Case study

Case study:

How a supplier development engineer managed a critical OEM launch phase

Assigned expert

Supplier development engineer/Supplier development & Project quality engineer

Supply chain engineer standing in warehouse

Challenge

Engineering changes. Complex Cubing activities. Deadlines with no room for error.

A leading Tier 1 automotive supplier needed to ensure supplier readiness, compliance with OEM requirements and a smooth Cubing process during the launch phase of new projects.

The project involved cockpit and center console assemblies for premium OEM brands. Key challenges included:

  • a time-consuming and costly Cubing process with no margin for mistakes,
  • complex component and delivery planning across the supply chain,
  • ongoing engineering changes throughout the project,
  • demanding OEM logistics and quality requirements,
  • aligning supplier processes with OEM logistics specifications (Lastenheft).

GQ solution

We deployed an experienced supplier development engineer with a strong background in automotive manufacturing, project launches and supplier management.

His responsibility was to ensure supplier readiness and support a successful project launch without logistics or quality-related risks.

Key activities included:

  • optimizing component list preparation for Cubing activities,
  • coordinating delivery planning with the supply chain team,
  • analysing and evaluating Gap & Flush measurement results,
  • managing and updating product audits based on OEM data,
  • supporting trial builds following engineering changes,
  • translating OEM logistics requirements (Lastenheft) into supplier processes,
  • providing hands-on support to suppliers in process setup and documentation,
  • maintaining regular communication and reporting to the OEM customer.

Result

The supplier development engineer helped deliver:

  • on-time project execution despite ongoing engineering changes,
  • a smooth Cubing process without delivery delays,
  • full compliance with OEM logistics and quality requirements,
  • improved supplier discipline and overall supplier readiness,
  • reduced risk of supply disruptions during the launch phase,
  • greater process stability and schedule reliability during one of the most critical stages of the project.

Supplier readiness makes the difference during a project launch

This project confirmed that successful automotive supplier development is about more than monitoring suppliers. It requires the ability to turn OEM requirements into practical actions, support suppliers in implementing the right processes and ensure the entire supply chain is prepared to meet demanding launch deadlines.

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