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SupplyChain skill

/skills/SupplyChain

This skill provides executive-level automotive supply chain guidance across strategic purchasing, materials management, and supplier development to optimize

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SKILL.md
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---
name: Supplychain
description: Executive-level supply chain expertise for automotive manufacturing. Strategic purchasing, materials management, supplier development, and cost optimization aligned with IATF 16949 requirements.  USE WHEN user says 'supply chain', 'purchasing', 'procurement', 'supplier', 'materials management', 'inventory', 'sourcing', 'vendor', 'BOM cost', 'PPV', 'should cost', 'make vs buy', 'RFQ', 'category management', or needs strategic guidance on automotive supply chain decisions.  Integrates with AutomotiveManufacturing, A3CriticalThinking, and HoshinKanri skills.
---

# Supply Chain Management - Automotive Manufacturing

## When to Activate This Skill

- "Help me negotiate with [supplier]"
- "Create an RFQ for [component]"
- "Supplier scorecard for [vendor]"
- "Should-cost analysis for [part]"
- "Make vs buy decision for [process]"
- "Category strategy for [commodity]"
- "Reduce BOM cost by [target]"
- "Supplier quality issue with [vendor]"
- "Materials planning for [product]"
- "Inventory optimization"

---

## Strategic Framework

### The Supply Chain Value Hierarchy

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  1. QUALITY & COMPLIANCE                            │
│     Zero defects to production line                 │
│     IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer requirements     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        ↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  2. DELIVERY & AVAILABILITY                         │
│     Right part, right place, right time             │
│     Supply continuity and resilience                │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        ↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  3. TOTAL COST OPTIMIZATION                         │
│     Not just piece price - total cost of ownership  │
│     PPV, logistics, inventory, quality costs        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

**Critical Rule:** Never compromise quality or delivery for cost. A cheap part that stops the line costs far more than the savings.

---

## Executive-Level Competencies

### Strategic Purchasing

| Domain | Competency |
|--------|------------|
| Category Management | Commodity strategies, market analysis, TCO modeling |
| Supplier Strategy | Rationalization, development, partnership tiers |
| Negotiation | Multi-variable deals, BATNA, value creation |
| Contract Management | Terms, risk allocation, performance clauses |
| Cost Management | Should-cost, VA/VE, design-to-cost |
| Risk Management | Single source mitigation, geopolitical exposure |

### Materials Management

| Domain | Competency |
|--------|------------|
| Demand Planning | Forecasting, S&OP integration, consumption patterns |
| Inventory Strategy | Safety stock, JIT, Kanban, VMI, consignment |
| MRP/ERP | System optimization, parameter tuning, exception management |
| Logistics | Inbound optimization, milk runs, cross-docking |
| Warehouse | Layout, flow, accuracy, cycle counting |

### Supplier Quality

| Domain | Competency |
|--------|------------|
| PPAP | Production Part Approval Process management |
| Supplier Audits | Process audits, system audits, LPA |
| Performance Metrics | PPM, OTD, cost recovery, scorecards |
| Development | SQE programs, capability building |
| Escalation | Quality alerts, controlled shipping, business review |

---

## Key Metrics & KPIs

### Executive Dashboard

| Metric | Target | Calculation |
|--------|--------|-------------|
| **PPV** (Purchase Price Variance) | Negative (savings) | (Standard - Actual) × Volume |
| **OTD** (On-Time Delivery) | ≥98% | (On-time receipts / Total receipts) × 100 |
| **Supplier PPM** | <50 | (Defects / Parts received) × 1,000,000 |
| **Inventory Turns** | ≥12 | COGS / Average Inventory |
| **Days of Supply** | <15 | Inventory / Daily Usage |
| **Spend Under Management** | >90% | Managed spend / Total spend |
| **Cost Avoidance** | Track | Negotiated savings from market increases |

### Operational Metrics

| Metric | Target | Purpose |
|--------|--------|---------|
| Dock-to-Stock Time | <24 hrs | Receiving efficiency |
| Inventory Accuracy | >99% | Cycle count results |
| Premium Freight | <0.5% of spend | Expedite control |
| Invoice Match Rate | >95% | Process efficiency |
| Supplier Scorecard | Top quartile | Performance trending |

---

## Supplier Management

### Supplier Tiering Strategy

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STRATEGIC PARTNERS (Tier 1)                        │
│  • Joint development, shared roadmaps              │
│  • Long-term agreements (3-5 years)                │
│  • Executive relationship management               │
│  • Collaborative cost reduction                    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        ↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  PREFERRED SUPPLIERS (Tier 2)                       │
│  • Proven performance, competitive pricing         │
│  • Medium-term agreements (1-3 years)              │
│  • Regular business reviews                        │
│  • Standard cost reduction expectations            │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        ↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  APPROVED SUPPLIERS (Tier 3)                        │
│  • Qualified but transactional                     │
│  • Spot buy or competitive bid                     │
│  • Annual review                                   │
│  • Performance-based retention                     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        ↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  PROBATION / EXIT (Tier 4)                          │
│  • Performance issues, quality concerns            │
│  • Controlled shipping or new business hold        │
│  • Active exit planning                            │
│  • Seek alternatives                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

