At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

Are APIs the future of automotive data exchange? Fred Coe, the chair of AIAG’s business-to-business committee and Global B2B and Portal Leader at General Motors, believes they might be.

In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Fred joins Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica to explain why APIs are stirring up excitement in the auto industry — and why they’re not quite ready to push EDI aside just yet.

With decades of EDI history on their backs, supply chains are now looking to APIs for a faster, more flexible way to move data across tiers. Fred shares insights from other industries already using APIs, from healthcare to retail, and talks about Europe’s early steps to standardize APIs in automotive logistics.

As the auto industry prepares to catch up, AIAG is launching a survey to gather industry feedback on EDI and API integration. This is an opportunity for the entire industry to share their input—every voice matters, from IT staff to supply chain leaders.

Tune in to learn how APIs could reshape data exchange in the automotive world, and don’t miss Fred’s parting advice for supply chain leaders: Understand every link in your chain, from tier one to the end. And as Terry reminds us, please don’t forget to complete the upcoming survey to help shape the future of EDI!

Themes discussed in this episode:

• How Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has evolved and continues to play a critical role in the industry’s data processes
• The potential of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to complement and, in some cases, replace certain EDI functions, allowing for faster, real-time data exchange
• The need for unified standards across OEMs and suppliers to avoid fragmented systems, especially with the introduction of new technologies
• Balancing the adoption of new technologies like APIs with the existing EDI infrastructure
• What a standardized, API-enhanced data landscape could mean for efficiency, cost savings, and competitive advantage in the automotive industry
• How other industries (like healthcare and retail) and regions (mainly Europe) that are using APIs, and what the automotive industry can learn from them
• How leadership engagement and buy-in are crucial for successfully implementing and standardizing new technologies in the supply chain

Featured on this episode:

Name: Fred Coe

Title: Chair, AIAG EDI Advisory Group; Global B2B and Portal Leader, General Motors

About: Fred Coe is a global thought leader in EDI and automotive supply chain operations, known for driving complex eCommerce transformations across industries like manufacturing, retail, energy, and healthcare. With a consultative and inclusive approach, Fred has led GM’s B2B Center of Excellence to deliver industry-leading solutions, building strong relationships with stakeholders at every level. Passionate about fostering value, developing future leaders, and elevating customer service, Fred’s leadership has shaped business innovations and set new standards for operational excellence.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. Today, we are taking a break. This episode will air on November 4th, and both Terry and I will be at the QAD Transform conference. So we're very excited to meet with supply chain professionals, IT leaders, and business leaders, and we're going to talk about one of our favorite subjects: transformation.

Yes, we will. So stay tuned because we'll be talking about it in future podcast episodes. So take a moment and go back through our back catalog. If you haven't heard the episodes with some of our guests like, Beth Crowley, Chief Resilience Officer and President of the Crowley Group. She talks about why every supply chain needs an army of problem solvers.

And then, we move across the pond to the UK. We interviewed John McClellan Grant, the regional engagement manager for SMMT, and we talked about what's happening in the UK auto industry. And then, of course, our one and only Jim Liegghio from AIAG, in episode 64, talks about leading the charge and building tomorrow's supply chain leaders.

One of our favorite episodes, way back in episode 54, is Shiv Taylor. We talk about the comeback at Volta Truck. There's a lot in our back catalog. Check it out, and we'll be back with a fresh new episode in two weeks. Until then, take care.

Mentioned in this episode:

• QAD Transform Americas
• Episode with Beth Crowley: Why Every Supply Chain Needs an Army of Problem Solvers
• Episode with John McLellan-Grant: SMMT’s Role in Shaping UK Automotive Supply Chain
• Episode with Jim Liegghio: Leading the Charge: Building Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Leaders
• Episode with Shiv Tailor: Volta Truck's Electrifying Comeback to EV Business

Please visit this link to access our complete collection of podcast episodes.

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

We're no strangers to challenges in the auto industry, especially when it comes to supply chain management. We've seen it all in the US with our OEMs and Tier One suppliers, but what about across the pond in the UK?

In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, we bring in John McLellan-Grant from SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) to explore SMMT’s role in shaping the future of the UK auto sector and the current state of the industry.

