—he nom...
2025-02-1728 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSpeed, Data, and Collaboration: QAD and AIAG on Automotive Supply ChainsAt 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 The Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast is relaunching with a significant milestone—10,000 downloads—and a new partnership with QAD and AIAG. To mark the occasion, Jan Griffiths sits down with Anton Chilton, CEO of QAD, and Matt Pohlman, CEO of AIAG, to tackle the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of automotive supply chains.The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Traditional supply chain strategies are no longer enough. Th...
2025-02-0328 minAuto Supply Chain ChampionsMark Your Calendar: Auto Supply Chain Prophets Relaunches on February 3rd!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 Big news for Auto Supply Chain Prophets! Jan Griffiths shares that the podcast is taking a short break as the team prepares to relaunch on February 3rd! What’s new? A brand-new co-host and a partnership with a group just as passionate about the automotive supply chain as we are.While we can’t share all the details yet, get ready for fresh ideas and exciting collaborations to set the stage for...
2025-01-1301 minAuto Supply Chain ChampionsStart 2025 Right: Episodes Every Supply Chain Leader Needs to HearAt 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 2024 is coming to a close, and it’s that time when we reflect on what we’ve achieved and, more importantly, what we’ll do differently in the year ahead. But here’s the hard truth: in the automotive industry, sticking to what’s always worked isn’t enough anymore. This isn’t just transformation—it’s full-blown reinvention.In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths dives into what this means for supply chain leaders...
2024-12-3009 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Reinvention Mindset for Supply Chain Leaders with Dr. Nadya ZhexembayevaAt 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 Is your organization ready to thrive in a world of constant disruption? Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Chief Reinvention Officer and founder of the Reinvention Academy joins Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths on Auto Supply Chain Prophets to explore why reinvention has become the top priority for businesses worldwide.The days of long business cycles are over. Today, the average lifespan of a business model is down to just five years. With change...
2024-12-1632 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsEmbracing Ethical AI for Future-Ready Automotive Supply ChainsAt 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 AI is revolutionizing the automotive supply chain, but how do leaders harness its potential while staying true to ethical principles? In this episode, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths dive deep into the transformative power of AI with Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt, Head of IT Partner Management at ZF and a global thought leader on ethical AI. Charlotte's impressive career—spanning roles at Porsche, Volkswagen, Johnson & Johnson, and Amazon—gives her a unique per...
2024-12-0228 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsWhat's Next for EDI? Be Part of the AIAG SurveyAt 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 Are APIs the future of automotive data exchange? Fred Coe, the chair of AIAG’s business-to-business committee and Global B2B and Portal Leader at General Motors, believes they might be.In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Fred joins Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica to explain why APIs are stirring up excitement in the auto industry — and why they’re not quite ready to push EDI aside just yet.W...
2024-11-1820 minAuto Supply Chain ChampionsTaking a BreakAt 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 Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. Today, we are taking a break. This episode will air on November 4th, and both Terry and I will be at the QAD Transform conference. So we're very excited to meet with supply chain professionals, IT leaders, and business leaders, and we're going to talk about one of our favorite subjects: transformation.Yes, we will. So stay tuned...
2024-11-0402 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSMMT’s Role in Shaping UK Automotive Supply ChainAt 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 We're no strangers to challenges in the auto industry, especially when it comes to supply chain management. We've seen it all in the US with our OEMs and Tier One suppliers, but what about across the pond in the UK?In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, we bring in John McLellan-Grant from SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) to explore SMMT’s role in shaping the futu...
2024-10-2121 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSupplier Relationship Management: Driving Success in Modern Supply ChainsAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths explore one of the industry's most overlooked but critical aspects: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).The discussion starts with reflections on Stellantis' layoffs, which got Jan thinking about how OEMs and the UAW still approach negotiations in a transactional way. The same old "tit-for-tat" mindset from her days in the supply chain continues, but the real q...
2024-10-0723 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsWhy Every Supply Chain Needs an Army of Problem SolversAt 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, Beth Crowley, Chief Resilience Officer and president of the Crowley Group, joins hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths to dive into the topic of resiliency and its significance in today's auto supply chain.Beth starts by defining resilience, explaining that it's more than just an industry term; it's the ability of organizations and supply chains to adapt and bounce back from c...
