Supplier Performance Improvement

Six-Sigma and Lean Operations continue beyond the organisation into customers and suppliers. An important part of service and product delivery is the contribution of the supplier network. An organisation can improve quality and performance, reduce waste and create value streams that are directly within the control of management, but substantial changes in supplier performance are essential in optimising the value stream.  Supply Chain Development is an essential part of the improvement process.

Harnessing supplier involvement through supply chain development is achieved through the identification of mutually beneficial improvement programmes and setting of appropriate measures. On-time delivery, improved quality, better cost performance and effective communication are some of the deliverables of supplier supply chain development. In some organisations 90% and more of all operations leading to the delivery of a product or service are controlled by supplier organisations. In those cases, only 10% of the available opportunities for improvement can be worked on directly.

Thornley Group can generate and implement supply chain development programmes that utilise a combination of training and consultancy.

Additionally we can provide the resources necessary to find, assess and develop new suppliers for your organisation that will give improved quality, reduced cost and dependable delivery performance.  Not all the best options can be found in low labour cost economies and we strive to find low cost  options as locally as possible that are able to supply nearer to the Just-in-time ideal with the low inventory and operating costs suitable for a Lean Enterprise approach.

Training and consultancy programmes that target the areas requiring improvement as well as an approach to resolving supplier problems that can be self-funding in many cases form the basis of our Supplier Performance Improvement services.

Six-Sigma and Lean Suppliers

Promoting and establishing a Six-Sigma and Lean Operations culture in your suppliers will lead to major gains in customer satisfaction, quality and profitability.

We can create targeted training campaigns in Six-Sigma and Lean Operations for your suppliers that can, if needed, incorporate your specific organisation’s operational requirements.

A coordinated campaign:

• Sends the same message simultaneously to all your suppliers.
• Indicates a significant commitment on your part to becoming a Six-Sigma and Lean Organisation.
• Reduces training costs by grouping together supplier training candidates.
• Makes the training more accessible, even for smaller suppliers.
• Communicates the requirements for future partnership.
• Creates opportunities for rapid new product and service development.