In order to gain cooperation with the supplier, the key point is to look at your improvement objective in the eyes of the supplier - "Why should I do this"? "What's in it for me"? The intent is to bring value to the supplier as well as the customer - both to win/gain! GAIN WHAT - reduction in cost! How do we do this? There are tools/methods such as: SMED - Single Minute Exchange of Die - How does help? VMI - Vendor Managed Inventory Who is using such inconcert with your suppliers? We will explore each on future blogs - please provide your comments both supportive or otherwise! …