2024-09-2322 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsTransforming Supply Chains: Aludyne’s People-First, Tech-Driven ApproachAt 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 Auto Supply Chain Prophets, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths sat down with Alan Shevela, Global VP of Supply Chain and Quality at Aludyne, to talk about the company's push to innovate and how they're breaking new ground with digitization in the die-casting industry—all while keeping a strong focus on people.Alan talks through the three challenges he's facing: developing people, embracing digitization, and building strong p...
2024-09-0925 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsLeading the Charge: Building Tomorrow’s Supply Chain LeadersAt 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, Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths sit down with Jim Liegghio, a seasoned supply chain expert with over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. Jim, who leads the training, customer service, and membership engagement team within AIAG, dives into how AIAG bridges the gap between traditional practices and modern demands.AIAG's core tools and methodologies, such as APQP and control plans...
2024-08-2634 minAuto Supply Chain ChampionsWe Are Taking a BreakAt 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 Sometimes, the daily grind can become all-consuming, whether you're running a supply chain, managing a manufacturing plant, or even producing a podcast. Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica know this all too well, which is why they've decided to hit pause on the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. This break isn't just about stepping back—it's about recharging, gathering valuable feedback, and setting the stage for future improvements.In the meant...
2024-08-1203 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsMeet the Software Supplier in 600 Million VehiclesAt 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 Auto Supply Chain Prophets episode, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths explore the world of automotive software and technology with their guest, Manoj Karwa, Chief Revenue Officer for the Americas at Elektrobit. Manoj dives into the exciting world of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and the advantages of open-source technology. He explains how SDVs, much like smartphones, will continually evolve with new features and improvements over time, enhancing everything from infota...
2024-07-2927 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsCelebrating 6 of 60: Review of the Best Supply Chain Practices from our PodcastAt 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 special milestone episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, co-hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths celebrate reaching their 60th episode by revisiting six key moments from previous episodes that highlight the core mission of their show: preparing leaders in the auto industry for the future.First up is TS Tech's innovative approach to MMOG/LE standard implementation. They share how Wendy and Jeff, key figures in MMOG/LE com...
2024-07-1528 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Route to Success: Understanding Transportation Dynamics in Supply Chain ManagementAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths interview Christopher Mattingly, a seasoned veteran of over 40 years in the automotive industry. Being a retired Vice President of Transportation at Stellantis, Christoper is here to talk about the dynamics of the transportation aspect of automotive supply chain management.Christopher begins by sharing an important milestone in his professional journey: his time as a produc...
2024-07-0129 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsInside Global Trade, Compliance, and LogisticsAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths dive into the complexities of global trade, compliance, and logistics with their guest, Jeff Peterson, Director of Global Trade and Logistics at DRiV, a Tenneco company. Jeff digs into the challenges facing the trade compliance industry today. He highlights the ocean shipping container shortage, which has led to increased costs and delays. He also address...
2024-06-1726 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsCollaborative Excellence: Merging Quality and Supply ChainAt 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 improv...
2024-06-0325 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsAutoCulture 2.0: Shifting Leadership and Culture in the Auto Supply ChainAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths switch things up as Terry interviews Jan about her new book, AutoCulture 2.0. The conversation starts with Jan sharing the intense yet fulfilling journey of launching her book, which has already reached number one in Amazon's leadership category.Jan explains that her book is designed to drive a much-needed cultural shift in the auto industry. She st...
2024-05-2025 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsLessons Learned in a CPO's Transition from Auto to Life SciencesAt 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 the latest episode of the Auto Supply Chain Profits podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths interview Carrie Uhl, who is the Chief Procurement Officer at Danaher Corporation. Carrie shares her extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive and healthcare industries, helping to bridge the gap between these two seemingly different sectors.Carrie's journey from Magna to GE Healthcare and now Danaher shows how versatile supply chain expertise can be. De...
2024-05-0620 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsStart Your Sustainability and Profitability Journey with Our New E-bookAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths are joined by Cathy Fisher and Alexis Scipio to talk about their new eBook called "Delivering on the Promise of Delivering: Automotive Sustainability and Profitability." Discover why ESG is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry and why you should care. Alexis explains how sustainability can lead to profitability and what benefits companies get from ha...
