Inter-company collaboration within a large lean supply chain initiative

Abstract

Cisco and its four contract manufacturing partners are collaborating to implement a lean replenishment methodology across their supply chain. The new system is expected to result in minimized inventory exposure, increased supply chain flexibility, and improved speed to customer. Implementation of such a large standardized initiative requires close collaboration within and between multiple companies which makes it even more complex. Understanding the current state of collaboration within such a large initiative will enable improvements for future inter-company initiatives. This work analyses how Cisco and Flextronics collaborate within this large joint initiative. The analysis utilizes a combination of process mapping and known frameworks for organizational and cross company collaboration analysis. In addition, a dynamic supply chain simulation addressing a particular concern within the initiative is provided. Based on this characterization recommendations for how Cisco and Flextronics can improve collaboration for future joint initiatives are made.