SMMT isn't just any trade association; it has been the backbone of the UK's automotive industry since 1902, bringing together nearly 900 members, from OEMs to raw materials suppliers. Their mission? To lead the way in industry transformation and ensure the UK stays competitive in the global auto market.

John sheds light on how they tackle issues like post-Brexit labor shortages, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), and the race toward decarbonization. Whether it's helping companies pivot to sustainable practices or guiding them through regulatory changes, SMMT is at the heart of the UK's automotive transformation.

But it's not all smooth sailing. John talks about the growing pains in EV adoption—yes, even in the UK, where some places still struggle to offer enough petrol stations, let alone charging stations. Yet, despite the hurdles, there's progress, from the rise of Gigafactories to bold new energy initiatives aimed at future-proofing the industry.

What stands out? The importance of trust and transparency. John believes that open communication between suppliers, OEMs, and the government is key to solving problems faster and smarter. His advice to supply chain leaders? Embrace collaboration like never before—because it's the only way forward in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The role of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as a key trade association in the UK automotive sector, including its membership and activities
• The current state of automotive manufacturing in the UK, highlighting British-owned manufacturers and the sector's overall health
• The industry's focus on sustainability, covering energy use, carbon reduction, and working groups promoting sustainable practices in the supply chain
• The importance of collaboration between SMMT and other organizations, like regional automotive alliances and international associations
• How the automotive industry is embracing technology for transformation, especially the shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs)
• SMMT's strategy to support members with electrification challenges, supply chain diversification, and trade relationships after Brexit
• Challenges in the EV transition, including infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and the need for effective government support

Featured on this episode:

Name: John McLellan-Grant

Title: Regional Engagement Manager, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

About: John McLellan-Grant is the Regional Engagement Manager at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), bringing over 20 years of experience in business development, account management, and procurement across multiple industries. His expertise lies in crafting both short- and long-term strategies that drive sales growth, enhance profitability, and streamline processes. His proven track record in high-level account management across various sectors reflects his commitment...

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths explore one of the industry's most overlooked but critical aspects: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).

The discussion starts with reflections on Stellantis' layoffs, which got Jan thinking about how OEMs and the UAW still approach negotiations in a transactional way. The same old "tit-for-tat" mindset from her days in the supply chain continues, but the real question is, how can we move beyond this?

Fresh off a trip to Belgium, Terry brings practical insights from a recent conference where she discussed the importance of internal collaboration. With so many moving parts—purchasing, quality, materials management, plant operations—the challenge is how to break down silos and get everyone aligned. The solution? SRM technology. With today's SRM tools, companies can finally achieve a "single version of the truth," enabling real-time data access and more reliable performance metrics.

The recent disruptions have pushed risk management and ESG into the spotlight, highlighting the need for compliance. It's no longer a matter of "should we do this?" but "we absolutely must." Jan and Terry point out that for leaders listening, now is the time to commit to compliance. This is especially true as regulations increase and controls become tighter, making it mandatory to establish effective systems for managing suppliers.

What shines through this episode is Terry's unwavering optimism. Despite being in the trenches of the auto supply chain for years, she stays passionate and hopeful because, as she explains, she's seen it work. She talks about her work with problematic suppliers and how walking them through the steps of MMOG/LE transformed their businesses. Even industries outside of automotive, like medical, have reaped the benefits of implementing these best practices.

Join us for a thought-provoking episode that urges listeners to rethink supplier management and highlights the importance of leadership, collaboration, and a unified approach to data.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The need for the automotive supply chain to move from transactional to collaborative relationships
• The role of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) tools in fostering data transparency and shared accountability among stakeholders
• How leadership commitment is essential for driving supply chain transformation and addressing resource constraints
• The increasing demand for rigorous data accuracy and compliance in today’s complex supply chain environment
• The potential of technology to revolutionize supply chain processes and improve overall efficiency
• Why regular evaluations of supplier performance are necessary to encourage accountability and sustained success
• How implementing best practices from frameworks like MMOG/LE can significantly improve supplier collaboration and overall performance

Featured on this episode:

Name: Terry Onica

Title: Director, Automotive at QAD

About: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in the supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants.