2024-04-2220 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsVolta Truck's Electrifying Comeback to EV BusinessAt 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, hosts Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica welcome Shiv Tailor, the VP of Enterprise Technology for Volta Trucks, to discuss the challenging journey of a startup in the electric vehicle (EV) industry and Volta Trucks' comeback to the EV business.Shiv brings exciting news that Volta Trucks is back in action and is preparing to launch its electric commercial vehicles in Europe...
2024-04-0822 min
Strategic Insights15: Strategic Insights QAD Redzone ShowcaseIn this special episode, filmed at the QAD MidWest Fall User Conference, Andrew interviews QAD Redzone Sales Director Matt Crabtree about an exciting product that shined in this event.
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2024-04-0307 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsDriving Supply Chain Efficiency: TS Tech's MMOG/LE JourneyAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths discuss the importance of improving supply chain efficiency in the auto industry. They are joined by Wendy Horwitz, Corporate MMOG/LE Senior Manager, and Jeffrey Baltazar, Vice President of Manufacturing at TS Tech Americas, Inc., to talk about the challenges and benefits of embracing change and implementing MMOG/LE standards.The conversation focuses on TS Tec...
2024-03-2521 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsDriving the Future: AIAG's Leadership in the EVolving IndustryAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths interview Matt Pohlman, the CEO of Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). They discuss the organization's response to the rapidly changing automotive industry and how AIAG is keeping pace with technological advancements, regulatory changes, supply chain challenges, and the rise of EV OEMs.They explore the role of AIAG in setting industry standards and providing essent...
2024-03-1130 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Future of Supply Chain: Technology, Digitalization, and Industry StandardsAt 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, Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica interview Robert Cameron, Chairman of the Board at Odette International and VDA's Head of Production, Logistics, and Aftermarket Department.Robert shares their mission to digitize the automotive supply chain, including the initiative to adopt API technology and develop standards to support the auto industry's electrification.The discussion covers the latest on MMOG/LE, noting...
2024-02-2627 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsZNL Energy: The Next Unicorn in Battery Technology?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 The demand for reliable battery solutions has surged as the auto industry moves towards EVs. In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, hosts Jan and Terry tackle the critical issues surrounding start-ups as they face the challenges of scaling up in this exciting new field of battery technology.They invited Benjamin Ferstad and Jan Børge Sagmo from ZNL Energy, a tech startup at the forefront of innovat...
2024-02-1229 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSupply Chain Dynamics: Technology, ESG Regulations, and Strategic CollaborationAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths welcome Nichole Felton, Vice President of Supply Chain for ZF North America and board member for AIAG. Nichole gives a glimpse into her role, tackling challenges like global compliance regulations and ensuring a unified approach for a North American regional role within a German-based company. They discuss upcoming supply chain challenges, covering trade regulations, sustainability, anti-dumping measur...
2024-01-2922 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsLean Manufacturing: Thriving or Dying in Today's Automotive Supply ChainAt 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 Explore the transformative impact of Lean principles on automotive supply chains with Beth Crowley, President of The Crowley Group. Gain a clear understanding of Lean's philosophy, practical applications, and its profound impact on operational excellence.In this episode, Beth covered the following:Defining Lean: Beth explains Lean as both a philosophy and a set of tactical tools emphasizing the elimination of waste.Lean and Leadership: The integral connection between authen...
2024-01-1526 min
Auto Supply Chain Champions2023 Playback: Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast SummaryAt 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 As we enter 2024, the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast celebrates another successful year as the go-to source for industry knowledge and content for our dedicated audience. For two seasons and across 47 episodes, our podcast has remained committed to helping automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals navigate the complex landscape of the auto supply chain. In this special episode, host and producer Jan Griffiths reflects on the key themes that shaped our 202...
2024-01-0220 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe crucial role of risk management in future supply chainsWhite Paper - Leveraging Risk Management In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and Jan Griffiths explore the critical topic of risk management in the automotive supply chain. The conversation commenced with the hosts sharing their experience with an EV startup, underlining the crucial role of robust supply chain processes for successful scaling. Transitioning to the main topic of risk management, Cathy and Terry discussed their recently updated white paper, which explores risk management strategies and the development of resilient supply chains. They further delved into the...
2023-12-1121 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsHow electric vehicles are transforming supply chain dynamicsAt 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 Automotive Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths converse with Michael Robinet, Executive Director at S&P Global Mobility. They discussed recent disruptions in the automotive supply chain and the impending challenges transitioning from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).Michael breaks down the industry complexities, talking about the challenges like making electric cars affordable, the unclear timeline for widesp...
