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Global MFG - Jul 8, 2019

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The Lost Art of Building Supplier Relationships

Paul Ericksen | IndustryWeek

The tariffs on China have been a real jolt to U.S.-based OEMs and  given many pause about their current strategies and practices. For instance, many who had placed a significant portion of their "spend" exclusively in China now realize that back-up plans should be part of supply management planning and—regardless of how the tariff situation ends up—are looking to establish such Plan Bs.

The Lost Art of Building Supplier Relationships

Over the years, I've contributed about 90 articles to IndustryWeek. One of them " It Takes Two to Tango ," from 2015, dealt with the fact that in supply chain negotiations, there is middle ground if both sides are willing to compromise. The headline, suggested by my then-editor, was a bit of a stretch for me; I didn't understand how it related to the content of the article. But now I know what he was getting at. Tango dancers must coordinate and collaborate to the nth degree to successfully execute the dance.

IndustryWeek - Paul Ericksen

 

#china