Connect:

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast, Beth Crowley, Chief Resilience Officer and president of the Crowley Group, joins hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths to dive into the topic of resiliency and its significance in today's auto supply chain.

Beth starts by defining resilience, explaining that it's more than just an industry term; it's the ability of organizations and supply chains to adapt and bounce back from challenges.

The pandemic has heightened the urgency for companies to adopt resilient practices, and the data suggests that major disruptions are becoming more frequent. That's why Beth suggests that resilience should be woven into the culture, with everyone—from the front lines to the C-suite—playing a part in strengthening the supply chain.

Reflecting on the common tendency for companies to prioritize immediate crisis management over proactive planning, they discuss how automotive culture often glorifies the "firefighters" who save the day rather than encouraging a resilient mindset from the start. Beth suggests that organizations shift this perspective by training an "army of problem solvers" and integrating resilience into daily operations.

She shares practical advice for training teams, suggesting that even small organizations can identify recurring issues and use them as learning opportunities to build a stronger problem-solving culture.

Beth urges leaders to invest in their people, build resilient processes, and rethink their view of contingency planning—not as a task but as an integral part of their organizational mindset. Tune in to discover how to turn resilience into a foundational practice that drives success for your supply chain!

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Understanding resilience in today’s automotive supply chain
• The importance of organizations adapting to unexpected events and preparing for future disruptions
• The role of leadership in building resilient organizations
• Creating a culture where all employees are equipped and empowered to solve problems
• Moving away from a “firefighting” mentality to a proactive approach focused on continuous improvement and long-term resilience
• Rethinking contingency planning as an ongoing cultural practice rather than a one-time task
• Why investing in people and problem-solving training are essential components of a resilient organization

Featured on this episode:

Name: Beth Crowley

Title: President, The Crowley Group

About: Beth Crowley’s passion for Operations and Continuous Improvement runs deep in her family, tracing back to her grandfather’s pioneering work at Ford during World War II. After earning a BA and MBA in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University, Beth’s career began with roles focused on Lean and Continuous Improvement. She has since held positions at companies like AlliedSignal, UNISYS, and Maytag, where she advanced her expertise in transforming organizations. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Beth is now a sought-after consultant, part-time faculty member at Oakland University, podcast guest, and regular contributor to the Lean community.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, hosts Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths sat down with Alan Shevela, Global VP of Supply Chain and Quality at Aludyne, to talk about the company's push to innovate and how they're breaking new ground with digitization in the die-casting industry—all while keeping a strong focus on people.

Alan talks through the three challenges he's facing: developing people, embracing digitization, and building strong partnerships. With a hands-on leadership style, he's all about making sure everyone on the team feels connected to the bigger picture. For Alan, success comes down to one thing—building people-first teams that focus on the same goal.

Aludyne's project to streamline indirect spending has been a game-changer, helping them tighten operations across global sites. By letting the data do the talking and focusing on quick wins, Alan shares how they got the buy-in from the C-suite to drive their digitization efforts forward. It's not just about throwing tech at a problem—it's about showing the impact and making things happen.

Regarding supplier partnerships, transparency is the name of the game. Alan believes in keeping the lines of communication open, even when the news isn't what people want to hear. This approach has helped him build strong, resilient relationships that can weather the industry's inevitable disruptions.

When asked for one piece of advice for supply chain leaders facing industry transformation, Alan's advice is clear: Every interaction should aim to leave a positive impact, no matter how tough the situation gets.

Tune in to listen to Alan's insights on balancing the human side of leadership with the drive for digitization in the evolving automotive industry

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Focusing on nurturing and advancing team members to drive overall success and adapt to industry changes
• How digitization initiatives will lead to measurable returns on investment, highlighting cost savings and efficiency gains
• Strategies to effectively manage and reduce indirect costs, which often go unnoticed but can significantly impact the bottom line
• Identifying and addressing the most pressing issues in procurement and supply chain management to drive meaningful improvements
• Leading the charge in adopting innovative practices and technologies to enhance operational effectiveness and achieve long-term business goals
• Alan's approach to building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, focusing on constant communication and collaboration
• The importance of maintaining a constructive attitude and making a positive impact in all professional interactions, regardless of challenges.