2023-11-2726 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsBuilding a Future-Ready Supply Chain through Digitization, Sustainability, and DiversityAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths engage in a compelling conversation with Anthony Emery, the Supply Chain and Logistics Director for PHINIA. They take a close look at how things work in the world of the automotive supply chain, pointing out the ups and downs that manufacturers deal with in this ever-evolving industry. Anthony's extensive experience offers a unique perspective on the comple...
2023-11-1330 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsPreparing the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders through Innovative Education, Gamification, and Talent FocusAt 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, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths are joined by Thomas Kull, a professor of operations and supply chain management at Arizona State University. They discuss the evolving landscape of supply chain education, workforce expectations, and the importance of gamification. Thomas shares insights on how Arizona State University has adapted to meet the needs of modern students and how they are integrating supply chain...
2023-10-3021 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsUAW Strike, Supply Chain Turmoil, and Their Role in the EV JourneyAt 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 Automotive Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths engage thought leader Paul Eichenberg in a comprehensive discussion about the ongoing strikes within the automotive industry. They delve into the root causes of these strikes and provide insights into their potential duration. A central theme of their conversation revolves around the pivotal role played by battery facilities in shaping the future of the automotive industry, partic...
2023-10-1630 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsPreparing for Post-Strike Success in Automotive Supply ChainsAt 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, Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths sit down with Bill Hurles, former executive director of supply chain for General Motors, to discuss the current challenges facing the automotive supply chain. They discuss the ongoing UAW strike against major automakers, highlighting the importance of preparing for a smooth restart once the strike concludes.The conversation shifts to the role of technology in supply...
2023-10-0229 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsShaping the Future: Why Talent Development Is Paramount in Automotive Supply ChainsAt 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, Naseem Malik, the Managing Director of MRA Global Sourcing, brings his extensive 25 years of supply chain expertise to the table. He joins hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and Jan Griffiths in discussing the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive supply chain. Naseem sheds light on the profound shifts catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for agile leadership in a rapidly changing enviro...
2023-09-1829 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsESG in the Automotive Industry: Embracing Sustainability for Global Supply ChainsAt 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 the latest episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and Jan Griffiths dive into the dynamic realm of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) standards in the automotive supply chain. Their guest, Alexis Scipio, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in procurement and supply chain, lends her invaluable insights to illuminate the path toward embracing ESG principles to enhance sustainability and ethical practices within the automotive indust...
2023-09-0424 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsRevving Up the Supply Chain: Exploring the Future of Automotive EDIAt 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, we dive deep into the world of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and its pivotal role in the automotive supply chain. We have a special guest with us, Fred Coe, an esteemed expert with over 25 years of experience in the B2B space and the chair of the AIAG EDI Advisory Group. We will dissect the significance of EDI in managing the int...
2023-08-2126 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsRoadmap to Auto Supply Chain SuccessAt 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, hosts Cathy Fisher, Terry Onica, and co-host, Jan Griffiths share a roadmap to success in the automotive supply chain. The roadmap comprises five crucial steps that aim to help organizations prepare for the future and thrive in the industry. Step one involves identifying the 24 essential supply chain processes, crucial for success. Steps two and three emphasize the importance of assessing competencies and providing training for a knowledgeable and skilled workfo...
2023-08-0725 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Future of Supply Chain and Quality Management in the Auto IndustryAt 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 MMOGLE and IATF cross reference document In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, The hosts, Cathy Fisher and Terry Onica, along with the Co-host, Jan Griffiths take a broad picture of the automotive sector and its changing standards. Cathy stresses the necessity of clarity in relation to clients, markets, and value for strategic planning to be successful. Terry talks about MMOG/LE training and the need to align...
2023-07-2423 min
Auto Supply Chain Champions10x Impact: Revolutionizing the Role of ProcurementAt 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, we interviewed Phil Ideson, Managing Director of the Art of Procurement, who is on a mission to revolutionize (10X) the impact of procurement in organizations. Phil emphasizes the need for procurement professionals to think outside the box and reimagine their roles to achieve greater influence and value. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with suppliers, especially in the automotive industry, where tight...
