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 innovative battery technology, to explore this topic. 

The conversation covers various aspects, including ZNL's breakthrough technology that addresses the safety concerns associated with battery hazards, ZNL's mission to commercialize next-generation battery technology, the supply chain challenges they face in sourcing materials, and the impact of legislation such as the IRA Act in the US on their startup.

Moreover, they discuss ZNL's strategies for ensuring a smooth startup operation, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and seeking expertise where needed. The dialogue extends to managing suppliers effectively and understanding the dynamic nature of customer requirements, highlighting ZNL's customer-centric approach.

Finally, Jan and Benjamin offer valuable advice for aspiring tech startups, emphasizing the need for boldness in selling their product early and the importance of building a solid team to handle diverse tasks, allowing the CEO to focus on strategic growth and fundraising initiatives.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Challenges of battery performance 
• Importance of addressing battery safety concerns in electric vehicles
• ZNL Energy's innovative battery separator technology
• Supply chain challenges and opportunities in the battery industry
• The impact of legislation like the IRA Act on tech startups
• Strategies for managing suppliers and fostering strategic partnerships
• Prioritizing customer engagement and feedback in product development
• Scaling up operations effectively in a startup environment
• Advice for tech startups on delegation and focusing on core responsibilities as CEO

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Benjamin Ferstad

Title: Chief Executive Officer, ZNL Energy

About: Benjamin is a seasoned management professional known for his exceptional interpersonal abilities and adeptness in P&L management within global corporate settings. Armed with a Master of Science degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Stavanger and a Bachelor of Science in Subsea Technology from Bergen University College, Benjamin brings a wealth of expertise in financial data analysis and process optimization.

Connect: LinkedIn

Name: Jan Børge Sagmo

Title: Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, ZNL Energy

About: Jan is a process engineer and manager serving as the Strategy and Marketing Officer at ZNL Energy, where they’re revolutionizing battery technology with an innovative separator, ZnL-NPx. With a background in chemical engineering, he led successful ventures like Bergen Carbon Solutions, and he’s passionate about investing, writing, and contributing to cutting-edge developments in technology and beyond.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• QAD Redzone Connected Workforce
• IRA Act of 2022
• Honeywell
• Schneider Electric
• Upcell Alliance
• NAATBatt US & NAATBatt 2024
• GlobalWelsh USA

Episode Highlights:

[02:31] Battery Solutions: How ZNL’s innovative product addresses prevalent battery issues, offering a promising solution for the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles.

[06:30] ZNL’s Mission: Benjamin articulates ZNL’s mission, emphasizing their commitment to revolutionizing battery technology.

[08:59] Supply and Legislation: They discussed the supply chain challenges that ZNL tackles and the impact of legislation such as the IRA Act in the US on ZNL’s startup.

[12:41] Smooth Startup: Benjamin and Jan elaborate on their strategies to ensure a seamless startup for ZNL’s operations. 

[16:20] Supplier Management: ZNL outlines its approach to managing suppliers and emphasizes the importance of a partner-based approach for startup success.

[23:49] Customer Side: Benjamin explains their process for managing customer requirements, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear communication and ownership of the testing process through structured agreements like test contracts.

[25:31] Expert Advice: Jan and Benjamin share advice for entrepreneurs and startups facing launch and scale challenges.

Top Quotes:

[07:52] Benjamin: “What we want to get out on the market and really help the industry with the adoption of our technology is you would be reducing or close to limiting the hazards of fire in batteries.”

[08:47] Benjamin: “Everybody is talking about how we can work more sustainably and utilize energy as best as we can, and batteries are part of that solution. So, that's what we want to help with in this world that we live in.”

[11:32] Benjamin: “I'm not saying that we have to have subsidizers to be successful in this industry, but for these very critical industries that have to succeed against the competition of the Chinese and the other Asian players, it's probably a necessity to build up an industry.”

[13:05] Jan Børge: “One of the first things we did was to ensure that we had the best partners to help us do the scaling. We are continuously in discussion with these partners that can help us because we are good at what we are doing, but there is always somebody better.”

[14:06] Benjamin: “The choice of doing this as a partner-based approach is quite important to us. In all the things we do, we try to find partners that are good in the things that they are experts in. And then we have the core competency in us. It's something we have been doing and will continue to do until we are successful.”

[16:56] Benjamin: “We're telling our vendors that we don't want you as a vendor. We want you as a partner. We want to buy your lab scale machine or your pilot scale machine because we see that you can also deliver this larger, giga-scale machine that could serve us a couple of years down the road.”

[23:50] Benjamin: “On the customer side, people are coming to us because they see we are solving one of the major headaches in the battery industry because of the fire hazard and short-circuiting and thermal runaway. So, they see that our product is really exciting.”