### Supplier Scorecard Framework

| Category | Weight | Metrics |
|----------|--------|---------|
| **Quality** | 40% | PPM, PPAP on-time, warranty claims, audit scores |
| **Delivery** | 30% | OTD, lead time, flexibility, communication |
| **Cost** | 20% | Price competitiveness, VA/VE, payment terms |
| **Service** | 10% | Responsiveness, technical support, innovation |

---

## Cost Management Strategies

### Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

```
PIECE PRICE
    + Tooling (amortized)
    + Logistics (freight, handling, duties)
    + Inventory carrying cost
    + Quality costs (inspection, sorting, returns)
    + Administrative costs (POs, invoices, management)
    + Risk premium (single source, geopolitical)
    ─────────────────────────────
    = TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
```

### Cost Reduction Levers

| Lever | Description | Typical Savings |
|-------|-------------|-----------------|
| **Volume Leverage** | Consolidate spend, longer commitments | 3-8% |
| **Specification Review** | Over-engineering elimination | 5-15% |
| **VA/VE** | Value Analysis / Value Engineering | 10-30% |
| **Should-Cost** | Detailed cost breakdown analysis | 5-20% |
| **Resourcing** | Geographic arbitrage, new suppliers | 10-25% |
| **Process Improvement** | Supplier manufacturing efficiency | 3-10% |
| **Payment Terms** | Extend terms, capture early pay discount | 1-3% |

### Should-Cost Model Components

```
MATERIAL COST
    Raw material × Usage factor × Scrap factor
    + Market pricing or index

CONVERSION COST
    Labor: (Cycle time × Labor rate) / Efficiency
    Machine: (Cycle time × Machine rate) / OEE

OVERHEAD
    SG&A: % of conversion
    Profit: % margin (typically 5-15%)

LOGISTICS
    Packaging + Freight + Duties
```

---

## Negotiation Framework

### Preparation Checklist

- [ ] **BATNA** - Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement
- [ ] **ZOPA** - Zone of Possible Agreement
- [ ] **Supplier economics** - Their costs, margins, pressures
- [ ] **Market conditions** - Supply/demand, commodity trends
- [ ] **Leverage points** - Volume, specification, competition
- [ ] **Walk-away point** - Clear bottom line
- [ ] **Value creation opportunities** - Win-win possibilities

### Multi-Variable Negotiation

Don't negotiate price alone. Trade across multiple variables:

| Variable | Give | Get |
|----------|------|-----|
| Volume commitment | Higher volume | Lower price |
| Contract length | Longer term | Price protection |
| Payment terms | Earlier payment | Discount |
| Specification | Relax tolerance | Cost reduction |
| Logistics | Different Incoterm | Price adjustment |
| Quality | Accept more inspection | Cost pass-through |

### BATNA Development

Always have alternatives:
1. Identify backup suppliers (at least 2)
2. Understand switching costs and timeline
3. Maintain relationships with alternatives
4. Document qualification status
5. Never reveal desperation

---

## IATF 16949 Supplier Requirements

### Supplier Quality Management System

| Requirement | Expectation |
|-------------|-------------|
| **QMS Certification** | IATF 16949 preferred, ISO 9001 minimum |
| **PPAP Submission** | Level 3 minimum, all 18 elements |
| **Process Controls** | Control plans, PFMEA, reaction plans |
| **Change Management** | Prior notification and approval |
| **Traceability** | Lot traceability to raw material |
| **Calibration** | Traceable measurement systems |
| **Continuous Improvement** | Year-over-year PPM reduction |

### Supplier Development Program

**Stage Gate Approach:**

```
GATE 1: POTENTIAL
    └── Initial assessment, capability review

GATE 2: QUALIFIED
    └── Audit passed, sample approved

GATE 3: APPROVED
    └── PPAP approved, first articles accepted

GATE 4: PREFERRED
    └── Consistent performance, competitive cost

GATE 5: STRATEGIC
    └── Joint development, innovation partner
```

---

## Risk Management

### Supply Risk Categories

| Risk Type | Examples | Mitigation |
|-----------|----------|------------|
| **Single Source** | Proprietary technology, limited capacity | Dual source, inventory buffer |
| **Financial** | Supplier bankruptcy, cash flow issues | Credit monitoring, payment terms |
| **Geopolitical** | Trade disputes, sanctions, instability | Regional diversification |
| **Operational** | Fire, flood, equipment failure | BCP review, safety stock |
| **Quality** | Systematic defects, process drift | Audit frequency, incoming inspection |
| **Capacity** | Demand surge, allocation | LTA commitments, capacity reservation |

### Risk Assessment Matrix

| Probability | Low Impact | Medium Impact | High Impact |
|-------------|------------|---------------|-------------|
| **High** | Monitor | Mitigate | Urgent Action |
| **Medium** | Accept | Monitor | Mitigate |
| **Low** | Accept | Accept | Monitor |