2023-07-1025 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsNavigating Supply Chain Challenges in the EV Startup WorldAt 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, Andreas Bareid, head of e-mobility for QAD shares his insights on the topic of e-mobility and supply chain management. He highlights the advantages and disadvantages of EV startups, including their ability to move quickly but lack of experience and infrastructure. Traditional automotive companies face similar challenges in adapting to the EV market while dealing with legacy systems. Andreas emphasizes the importance of an integr...
2023-06-2619 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsTransforming the Auto Supply Chain Workplace Through Engagement, Communication, and GamificationAt 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 Supply chain operators are more likely to ask a superior for help or relay critical information to a colleague if it feels like shooting a text to a pal about where to grab dinner after the game. Truly connected workforce solutions combine accessibility and accountability by employing familiar tech (like iPads) with real-time performance tracking displayed throughout the workplace.In this episode of Supply Chain Prophets, Kevin Shayer of Alli...
2023-06-1225 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsWhy Automating your QMS improves your Supply Chain PerformanceFor more information on the QAD EQMS system, click here Dive in to the Penn Engineering EQMS case study With great success comes great complexity.As thriving automotive supply chains acquire businesses and add customers, choosing an automated Enterprise Quality Management System (EQMS) that harnesses AI can jumpstart a company’s trajectory. In a competitive landscape filled with actors racing to leverage paradigm-shifting technologies, doing so is more important than ever. In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Mike Payionk of PennEngineering shares challenges and triumphs from his epic five-year jou...
2023-05-2926 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsWhat Automotive Supply Chain Leaders Need To Understand Before ReshoringAt 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 The U.S. trade war with China is in full swing, and automotive supply chain leaders are considering their next moves.With the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) now signed into law and preventing imports from areas using forced labor in manufacturing, companies are setting their sights on alternative markets including India, Mexico and Africa.The Reshoring Institute’s executive director, Rosemary Coates, returns to Auto Supply Chain Pr...
2023-05-1526 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsReshoring, the Value Chain and the Power of AutomationAt 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 Reshoring doesn’t mean what some companies think it means. Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. is all the rage. According to The Reshoring Institute Executive Director Rosemary Coates, there’s more to it than what meets the eye. “A mistake companies make is thinking about reshoring [as] bringing all your production back to the U.S. — that's not really the way global companies think these days. Instead, they're...
2023-05-0121 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSpeeding Past Spreadsheets and Silos: The Intersection of IATF and MMOG/LEAt 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 Version 6 of MMOG/LE integrates supply chain processes and can reduce a company’s inventory by up to 60%. But cost savings isn’t the only reason to love this self-assessment.IATF 16949 hasn’t been updated since 2016. As the auto industry applies pandemic-era lessons to quality systems, MMOG/LE raises the bar for effective supply chain management and encourages collaboration across all functions in an organization.In this follow-up to How MMOG/LE...
2023-04-1735 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsHow MMOG/LE Is Transforming the Automotive Supply ChainDelivering on the promise of delivery — that’s the mark of a successful automotive supply chain. But when it comes to a smooth supply chain operation, many suppliers aren’t doing nearly as well as think they are. It’s time for an efficiency check-up.The Global Materials Management Operations Guidelines/Logistics Evaluation (MMOG/LE) is a plant-level self-assessment tool to help automotive suppliers determine how well they’re managing their supply chain — and the results are transformative.Tanya Bolden of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and Terry Onica, Director of Automotive for QAD are some of...
2023-04-0335 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsPreparing for the futureWhat’s going on behind the scenes at the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast? - Find out now!It's time to go back to basics and rethink the future of the automotive supply chain.Season 2 is coming, find out about our first industry expert guest.We want to hear from you!Contact us directly:-Jan Griffiths - Jan@gravitasdetroit.comTerry Onica - tjo@qad.comCathy Fisher - cathyfisher@quistem.com
2023-03-1907 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSupply Chain Perspectives from Emerging EV SuppliersAt 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 Auto Supply Chain Prophets welcomes two guests from the OESA Supplier Summit in Novi, Michigan.Supply chain shortages continue to persist in the automotive industry, but some EV parts suppliers are finding success and growing quickly despite the challenges. Jovani Gonzalez, CFO of Acument Global Technologies, and Carolyn Sauer, the business development director at Schaltbau North America, offer their perspectives on how to manage relationships with customers and suppliers.As t...