[16:56] Benjamin: “We're telling our vendors that we don't want you as a vendor. We want you as a partner. We want to buy your lab scale machine or your pilot scale machine because we see that you can also deliver this larger, giga-scale machine that could serve us a couple of years down the road.”

[25:50] Jan Børge: “Don't be afraid to sell the product in the early stage because of the value proposition; just talk to the clients, talk to the customers, get the feedback, and then you can iterate.”

[27:46] Benjamin: “I would recommend any CEO of a brand new startup to make sure that you find some good people around you who can do the tasks that you probably want to do yourself and that you can trust that they will be able to perform them so that you can relieve yourself to have enough time to go raise money because you are going to be raising money all the time, and you need to have time for that.”

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, 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 measures, semiconductor restrictions, and the roles of industry organizations like AIAG and MEMA.

Nichole highlights the importance of technology, AI, and industry partnerships in improving data quality and sustainability efforts. The episode concludes with a discussion on women in supply chain leadership and advice for supply chain leaders. Nichole offers empowering advice to female professionals in the automotive industry, encouraging them to be vocal about their career goals and seek advocates. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for personal development among supply chain leaders to tackle future supply chain challenges effectively. 

This episode provides a direct and practical overview of current automotive supply chain challenges and future considerations, featuring Nichole's extensive industry experience.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The importance of women empowerment initiatives in manufacturing and supply chain
• Global compliance and trade regulations within the automotive sector
• Addressing forced labor concerns
• Overcoming organizational silos and promoting effective communication
• Strategies for tracing and managing complex supply chain data
• Sustainability challenges, including anti-dumping measures and semiconductor restrictions in the supply chain.
• Embracing technology, AI, and collaborative efforts for improved data quality and sustainability in the supply chain
• Women in leadership, advocating for oneself, and the importance of personal development goals

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Nichole Felton

Title: Vice President of Supply Chain, ZF North America

About: Nichole is a proven global supply chain executive in the automotive industry. With a remarkable international track record, she excels in motivating high-performing teams to achieve strategic objectives. Nichole has held key leadership roles, including Thermal Segment Director and Corporate Commodity Executive, showcasing her expertise in achieving business results and pursuing new growth opportunities.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• AIAG & MEMA
• (UFLPA) Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
• The CHIPS Act

Episode Highlights:

[03:35] Future challenges: A conversation about the upcoming challenges the automotive supply chain will encounter in the next 2-5 years.

[05:21] Data and Communication: Explore the complexities of acquiring and managing supply chain data and the essential roles industry organizations like AIAG and MEMA play in fostering collaboration and communication within the automotive supply chain.

[12:48] Breaking Down Silos: Nichole's opinion on organizational silos emphasizes the need for agile solutions and an enterprise-wide approach to ensure wise decision-making. Also, learn how corporate leaders can collaborate effectively with plant managers for a cohesive supply chain.

[16:25] Empowering women: Nichole shares empowering advice for women in the industry, encouraging them to vocalize their aspirations, seek advocates, and overcome common barriers to reach leadership positions in the supply chain.

[20:57] Advice for supply chain leaders: Nichole wraps up with valuable advice for supply chain leaders, emphasizing the importance of personal development goals alongside professional ones.

Top Quotes:

[07:45] Nichole: “I think the industry partners with AIAG and MEMA, for which we're both board member companies, is really critical. It helps us to stay in touch with other companies and what they're doing around this space.”

[08:30] Nichole: “Being active in those trade organizations and understanding what other companies are doing to the extent that they can share and feel comfortable sharing is really important.”

[13:50] Nichole: “If you have people who can think with an enterprise view and not get hung up on their own metric to be successful but really make smart decisions about the overall business, I think that's where talent really shines.”

[15:47] Nichole: “If I'm a plant manager, I want to know the benefit for me. Why should I enact and be passionate about your corporate directive? And if I can show the benefit to a plant manager in the idea, that's where the magic happens. I can get inspiration and passion from a plant manager when they see that there's a benefit for them, either directly from their cost, operational efficiency, or something that's going to make the life of their plant better.”

[18:46] Nichole: “We as women cannot put our heads down and think someone's going to notice we're working hard. You have to be vocal about what you want.”

[21:24] Nichole: “It's really easy for us to sit down and think of all of the work and employment goals that we're going to come up with within our action plans. But I would also say that your personal development is really important. Don't forget to think about your development goal for the year.”

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

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 authentic leadership and successful Lean implementation.
• Challenges in Lean Implementation: Explore the common challenges faced during Lean adoption, ranging from resistance to misconceptions.
• Lean in Different Functions: How Lean principles extend beyond manufacturing, impacting various functions like accounting and human resources.
• Kanban systems: Success factors, pitfalls, and optimizing push vs. pull dynamics.
• Addressing the Lean Mindset: Beth's path to gaining a Lean mindset and implementing Lean in automotive supply chain processes.
• Practical Advice for Inventory Management: Valuable advice on utilizing inventory as a diagnostic tool and addressing root causes for optimal efficiency.

