Transforming a Supplier from a Non-Automotive Industry into an Automotive Mass-Production Manufacturer - KBC
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Real-World Example

Transition of a supplier from a non-automotive industry to an automotive mass-production manufacturer

We supported a renowned manufacturer in the industrial and consumer goods sectors through its transformation into an automotive supplier. Our goal was to ensure production readiness and the first successful product-process maturity for an innovative component (charging socket).

Background

The client, an experienced player in other industries, had no experience in the automotive industry. This led to challenges such as a lack of knowledge regarding automotive requirements, insufficient expertise, and inadequate organizational and project structures. The situation was exacerbated by a substandard project PMO and a lack of sustainability in problem-solving.

Specific Task Description

Our assignment included conducting an assessment, planning and prioritizing the necessary steps, and establishing a task force structure. We were tasked with coaching the client on tracking and applying automotive methods, establishing an efficient change management process, and supporting the project management team in communicating with the automotive OEM.

KBC Approach

We implemented a comprehensive coaching program for automotive methods such as FMEA, Special Characteristics, 8D, and MUP. We also established a robust change management process for technical and commercial aspects. Our team supported project management in reporting and communicating with the customer and ensured an efficient escalation process. We began our work three months before the scheduled production process and product release (PPF).

Portrait photo of Larissa Fahrmeier, Director at Kemény Boehme Consultants (KBC). A woman with shoulder-length, dark brown curly hair smiles broadly at the camera. She is wearing an elegant white chiffon blouse with black ruffles and a button placket over dark blue dress pants, as well as a delicate silver necklace and a silver wristwatch; both hands are confidently placed on her hips, and she has an energetic and open posture.
Portrait photo of Larissa Fahrmeier, Director at Kemény Boehme Consultants (KBC). A woman with shoulder-length, dark brown curly hair smiles broadly at the camera. She is wearing an elegant white chiffon blouse with black ruffles and a button placket over dark blue dress pants, as well as a delicate silver necklace and a silver wristwatch; both hands are confidently placed on her hips, and she has an energetic and open posture.
Larissa Fahrmeier
Director

Impact Achieved

Despite significant time pressure, the PPF was achieved on schedule. The escalation level for the supplier we were supporting was reduced. We raised the customer’s awareness of the automotive OEM’s requirements in a sustainable manner and embedded these requirements within the organization. Of 86 audit criteria, only 5 were assessed as having minor nonconformities, which underscores the success of our approach. Overall, we successfully transformed the customer into a full-fledged automotive series supplier for an innovative component.