2023-03-0611 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe BackstoryJan takes over the microphone to share the story behind the podcast.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 QuistemQADE-Mail us directly at Jan@gravitasdetroit.com
2023-02-0610 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Connected Car: The Intersection of Cybersecurity and The Automotive Supply ChainEveryone in the automotive industry is thinking about cybersecurity. We got the opportunity to speak to not one but two thought leaders in the space — live from the OESA Summit in Novi, Michigan.“When you have software or technology plugging into the vehicle in a totally new and different way, understanding how all of the systems around you and those specifications work is absolutely mission critical to launch,” says Jennifer Dukarski, known as “The Geek Lawyer.”VP of Autocrypt Martin Totev sees digitalization reshaping automotive firsthand. “The auto industry is going to experience what the phone indust...
2023-01-2314 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Future of EV Wireless ChargingFor most electric vehicle owners, charging a vehicle at a public charging station is a dreaded affair. A recent J.D. Power survey found that 1 in 5 EV owners weren’t able to charge their cars during a visit to a station, mostly because of faulty equipment. Everyone in the automotive industry knows EVs are the future. So why aren’t more leaders focused on improving the charging experience?Jeremy McCool, founder and CEO of HEVO, has a message for auto industry leaders: get on board for the wireless charging revolution. He recently joined the hosts of Au...
2023-01-0913 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsHappy Holidays! Explore Episodes You've MissedWishing you a wonderful holiday season!In case you missed it, check out some of our selected episodes from season 1.Episode 21 with Dan Sharkey. You'll know Dan, he's well-known in supply chain circles and he's got his finger on the pulse of today's issues. And he reminds us to and I quote, "contract deliberately"Episode 15 with Katie Pullin, also in the legal profession in the auto supply chain, she talks about the force majeure pandemic, are you abusing the term?Episode 11 with Mike and Rocky, self-confessed quality nerds and data geeks...
2022-12-2606 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsLegal Lessons From Automotive Supply Chain Attorney Dan SharkeyNot everyone has their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the auto supply base today. But among the few who do is attorney, co-founder and member of Brooks Wilkins Sharkey & Turco PLLC Dan Sharkey. A well-known legal expert specializing in supply chain contract disputes, Dan knows that the world of automotive is now facing some of its biggest challenges.In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Dan shares insight at the 2022 Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Annual Automotive Supplier Conference in Novi, Michigan. He takes us through the complex challenges and risks faced by...
2022-12-0508 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsLet's get a sneak peekA sneak peek 🫣 into what's coming up next.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
2022-11-2801 min
Auto Supply Chain Champions24 Essential Processes to Build a Foundation of Supply Chain ManagementTwo automotive supply chain experts sit down in a room and scour two of the most widely consulted, notoriously complex protocols for automotive supply chain management: the Automotive Industry Action Group’s Global Materials Management Operational Guidelines/Logistical Evaluation (MMOG/LE) and International Automotive Task Force (IATF) 16949. They emerge, probably with plenty of eyestrain, and produce a meticulously assembled document that identifies 24 essential supply chain processes and connects them to each other.The aforementioned experts are Auto Supply Chain Prophets co-hosts Cathy Fisher and Terry Onica, and they’re making the case for breaking down silos...
2022-11-1413 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsAddressing Staffing Issues in a Post-Pandemic WorldFrom the staffing crisis to the current economic recession, the manufacturing industry has experienced a whirlwind of changes in the past several years. How can manufacturers ensure they’re in a healthy financial position while meeting the high demands of their customers?Michele Vincent recommends temporary staffing agencies like MADICORP, where she has worked for the past 15 years. Unlike other staffing companies, MADICORP sources experienced talent from all across the country and offer compensation packages attractive to high-value employees. “We’ll go in, bring the labor, help them get caught up on that backlog, and ensure...
2022-10-3115 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Future Is Now for Automotive Supply ChainAn industrial revolution is happening in automotive supply chain. It’s having its Kodak moment. But can the industry get ahead of the curve to avoid a similar fate?Traditional OEMs are feeling the pressure from electric vehicle (EV) startups. Dealing with disruptive, innovative new entrants is nothing new for most industries, but it feels fresh for automotive.In round two of this special Auto Supply Chain Prophets interview, we’re rejoined by veteran auto writer and editor Gary Vasilash to talk about the automotive supply chain future that’s already arrived.Themes discus...