Whether you're a supply chain professional or a curious mind, this episode unravels the core of Lean principles and their significance in shaping resilient and efficient supply chains. Tune in, absorb, and reimagine the possibilities that Lean offers to elevate your industry standing.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Lean philosophy and mindset
• The role of leadership in successful Lean implementation
• Practical advice on setting up successful Kanban systems
• Breaking down silos through cross-functional teams
• Understanding the intersection between technology and Lean 
• Automotive supply chain disruptions
• Strategic planning and operational efficiency

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Beth Crowley

Title:  President, The Crowley Group

About: Beth is a passionate advocate for coaching organizations through Lean transformations. With her expertise, Beth collaborates with companies to enhance the effectiveness of people and processes. She believes in leading by example, fostering engaged teams, and eliminating waste in leadership and culture. 

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• The LEAN thinking and practice
• Beth Crowley’s article: Continuous Improvement: A Series of New Normals 
• Kaizen events, Just-in-time & Kanban system

Episode Highlights:

[02:57] What is Lean? Beth defines Lean as a philosophy and tactical approach to eliminating waste in time, energy, material, or transportation.

[05:20] Leadership's role in Lean: Explore the essential link between authentic leadership and the successful implementation of Lean practices.

[07:30] Lean and Just-in-Time (JIT): Beth addresses the misconception surrounding the death of Lean and Just-in-Time due to supply chain disruptions. She emphasized the importance of a mindset shift, continuous improvement, and resilient processes.

[10:05] Challenges in Lean implementation: Common challenges faced during Lean adoption, including resistance and misconceptions. 

[22:18] Beth's leadership advice: Beth advises leaders on how to gain a Lean mindset and implement Lean in automotive supply chain processes. She stressed that by involving the people doing the job in discussions, leaders can address root causes and enhance efficiency.

Top Quotes:

[03:28] Beth: “Lean is really a lot of different things, and I agree with you; it's really misunderstood. But the basic premise of everyone who's trying to get leaner is the elimination of waste.”

[05:38] Beth: “Lean, there really are two parts to it. There are the physical materials, getting something from A to B as effectively and efficiently as you can, but then there's the whole people aspect of it. And you're really coming in, and you're challenging conventional wisdom on things like how to run a shop floor at the basic level, how to do production planning, how to deal with your supply base.”

[09:09] Beth: “Who's perfect? Nobody. But in Lean, or whatever you want to call it, If you make a mistake, you learn from it, you put something in to make sure it doesn't happen again, and that becomes like your new normal.”

[10:29] Beth: “What's also interesting and maybe misunderstood about Lean is that I'm not trying to go inside the black box of how you process things to manufacture it, right? I'm not going to go in and tell you how to cut metal or what material to use. That's not what we do. We're looking outside those process boxes where all the transportation's happening, where all the "we got to go find our stuff" is happening, where all the warehousing is happening”

[20:57] Beth: “Everybody has to know how to do the new process. Otherwise, they will revert to the old process because that's the one that they understand. People don't want to look stupid.”

[24:45] Beth: “The bottom line of Lean is to get the people in the room who do the job to tell you how to improve it.”

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

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 2023. The Auto Supply Chain Prophets explored various aspects of the auto supply chain throughout this journey. We've covered critical topics like global standards, ESG, automation, digitization, and risk management. Our dedication to keeping our audience informed and prepared is evident in the episodes dedicated to future-focused topics like EV adoption and the importance of gamification in supply chain education, putting us at the forefront of industry discussions.

As we bid farewell to 2023, the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering content that matters and encourages the audience to share their thoughts and suggestions for topics they want to explore in the coming year.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Podcasting challenges and milestones
• The complexity of the auto supply chain landscape
• Emerging trends in the auto supply chain
• The critical role of technology in the auto supply chain
• Implementing automation and digitization 
• Leveraging risk management strategies for supply chain resilience
• Simplifying complex standards
• MMOG/LE and IATF intersection
• Impact of EV adoption
• The future of supply chain education
• The Impact of EQMS (Enterprise Quality Management System)

