Selecting Strategic Commodity Suppliers that Create and Maintain Strategic Advantage for Aerospace Manufacturers

<p>The relationship between Customer and Supplier has received particular attention in recent years. This has resulted in partnership sourcing becoming an "in-vogue" concept during the 1990's, which has subsequently matured and ripened in todays world and is now viewed as one of the keys to gaining Strategic Advantage in the marketplace.</p> <p>The leading Manufacturers in the aerospace arena are seeking global, technically advanced component suppliers who have an infastructure required to develop and manage complex projects. The role of the component supplier within the customers New Product Introduction process (NPI) is increasing and as such the suppliers are being encouraged more & more to integrate their Research and Development projects into customer specific applications.</p> <p>This study examines the various types of relationships that exist between aerospace manufacturers and their component suppliers. It looks at the best analysis methods for the Qualitative and Quantitative information available, and from this how to formulate an appropriate commodity / partnership strategy. It is important to note that the Supplier is an integral part of the process, as the perception of loyalty to those components suppliers who can acheive demanding objectives is a key driver in gaining trust and developing a true synergistic relationship.</p> <p>To those of you that take the time to read this study, I wish you every success in your Supply Chain journey.