The recent case study that we posted contains this helpful chart, courtesy of Medtronic’s Neuromodulation business unit. It summarizes in one document the business’s approach to a supplier development process that follows a PDCA cycle. You can read the lean case study (no registration required) at http://www.lean.org/common/display/?o=1808

1. NEUROMODULATION - SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT; SELECTION, STATUS & TRACKING PROCESS
Objective:
- Align SD activities with business requirements defined by Director of Global Supply Chain
- Standard approach to the selection, status and tracking of SD activities
- Provide real-time visual status of activities to Neuromodulation stakeholders.
Standardized Work
Visual Control Standard Management
- Standard Monthly Planning Meeting, attendance:
Director Global Supply Chain (DGSC)
DGSC Sourcing Manager (SM)
SM
QM Quality Manager (QM)
SDE Supplier Development Engineer (SDE)
P
- SM & QM select suppliers for target SD activity.
L
A - SM & QM Define business priority:
N Delivery/Capacity
Quality, Cost, Lead time
Launch, Financially troubled
- SM contacts Supplier, gets agreement on nature of assignment.
(If shared cost savings is goal, SM negotiates terms with supplier
prior to start of activity.)
- SM, QM, SDE visit supplier and determine the following:
SM,QM, Engagement Theme/Focus
SDE Commitment of resources
&
Supplier Timing Estimate
Supplier Project Manager
D
- SDE to give Lean Principal Overview that drives Lean culture:
O Customer is the Highest Priority
Respect for Humanity
Continuous Improvement
Shop Floor Focus
- SDE & Supplier Team investigate current condition (5 to 10 days)
SDE
& - Current Condition goal is to gain deep understanding of process
Supplier
and opportunities.
- SDE provides appropriate Lean training / coaching
- SDE coaches Supplier through the development of
C "SCOPE A3" -> Define problem & targets
H Set Strategy
Determine resources
E Detail timing
C
- SDE reports out to Neuro stakeholders (i.e. Buyer,SM,QM,QE)
K
- Activity Implementation:
SDE, QE, Supplier Team & SDE, together solve problem
Buyer
&
P and implement Lean improvements (duration varies)
Supplier A D
C Supplier, Buyer, QE, SDE review proposed
improvements
Supplier,SDE,QE weekly review project KTM
(Key Task Monitor)
A Neuro Quality Engineer coordinates requirements
for Neuro Quality System and Regulatory impact.
D SDE
&
J Supplier - Supplier and SDE determine temporary reporting to Neuro for
U monitoring of targeted results. Post implementation
S coaching is also planned.
T
- Supplier, SM and QM review ongoing effectiveness at QBR's and
SM,QM
&
determine if additional assistance is required.
Supplier
C:Chet1.WorkingStoriesMedtronicSupplier Development PROCESSSD Process Flow ChartSD process flow chart( 8.5X (2)