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Jan Griffiths

Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit 

About: A veteran executive in the automotive industry, Jan previously served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion, Tier 1 global automotive supplier. As the president of Gravitas Detroit, Jan provides online courses, speeches, podcasts, and workshops to break the mold of command-and-control leadership to help you unleash the potential of your team and allow authentic leadership to thrive.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode with Tanya Bolden: How MMOG/LE Is Transforming the Automotive Supply Chain
• Episode with Alexis Scipio: ESG in the Automotive Industry: Embracing Sustainability for Global Supply Chains
• Hosts only episode with Cathy Fisher and Terry Onica: Speeding Past Spreadsheets and Silos: The Intersection of IATF and MMOG/LE
• An episode with Mike Payionk: Why Automating your QMS Improves Your Supply Chain Performance
• Episode with Anthony Emery: Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain through Digitization, Sustainability, and Diversity
• Episode with Kevin Shayer: Transforming the Auto Supply Chain Workplace Through Engagement, Communication, and Gamification
• QAD Redzone
• An episode with Phil Ideson: 10x Impact: Revolutionizing the Role of Procurement
• The Art of Procurement Podcast
• Episode with Naseem Malik: Shaping the Future: Why Talent Development Is Paramount in Automotive Supply Chains
• Episodes with Reshoring Institute, Founder and Executive Director, Rosemary Coates: Part 1 and Part 2
• Episode with Thomas Kull: Preparing the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders through Innovative Education, Gamification, and Talent Focus
• Episode with Bill Hurles: Preparing for Post-Strike Success in Automotive Supply Chains
• Episode with Paul Eichenberg: UAW Strike, Supply Chain Turmoil, and Their Role in the EV Journey
• Episode with Michael Robinet: How electric vehicles are transforming supply chain dynamics
• Episode with Andreas Bareid: Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the EV Startup World 
• 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes
• White Paper for Leveraging Risk Management in Automotive
• White Paper for Operational Readiness

Episode Highlights:

[00:37] Celebrating success and metrics overview: Jan opens the episode by celebrating a successful year for the podcast, highlighting the podcast's achievement of surpassing 5,000 downloads and the publication of 47 episodes. Jan set the stage for a metrics overview and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's journey.

[04:40] Reflecting on past episodes: Jan delves into a retrospective exploration of the past episodes, from discussions on ESG and automation to in-depth interviews with industry leaders. Jan offers listeners a recap of the diverse topics covered throughout the year.

[19:36] Plans for 2024: With an eye on the future, Jan provides a sneak peek into the upcoming discussions, signaling a continued focus on supply chain digitization, AI, ESG, and supply risk management.

White 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 paper's relevance amid current supply chain challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the semiconductor crisis.

The conversation highlights the necessity of cross-functional collaboration in identifying and addressing supply chain risks. The hosts stress the significance of CEO involvement, cost considerations, and risk appetite in creating effective contingency plans. The episode concludes by emphasizing the critical role of proactive risk management, with a continual focus on the dynamic nature of risks, necessitating frequent assessments and quarterly reviews.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Supply chain challenges
• Future of supply chain in the EV era
• Working with EV startups
• Importance of robust processes
• Update on risk-based thinking
• Cost considerations and risk appetite
• Proactive risk management
• Cross-functional collaboration 

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

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Cathy Fisher

Title: Founder and President, Quistem

About: Cathy’s firm helps its clients, particularly automotive manufacturers, eliminate customer complaints and increase their profits. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s when she started her career with General Motors.

Connect: LinkedIn

Name: Terry Onica

Title: Director, Automotive at QAD

About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants.

Connect: LinkedIn

Name: Jan Griffiths

Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit 

About: A veteran executive in the automotive industry, Jan previously served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion, Tier 1 global automotive supplier. As the president of Gravitas Detroit, Jan provides online courses, speeches, podcasts, and workshops to break the mold of command-and-control leadership to help you unleash the potential of your team and allow authentic leadership to thrive.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes
• AIAG, MMOG/LE 
• ISO 9001 & IATF 16949
• White Paper for Leveraging Risk Management in Automotive

Episode Highlights:

[03:32] Elevating risk management in the supply chain: Explore the updated white paper's focus on practical risk-based approaches for tackling today's supply chain challenges like COVID-19 and the semiconductor crisis. Learn about the essential need for collaboration across different company parts, involving CEOs, to identify, assess, and manage supply chain risks effectively.

[09:25] Leadership role in risk management: Discusses the challenges of supply chain leaders embracing risk management. They stress the CEO's pivotal role, share a compelling example highlighting the impact of contingency planning, and emphasize the need for a broad risk evaluation, including suppliers and customers.

[16:52] A guide for supply chain leaders: Terry and Cathy explain why the white paper is a good read for supply chain leaders, giving essential information on compliance requirements and a guide to robust contingency plans. The document encourages thinking differently, seeing risk management as a tool to try new ideas and innovate confidently.

[19:08] Key advice for auto suppliers: The hosts discussed the critical role of proactive risk management, emphasizing the need for frequent risk assessments and quarterly reviews. Highlighting the dynamic nature of risks, they stress the industry's resilience while urging the importance of cross-functional discussions for strategic risk preparation.

Top Quotes:

[04:57] Terry: “What's really nice about the document is that there are a lot of new people in the industry who don't necessarily understand risk management, risk assessment, or contingency planning. And so, I think it's a really excellent document to help those who are new to the automotive industry.”