Featured on this episode:

Name: Alan Shevela

Title: Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Quality at Aludyne

About: Alan Shevela brings over 27 years of expertise in global procurement and supply chain management. Since 2020, he has led Aludyne's Global Supply Chain Operations, overseeing global procurement, direct and indirect material purchasing, capital equipment, tooling, trade compliance, and logistics. Aludyne, a global leader in aluminum knuckles and critical chassis components for the automotive industry, benefits from Alan’s strategic leadership.

Alan's academic background includes an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain from Michigan State University and a BBA from Western Michigan University, which have been the...

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths sit down with Jim Liegghio, a seasoned supply chain expert with over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. Jim, who leads the training, customer service, and membership engagement team within AIAG, dives into how AIAG bridges the gap between traditional practices and modern demands.

AIAG's core tools and methodologies, such as APQP and control plans, remain valuable despite the rise of EV startups and new industry players. Jim explains how AIAG embraces legacy OEMs and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring their tools stay relevant across various sectors.

While discussing AIAG's diverse training courses and programs, Jim provided us with a list of brief e-modules and comprehensive certification courses that the supply chain should take. From new workshops on MMOG/LE to tailored training for both seasoned professionals and newcomers, AIAG is focused on keeping up with the industry's rapid changes.

Jim is passionate about nurturing future talent and is actively involved in Wayne State University's supply chain programs. He highlights the impact of the 23-week Certificate Program in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, as well as the Tomorrow's Leaders Today (TLT) program. Both initiatives have shaped the next generation of leaders by exposing students to the full spectrum of supply chain disciplines.

As the supply chain continues to evolve, Jim stresses that staying agile and embracing continuous learning isn't just a strategy—it's a necessity. However, beyond strategies and technologies, the real focus should be on people. Nurturing the next generation through training and mentorship is not just important; it's a non-negotiable. As budgets tighten, cutting back on training would be a grave mistake—especially now, when equipping future leaders with the skills to thrive is more critical than ever.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The drastic changes happening in the automotive industry, driven by new technologies and market demands
• The evolution of leadership in the automotive industry, particularly in supply chain management
• AIAG’s mission to stay relevant and ahead of industry changes by providing tools, training, and support to OEMs, tier companies, and non-traditional automotive sectors
• The importance of continuous learning and adapting training formats to meet the needs of diverse learners
• AIAG as a platform for different stakeholders in the automotive industry to come together and solve common challenges
• How AIAG addresses the needs of new market entrants like EV startups, ensuring they see the value in traditional automotive tools and methodologies
• The role of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of supply chain professionals

Featured on this episode:

Name: James “Jim” Liegghio

Title: Manager, Customer Experience & Engagement, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)

About: Jim is a seasoned supply chain leader with over 25 years of experience, particularly in the automotive sector. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, from hands-on plant-level material and production control to high-level corporate logistics roles at major OEMs like FCA. He has navigated the complexities of international logistics, trade compliance, and cross-functional collaboration, gaining a global perspective that enhances his approach to supply chain management. He excels at...

At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

Sometimes, the daily grind can become all-consuming, whether you're running a supply chain, managing a manufacturing plant, or even producing a podcast.

Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica know this all too well, which is why they've decided to hit pause on the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. This break isn't just about stepping back—it's about recharging, gathering valuable feedback, and setting the stage for future improvements.

In the meantime, they're gearing up for some exciting events, including the QAD Transform Conference in Brussels on September 24-25 and Chicago on November 4-6. These events will focus on thought leadership, networking, and the future of supply chain transformation. Jan and Terry would love to connect with you there, whether it's for a quick chat or a deeper conversation about your supply chain challenges.

Host:

Name: Jan Griffiths

Title: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit

About: Jan is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President and founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she hosts the Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world.

Connect: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

• Attend QAD Transform Europe | September 24-25, 2024 | Cardo Hotel | Brussels, Belgium
• Attend QAD Transform Americas | November 4-6, 2024 | Chicago, Illinois | USA
• Check out our other podcast episodes.