Page 301 - The Toyota Way Fieldbook

276 THE TOYOTA WAY FIELDBOOK

Partnering Characteristic Key Elements
Shared lessons
Kaizen & learning PDCA
Annual cost reduction
VA/VE
Joint improvement
Supplier development
activities
Study groups
Accurate data collection and dissemination
Information sharing Common language
Timely communications
Engineering excellence
Compatible capabilities Operational excellence
Problem-solving skills
Measurement systems
Feedback
Control systems
Target pricing
Cost management models
Alliance structure
Interlocking structures Interdependent processes
Parallel sourcing
Trust
Commitment to coprosperity
Mutual understanding
Respect for each other’s capability
Genchi genbutsu (actual part, actual place)

Table 12-1. Key Elements in Supplier Partnering

that still has significant family influence. More important, they appreciated
Metalsa’s emphasis on creating a positive work culture with only the best people.
Hiring is a core activity for Metalsa and includes intense screening, including
visiting the homes of prospective employees to see them in their family environ-
ment. Metalsa invests heavily in training its people and considers their quality
its principal competitive advantage.
A team of supplier engineers from Toyota visiting the Metalsa plant were
given their usual preview of frames and other products in the lobby showcase.
What made it unusual was that its executives could not get the Toyota engineers
out of the lobby. They pored over each and every weld, intently discussing the
quality of the welds and the design of the chassis. It was apparent that there was
something different about Toyota as a customer. Metalsa got major business