[05:39] Cathy: “What we noticed even as a result of COVID was that a lot of organizations were still sitting in their silos in addressing risk. And today that is just, it's not possible. You can't do that. It wasn't effective before, but it's even more ineffective now, mainly because of the interconnectedness of what's happening in business and the reliance on the supply chain.”

[07:07] Terry: “You got to break down the silos and get together when it comes to looking at risk. Because in a lot of cases, there are shared risks. If there's an earthquake, it's going to affect quality, it's going to affect supply chain, manufacturing, everything, right? So, you can really come together and build one cohesive plan in a lot of cases.”

[18:51] Cathy: “Embracing risk assessment and risk-based thinking in your business actually helps you be a better innovator than if you're just not looking at the risks at all.”

[19:22] Cathy: “We should be identifying risks and we should also be reviewing our plans on a frequent basis as well to make sure that we have viable plans to address when those risks are realized within the business.”

[19:37] Terry: “I think to proactively manage risk you need to be sitting down a few times a year because they change, right? A pandemic was not a risk on anybody's radar several years ago. So, keep looking at risk, doing it once a quarter if anything new bubbles 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

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 widespread use, and the evolution of autonomous vehicles. The episode shifted its focus to the potential impact on lower tiers of the supply chain, discussing concerns about the readiness and strategies of suppliers. The conversation also explores the global landscape of BEV adoption, focusing on major markets, each progressing at its own pace due to varying factors.

Additionally, attention is drawn to the changing dynamics in the automotive market, where traditional OEMs face competition from new entrants, especially from China, leading to shifts in global market volumes. The episode underscores the significance of careful planning, scenario analysis, and attention to supply chain details. It highlights the need for operational efficiency and diversifying customer bases as essential survival strategies for suppliers in the changing automotive industry.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Automotive supply chain disruptions
• Impact of the disruptions on both OEMs and suppliers
• Global landscape of BEV adoption
• Transition from ICE to BEV
• Impact of the massive transition to lower tiers
• Competitive dynamics and new entrants
• Strategic planning and operational efficiency

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Michael Robinet

Title: Executive Director, S&P Global Mobility

About: Michael is the Executive Director at S&P Global Mobility Consulting. With over three decades of experience, Michael is a leader and innovator in automotive research. In his role, he collaborates with decision-makers in supplier strategy, global production forecasting, and analyzing sourcing and production strategies for entities across the global auto ecosystem.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• NAFTA
• Plante Moran study

Episode Highlights:

[02:29] Automotive industry’s shift to electric mobility: Michael discusses the ongoing transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and the global challenges and opportunities it brings. Michael provides insights into the industry's journey, addressing disruptions, regional variations, and the crucial role of affordability in shaping the future of electric mobility.

[08:57] Supply chain transformation: An exploration of the automotive industry's future where emerging players like BYD and VinFast are reshaping the market. They discussed the evolving concept of volume production and the potential transformation of traditional OEMs. 

[18:38] Unpredictable road of BEV launches: A discussion about the unpredictable path of BEV launches, describing them as "lumpy," emphasizing the importance of scenario planning and meticulous attention to detail in preparing for BEV launches.

[25:44] Michael’s advice: Michael provides valuable advice to the automotive supply base, emphasizing the importance of diversifying the customer base and enhancing operational efficiency for success during this period of transformation.

Top Quotes:

[03:56] Michael: “So, making capital decisions is much more important to the enterprise than ever was before. So, all these factors kind of worked in and then you add in this ever-present ICE to BEV transition and whatever that slope looks like. It's a critical time from a strategic perspective for not only the vehicle manufacturers but tier ones."

[05:06] Michael: “We could wish that people want to buy better electric vehicles, but if they're not priced appropriately or don't have the right total cost equation for the customer, well, that's a problem.

[12:58] Michael: “And even with the faster development times of BEVs, it's still a long process to work through safety and reliability and building an assembly plant, building a supply base, building all that sourcing. As you guys well know, it doesn't happen overnight. It is such a process.”

[24:20] Michael: “The supplier doesn't have the same leverage that they did in the ICE world versus the BEV world. That is another message that gets lost a lot. And everybody said, well, that's somebody else's problem, because that's 10 years from now, and I'll be retired by then. But it is going to be a problem. There's no doubt.”

[26:10] Michael: “Do whatever you can to diversify your customer base and operational efficiency, whatever you make, make it as well as you can. So, it's better than the next person.”

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, 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 complexities of aftermarket supply chain management and the digitization of operations.

The conversation evolves into a discussion on the topic of sustainability, exploring PHINIA's commitment to environmental responsibility and the various initiatives taken to minimize environmental impacts across global operations. The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), with Anthony sharing personal experiences that have shaped his passion for fostering an inclusive workplace. Anthony delves into the subject of women in the supply chain, shedding light on PHINIA's initiatives to champion women within the organization. 