2022-10-1720 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Shift to EVs - Part 1No one can predict the future. Even if we can plan and prepare for possible outcomes — like a war in Europe or a historic heat wave in China — there will always be unexpected challenges. The automotive industry is the same way. The pandemic was unpredictable, and subsequent supply chain issues led to lower-than-usual quality ratings. Even bigger changes are coming soon as the industry shifts its focus to electric vehicles. Suppliers need to be ready, says Gary Vasilash, an editor with Gardner Business Media who has been writing about the automotive industry for 30 years.In this...
2022-10-0319 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Force Majeure PandemicBefore the pandemic, most people didn’t pay too much attention to force majeure in their contracts — until lockdowns, worker shortages and extended transport times interrupted supply chains. Since then, force majeure has become “one of the most invoked and highly-analyzed terms out there,” says Katherine L. Pullen, attorney at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP.But are we abusing it? And as auto supply chain leaders, what can we do to adapt our contracts to the post-pandemic world and avoid using force majeure? As a litigator who works with automotive suppliers, Katie has significant experience working with this...
2022-09-1917 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsTraining Is Everything: Insight From President and Founder of the Women in Manufacturing Education FoundationIt’s 2022, but women are still a minority in the automotive supply chain and manufacturing industry, representing only 30% of the workforce. It’s a slight increase from 20 years ago when that number was only around 26%, but we can do better.Improving female representation is Allison Grealis’s focus as President and Founder of the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation, which develops training and development programs for women in the industry. One of her biggest goals in that role, Allison says, is to portray the right message about what modern manufacturing work even is. Hint: It’s no long...
2022-09-0513 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsPushing Past the Status Quo: The CIO Drives Business ValueIn 2022, information technology (IT) professionals in supply chains can no longer sit on the sidelines. Responsible for more than just technology, they play a major role in strategy and business functions.No one knows this better than Heidi Mattison, Chief Information Officer at Superior Industries. From the beginning of her career in the automotive industry on the manufacturing floor, she saw how tech plays a crucial role in every corner of the company.As an IT professional, “you need to have a seat at the table,” Heidi says. “If you don't understand how your role affect...
2022-08-2221 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Many Dimensions of Supply Chain SuccessThe Many Dimensions of Supply Chain SuccessFor Sherise Brown and Katrina Allen of Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS), a woman’s place is on the shop floor. As two female leaders who worked their way up from assembly staff to Supply Chain Superintendents, they bring important assets to the automotive manufacturing industry.“Women tend to be patient, we listen, we hear what you're saying,” Katrina says. “One of the things that we bring to the table is a lot of wisdom where we can make good decisions.”The focus of their management style? Cultivatin...
2022-08-0816 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSilo is a 4 letter word!As self-proclaimed “quality nerds,” Rocky Pinheiro and Mike Payionk of fastening solutions manufacturer PennEngineering speak about quality with exactly what nerd implies — passion, expertise, and arcane knowledge. Rocky, who holds a Ph.D. in management, spent 25 years in manufacturing before arriving at PennEngineering. Most of his career was in the automotive industry, including 13 years at various iterations of Fiat Chrysler. A Michigan native, Mike grew up surrounded by automotive manufacturing. Like Rocky, he spent most of the past two decades working in the industry with a focus on quality control.Rocky and Mike love to...
2022-07-2521 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsMaps & MetricsMaps & MetricsWhen Jd Marhevko speaks about how to measure performance, apply solutions and improve overall quality, suppliers listen. Currently, Vice President of Quality for a major Tier 1 automotive supplier, Jd built her reputation over decades in the automotive industry. Starting college at just 16, Jd studied engineering, which she saw as a road out of poverty. Around the same time, she rebuilt her first engine on a fishing trip with her grandfather, a Chrysler employee and operations expert, after she accidentally dropped their boat’s motor in the water. The award-winning quality guru offe...
2022-07-1121 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsMoving Parts: A Framework for Improving Automotive Supply Chain PerformanceMoving Parts: A Framework for Improving Automotive Supply Chain PerformanceWithout context, strategy, and systems, the current automotive supply chain can seem like a complex web of disjointed parts. Combine that with the pressure to deliver on the promise of delivery and you have a recipe for disorder, bottlenecks, confusion, and frustration. Fortunately for OEMs everywhere, Cathy Fisher, Founder and President of automotive systems firm Quistem, and Terry Onica, who directs vertical solution strategy for enterprise resource planner (ERP) and supply chain solution provider QAD, dove deep into ITF 16949 and MMOG/LE. Their goal — to unea...
