Suppliers with an Inside Seat - What a Revolution!

World Conference on Quality and Improvement vol. 52 - May 1998

Abstract: Trust, involvement, and communication drive Harley-Davidson's partnership program with key suppliers. Suppliers have been invited to take seats inside Harley's operations, allowing them to be integrated into the design and development process. Three cases are described: Hayes Brake, Inc., which supplies Harley with brake systems; Delco Electronics, which handles electrical architecture systems and components; and Herlache Industrial Supply, a provider of tools, janitorial suppliers, and maintenance items. Benefits created by these partnerships include: rapid answers on design questions; testing and data collection done whenever needed; on the spot resolution of daily issues; fast and accurate information exchange; quick turnaround in problem investigation and solution. These benefits accrue to both Harley and its suppliers. Trust between partners may grow slowly, but the benefits indicate that it is time well spent.

Keywords: Case study - Suppliers - Partnerships - Communication