The episode wraps up with Anthony offering a crucial piece of advice for automotive supply chain leaders that emphasizes the importance of proactive planning for continued success.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Supply chain management
• Digitization of the supply chain
• Aftermarket experience
• The sustainability of the supply chain
• Promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Proactive planning 

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Anthony Emery

Title: Supply Chain and Logistics Director for PHINIA

About: Anthony is the Supply Chain and Logistics Director for PHINIA, an internationally experienced leader known for building self-managing, high-performing teams. His expertise in data and trend analysis, coupled with a commitment to 'Thought Leadership,' contributes significantly to PHINIA's success in the dynamic landscape of logistics and operations.

Connect: LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

[01:57] Anthony and PHINIA: Anthony's journey with PHINIA, exploring his role as the Supply Chain and Logistics Director and the impactful initiatives undertaken by the company in the automotive supply chain. 

[06:28] Supply Chain Digitization: Anthony sheds light on the digitization of the supply chain, emphasizing the need for global connectivity and the critical role technology plays in achieving comprehensive enterprise visibility. 

[13:30] Sustainable Practices: Explore PHINIA's commitment to sustainability, where Anthony discusses the company's global strategies for minimizing environmental impacts. It also examines the positive intersection between sustainability efforts and cost-saving measures, showcasing the financial benefits of a sustainable supply chain. 

[19:42] DE&I in the workplace: Anthony shares personal stories fueling his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, discussing strategies like blind CVs for fair candidate evaluation. 

[28:24] Anthony's advice for supply chain leaders: Gain valuable advice from Anthony on building resilient teams and processes for sustained success in the automotive supply chain.

Top Quotes:

[18:21] Anthony: "Sustainability has a significant impact on profit and cash flow within companies. So, I think people need to make sure they're not only doing better for the environment but for themselves because the more money they make, the more we can put back in.”

[23:50] Anthony: “Diversity, equity, and inclusion don't need to be a hot topic; it needs to be natural, and it needs to be organic, and that's what we're doing right now.”

[25:03] Anthony: “Opening yourself as a leader and being vulnerable, being a servant leader, taking every little thing you've learned along the way actually helps you with that diversity. Because if you're open to criticism and be open to improvement. And if you're open to improvement, you're creating a better working environment for people.”

[30:04] Anthony: "Build your team, build your process, like you're going to get hit by a bus tomorrow because when you're gone, you want them, your team, your company to be in its best and most optimal position, and that mentality then needs to go on through."

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, 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 management into various fields, including public and nonprofit sectors.

The conversation also explores the challenges students face entering the workforce, such as navigating workplace culture and the importance of understanding and influencing organizational culture. Thomas emphasizes the value of considering talent as a supply chain and treating labor markets as a supply base, highlighting the need for preventative maintenance on the human capital side.

Ultimately, the episode encourages organizations to adopt a supply chain view of their workforce, embracing supply chain thinking across various business aspects to create a more interconnected and sustainable approach to talent management.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Supply Chain Education
• The role of gamification in education and the workplace
• The significance of organizational culture
• The concept of talent as a supply chain
• Experiential Learning
• Supply Chain Thinking

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Thomas Kull

Title: Professor of Supply Chain Management, Arizona State University

About: Thomas is a distinguished professional with over 13 years of industry experience and an impressive 15-year academic career. He currently holds the position of Professor of Supply Chain Management at W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University. Notably, he is also an accomplished co-author of "People, Process, and Culture: Lean Manufacturing in the Real World" and a co-author of an upcoming book in 2024, emphasizing supply chain management and operations.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• Odette Conference in Berlin 2023
• Thomas co-authored the book People, Process, and Culture: Lean Manufacturing in the Real World
• Bill Stevenson’s Introduction of Thomas Kull as the new co-author for the new revision of Operations and Supply Chain Management
• ASU-Supply Chain Management Association
• QAD Redzone

Episode Highlights:

[03:23] Innovative supply chain education: Thomas discusses how universities like Arizona State are reshaping supply chain education to align with the changing needs and expectations of students entering the workforce.

[07:30] Gamification in learning: The episode highlights the use of gamification in education and how it can be employed to motivate and engage students, making learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience.

[14:07] Culture in the workplace: Thomas emphasizes the significance of understanding and navigating workplace culture, highlighting the importance of being a "student of culture" to thrive in various organizational environments.

[21:44] Thomas’ advice: Integrate supply chain thinking: Thomas introduces the concept of treating talent as a supply chain and encourages organizations to adopt a supply chain perspective across different facets of their operations to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and talent management.