2022-06-2719 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSchool’s in Session: Learning (and Teaching) the Automotive Supply Chain RopesWith the supply chain industry in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately, it might make the idea of choosing it as a career path seem counterintuitive for college students. However, the field still presents excellent opportunities for young professionals and recent graduates. One of the primary challenges is that most students are unaware that majoring in supply chain management is even an option. Lori Sisk, automotive supply chain veteran and Assistant Professor at Wayne State University’s Global Supply Chain Management program, is determined to raise awareness and attract young talent. She says it’s essen...
2022-06-1318 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsReflections of the Auto Supply Chain ProphetsSometimes you have to look back in order to propel forward.Download our summary of the "one thing" actionable items from each episode.Browse our back catalog of episodes:Episode #1 - Can the prophets really see the future? with your hosts Cathy Fisher and Terry OnicaEpisode #2- The Farm Girl Takes on the Supply Chain with Jan GriffithsEpisode #3- A Clearer Look Into Today’s Murky Supply Chain with Bill HurlesEpisode #4- Don't Forget the Grease! with Julie DedeneEpisode #5- Supply Ch...
2022-05-3007 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsElectrifying the Auto Supply ChainPaul Eichenberg has his finger on the pulse of the automotive industry. With an engineering background and three decades of automotive experience, the former Vice President of Corporate and Strategic Planning at Magna Powertrain, Inc. is now the head of his own consulting firm, which advises auto executives around the world on how to make the most of an era of disruption and the rise of electric vehicles. In eight years at Magna, Paul was responsible for three times growth and says this role put him “at the forefront of the major disruptions” taking place in the automotive industry toda...
2022-05-1616 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsSupply chain leadership: Risk, resiliency and trustGeneral Motors’ former Executive Director of Global Supply Chain Operations Bill Hurles is back to share more insight on the current dynamic supply chain landscape. In a wide-ranging discussion, Bill (who spent almost four decades in the automotive industry before he retired) reflects on his time working with GM's former head of purchasing Ignacio Lopez. He also talks about the qualities he'd seek if he were hiring a Tier 1 supply chain leader today — and the strengths of younger generations in the workplace.Themes discussed in this episode: The most important qualities a Tier 1 supply chain...
2022-05-0214 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsDon't forget the grease!It’s a good thing Julie Dedene likes to think on her feet. In her role as a supply chain manager for industrial lubrication supplier Eastern Oil Company, she’s had to contend with everything from the COVID shutdown to a demand spike, labor shortages, and natural disasters.Julie describes her job as “a constant battle,” but as someone who loves a good puzzle and solving problems in real-time, she’s in her element.Themes discussed in this episode: How Julie "fell" into a career in supply chain after working in human resourcesThe importance of continuo...
2022-04-1814 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsA clearer look into today’s murky supply chainOver the course of nearly four decades in the automotive industry, Bill Hurles has seen a lot. With a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA in hand, he began working at General Motors in the 1980s. Eventually, he moved from the engineering side of the organization into manufacturing, and when an opportunity arose in supply chain management, he took it. When Bill retired, he was GM’s Executive Director for Global Supply Chain Operations. Today, with supply chain issues suddenly in the headlines, he is the perfect guest to shine some light on where the auto supply cha...
2022-04-0418 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsThe Farm Girl Takes on the Supply ChainIn the last episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, host Jan Griffiths and guests Cathy Fisher and Terry Onica discussed the evolution of supply chain management in a global marketplace. They agree that the pandemic served as a wake-up call for business leaders who thought Industrial Age management systems were good enough for the 21st century.This time around, Cathy and Terry turn the tables and pick Jan’s brain to find out what she’s observed in her three-plus decades in the automotive industry. Download the 24 processes e book here Themes discussed in th...
2022-03-2118 min
Auto Supply Chain ChampionsCan the Prophets Really See the Future?In the automotive industry, supply chain is typically not viewed as a driver of profits — but that needs to shift. Over the years, the supply chain has evolved from a mostly local or regional operation into a sprawling, diverse, global enterprise. And as the pandemic proved, it can make or break an organization. In the premiere episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, co-host Jan Griffiths talks with Cathy Fisher, Founder and President of automotive management systems firm Quistem, and Terry Onica, Director, Automotive who directs vertical solution strategy for enterprise resource planner (ERP) and supply chai...
2022-03-0413 min