Successfully managing manufacturing supplier integration and procurement issues: case studies in recessionary environments

Issues of supplier integration and more intensive supplier involvement in the new product development (NPD) are needed to be encouraged to allow for more collaboration between supply chain partners. The complexities associated improving the manufacturer and distributor/reseller relationships are immense, especially in light of global competition and recessionary environments. Relatively large manufacturing companies, located in Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area, were selected for study. The basic SCM organisation of these two companies, both similarities and differences, including their general company background information and supply chain analysis were discussed. On the surface, there are significant differences among how management at the manufacturing facilities operates their supply chains, some choosing to focus more on quality assurance, others more on customer service. Managerial implications of such philosophical approaches to SCM were included.