Top Quotes:

[04:20] Thomas: "What we've done, we've kind of reconfigured our institutions, reconfigured our colleges, they are no longer aligned by classical silos. They are integrated, and they're continually being integrated. And it changes how you approach students, who your students are, where your market of students is, and who comes to hire your students.”

[08:07] Thomas: "I think probably one of the largest areas that we are trying to push into and continually are growing is the gamification of education. The nice thing is that everyone likes it – even seasoned executives enjoy these 'video games.' I believe that gamification will only continue to flourish."

[10:23] Thomas: "I would rather have a bunch of people who wanted responsibility than a bunch of people who didn't want responsibility."

[11:11] Thomas: “One of the great aspects of gamification is the constant sense of leveling up. When you find yourself in a job where you don't experience that upward progress, it's easy to feel stagnant or discontent. Instead of dwelling on the frustration, it’s better to embrace that and figure out a way to leverage that need to feel like I'm progressing.”

[14:59] Thomas: "When you join any organization, recognize that its culture transcends its physical appearance. Whether it's a manufacturing setting or a gleaming glass-walled office, the culture's impact can be profound. Sometimes, even in seemingly humble surroundings, a vibrant and energetic culture thrives. The social elements of a work environment are very, very important.

[21:14] Thomas: "I think that my piece of advice is to help others have a more systemic, interdependent network value stream thinking beyond just production."D

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 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, particularly in the context of the transition to electric vehicles. 

The discussion also addresses the strikes' impact on OEMs and suppliers, the need for strategic adaptation in a rapidly changing automotive landscape, and the evolving dynamics of the global supply chain influenced by geopolitical factors and national security concerns. Furthermore, the episode addresses the formidable challenge posed by suppliers unprepared for the rapid shift to electric vehicles

Paul's insightful comments underscore the importance of recognizing the ongoing 20-year cycle of disruption and proactively preparing for it. The episode serves as an invaluable resource for industry leaders, providing a comprehensive view of the current challenges and opportunities within the automotive supply chain.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Labor disputes and their implications for the industry
• Impact of the strikes on both original OEMs and suppliers
• Transition to electric vehicles
• Challenges Faced by Unprepared Suppliers
• Importance of developing adaptive strategies
• Proactive Preparation for Disruption
• Enhancing supply chain resilience

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Paul Eichenberg

Title: Managing Director, Paul Eichenberg Strategic Consulting

About: Paul turns technology into growth by helping executives across North America, Europe, and Asia navigate the operational, systemic, and strategic issues this disruptive time in the automotive industry presents. 

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• Interview with Nick Norris, Former Navy SEAL
• SK Innovations, LG, Samsung
• ON Semiconductor and Infineon Technologies
• MEMA (formerly OESA) Purchasing Council
• Tesla Model S
• Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
• Huawei and Nvidia

Episode Highlights:

[02:06] Ongoing Strike and Battery Facility's Role: The episode addresses the ongoing strikes within the automotive industry, exploring their root causes, potential duration, and implications for OEMs and suppliers. It also highlights the central role of battery facilities in shaping the automotive industry's future.

[04:59] Impact on OEMs and Suppliers: The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics of the strikes, emphasizing that they have yet to disrupt the core operations of major automakers. However, the episode anticipates a potential shift as the strikes progress, affecting essential vehicle lines.

[07:41] Complex Post-Strike Startup: As suppliers grapple with the strikes' economic repercussions, they face the daunting challenge of an impending startup phase. 

[10:31] Suppliers Unprepared for Electric Vehicles: The challenge of suppliers unprepared for the shift to electric vehicles comes to the forefront.

[21:44] Supply Chain of the Future: Paul delves into the future supply chain landscape, emphasizing the need for substantial investment and a singular focus on the EV value chain, driven by government incentives and the discovery of critical resources.

[24:52] Global Supply Chain Dynamics: Taking into account the influence of geopolitical factors and national security concerns on global supply chain dynamics. The semiconductor shortage and its effects on supply chain strategies receive particular attention.

[28:15] Paul’s advice for Industry Leaders:  Paul stresses the necessity of recognizing the ongoing 20-year cycle of disruption and proactively preparing for it. Paul advises leaders to focus on scenario planning, supply chain resilience, and forward-thinking strategies to successfully navigate the evolving automotive landscape.

Top Quotes:

[02:50] Paul: “The heart of the issue comes down to the battery facilities and the union's desire to unionize those facilities for a couple of different reasons, but most importantly because that's the future of the industry. And if they aren't tied to those vehicles of the future, they really don't have as strong of a future.”

[05:46] Paul: “I think you're going to start to see more car plants as the next focus of the strike, which will create some challenges, but it's not DEFCON 4 like striking the heart of the profitability of the OEMs. Whether it's the expedition, the navigator facility, the F-series, Ram trucks, these will be the last moves of labor to inflict pain on the OEMs.” 