---

## Materials Planning

### Inventory Strategy by Part Type

| Part Type | Strategy | Target DOS |
|-----------|----------|------------|
| **A Items** (High value, critical) | JIT, frequent delivery | 3-5 days |
| **B Items** (Medium value) | Weekly delivery, safety stock | 7-14 days |
| **C Items** (Low value, commodity) | VMI, consignment, bulk | 30+ days |
| **Critical spares** | Buffer stock regardless of value | Per risk |

### Safety Stock Calculation

```
Safety Stock = Z × σ × √(LT + Review Period)

Where:
Z = Service level factor (95% = 1.65, 99% = 2.33)
σ = Demand standard deviation
LT = Lead time in periods
```

### MRP Best Practices

- [ ] Accurate BOMs (99%+)
- [ ] Realistic lead times (include buffer)
- [ ] Clean inventory records (cycle count)
- [ ] Demand forecast accuracy tracking
- [ ] Exception management daily
- [ ] Planner workload balancing

---

## Templates Available

| Template | Purpose | Location |
|----------|---------|----------|
| RFQ Package | Request for Quotation | `templates/rfq-template.md` |
| Supplier Scorecard | Performance tracking | `templates/scorecard.md` |
| Should-Cost Model | Cost breakdown | `templates/should-cost.md` |
| Negotiation Prep | Deal preparation | `templates/negotiation-prep.md` |
| Category Strategy | Commodity planning | `templates/category-strategy.md` |
| Supplier Audit | Assessment checklist | `templates/supplier-audit.md` |

---

## Integration Points

### With A3CriticalThinking
- Supply disruptions trigger A3 problem solving
- Cost reduction projects use structured analysis
- Priority hierarchy: Quality → Delivery → Cost

### With AutomotiveManufacturing
- PPAP documentation requirements
- Control plan supplier inputs
- Work instruction material specifications

### With HoshinKanri
- PPV targets cascade from strategic objectives
- Supplier development as improvement priority
- Bowling chart for supply chain KPIs

---

## Key Principles

1. **Total Cost Thinking** - Never optimize piece price at expense of total cost
2. **Supplier Partnership** - Best results come from collaboration, not adversarial relationships
3. **Risk-Adjusted Decisions** - Factor in supply continuity, not just price
4. **Data-Driven Negotiation** - Use should-cost and market intelligence
5. **Continuous Improvement** - Year-over-year cost and quality improvement
6. **Strategic Alignment** - Supply chain supports business objectives
7. **Ethical Conduct** - Fair dealing, no kickbacks, transparent process

---

## Extended Context

For detailed methodologies, case studies, and advanced strategies:
`read ~/.claude/skills/SupplyChain/CLAUDE.md`

For templates:
`ls ~/.claude/skills/SupplyChain/templates/`

Overview

This skill delivers executive-level supply chain expertise tailored to automotive manufacturing. It focuses on strategic purchasing, materials management, supplier development, and cost optimization while aligning with IATF 16949 requirements. Use it for high‑impact decisions that balance quality, delivery, and total cost of ownership.

How this skill works

I analyze supplier strategies, BOM cost drivers, PPAP and quality controls, inventory policies, and negotiation levers to produce actionable recommendations. The skill runs should-cost models, supplier tiering, scorecards, and risk assessments, and outputs RFQ templates, negotiation plans, and category strategies. Integrations with manufacturing, A3 problem solving, and Hoshin Kanri ensure alignment to production controls and strategic objectives.

When to use it

  • You need a make‑vs‑buy or should‑cost decision for a component
  • Preparing an RFQ, supplier negotiation, or multi‑variable deal
  • Designing material planning, MRP parameter tuning, or inventory optimization
  • Responding to supplier quality issues or managing PPAP/traceability
  • Creating supplier scorecards, tiering, or development plans

Best practices

  • Always prioritize quality and delivery before cost — never sacrifice line continuity for lower price
  • Use total cost of ownership (TCO) not piece price: include tooling, logistics, inventory and quality costs
  • Maintain at least two qualified suppliers for critical items and document BATNA for negotiations
  • Run should‑cost models with transparent assumptions: material, conversion, overhead, logistics, profit
  • Integrate supplier KPIs (PPM, OTD, inventory turns) into regular business reviews and Hoshin targets

Example use cases

  • Develop a category strategy and negotiation plan for an electrical harness commodity
  • Perform a should‑cost analysis and PPV target for a high‑volume stamped part
  • Create an RFQ package and scorecard to qualify a new supplier to IATF 16949 expectations
  • Optimize inventory policy for A/B/C items using days‑of‑supply and Kanban recommendations
  • Design a supplier development program to move a vendor from probation to preferred tier

FAQ

How does this skill handle IATF 16949 supplier requirements?

It embeds IATF expectations into supplier qualification, PPAP level requirements, control plans, traceability and audit checklists so suppliers meet automotive QMS standards.

What inputs are needed for a should‑cost model?

Provide part BOM, cycle time or process steps, labor and machine rates, scrap, lead time, freight, and desired margin assumptions to generate realistic cost targets.