[06:36] Paul: “You're going to see the union go all out with a shutdown of the OEMs, potentially in the next two to three weeks. Then there will be a real push because they feel they're close enough to get to a resolution. So, for suppliers, it's going to be a disruptive month.”

[15:11] Paul: "I would say it's not too late, but it's getting to the late innings of the game. When we started talking about this five or six years ago, it seemed like a distant future. Now, 10% of the vehicles in the US are electric, and we're heading towards 30 to 35% by the end of the decade. So, you need to be developing those strategies today."

[21:55] Paul: “Just look at some of the megatrends that we have now in the industry and what's taken place… if you're an OEM or you're a supplier, and you're in the EV value chain, you've got to be investing heavily.”

[29:02] Paul: “What you have to be thinking about is where is disruption going to come from and why? And then, how do I start to put together scenarios to plan so that when those things happen, I'm prepared; I know how the organization is going to react.”

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, 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 chain management, particularly the significance of electronic communication and the adoption of AI. Bill and Terry stress the importance of having up-to-date records, utilizing EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), and implementing robust supplier relationship management tools. The episode also highlighted the need to break down silos within organizations for more efficient communication and decision-making, especially during crises like strikes. They also touch on sustainability in the supply chain and how small steps within the plant environment can contribute to a greener future.

The episode wraps up with a focus on talent development and continuous learning. Bill emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent, sharing knowledge, and setting personal goals for ongoing learning and improvement. In a world of evolving supply chain challenges, Bill Hurles' insights offer valuable guidance for professionals seeking to navigate and thrive in this complex landscape.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Strike preparedness, crisis management, and resilience building
• Technology integration
• Effective communication
• Opportunity for restart
• Talent development and continuous learning
• Sustainability efforts
• Breaking down organizational silos

Featured on this episode: 

Name: Bill Hurles

Title: Former Executive Director, Supply Chain at General Motors 

About: Bill Hurles is a highly accomplished Senior Executive in Supply Chain with over 38 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has a proven track record of effectively addressing complex supply chain challenges through cross-functional collaboration and strong supplier relationships. He actively contributes to Supply Chain education and advancement through engagements with institutions like Wayne State University, AIAG, Supply Chain 50, and the Global Supply Chain Resiliency Council, where he currently serves as Executive Director. 

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• The big three: General Motors, Ford, Stellantis
• Wayne State University's Supply Chain Management Advisory Board
• Unifor
• Episode 40 with Naseem Malik. Shaping the future: Why talent development is paramount In automotive supply chains
• MMOG/LE, the Materials Management Operations Guideline Logistics Evaluation

Episode Highlights:

[01:54] The current strike: The hosts set the stage by discussing the ongoing strike by the UAW against major automotive manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of addressing supply chain challenges during such crises.

[03:46] Anticipation of restart: Bill emphasizes that supply chain leaders should anticipate the restart of operations once the strike is resolved, requiring them to plan for changes in production volumes and schedules.

[06:25] Technology, Communication and EDI: Technology, especially AI, is discussed as a tool to replace manual tasks and enhance operations within supply chains. Effective communication, especially through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), is highlighted as a critical factor in supply chain management during a strike.

[06:25] Supply chain relations: Bill emphasizes strong supplier relations, paralleling them with personal relationships. He stresses robust communication as crucial for support and responsiveness, along with maintaining supply chain record integrity and timely communication to ensure stability, especially during unforeseen challenges like labor shortages.

[17:25] Breaking down silos: Jan and Bill tackle silos in the automotive industry, highlighting their drawbacks during crises. Bill emphasizes breaking them down for improved communication and decision-making. He advises effective management when fostering collaboration, cautioning against excessive input, and underscores the importance of speed for productivity and efficiency.

[20:09] Sustainability in supply chains: The discussion shifts to sustainability, where Bill underscores the responsibility of organizations to preserve resources and create cleaner environments.

[24:24] Talent development: Bill highlights the critical importance of talent in the supply chain, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, skill development, and nurturing a strong team.

[22:50] Bill’s closing advice: Bill encourages individuals and leaders to remain committed to continuous learning and development. He emphasizes setting personal goals to enhance skills and knowledge regularly and fostering open communication and shared understanding.

Top Quotes:

[04:57] Bill: “Anything you can do to better position yourself for the restart needs to be done right now.”

[10:37] Bill: “Building on that supplier relations is no different than a personal relationship. When you've got a good bond between two individuals, things move much smoother and much more flawlessly. I think all efforts have got to be to continue to improve supply relations.”

[18:50] Bill: “The better an organization can work to eliminate silos, the more efficient they're going to be, the communication is going to be better, people are going to be able to anticipate what is being done, and can then thereby react quicker.”

[24:57] Bill: “I think each individual, including the leader themselves, needs to be committed to continue to learn, things are changing fast. And you need to keep ahead.”