I'm trying to put together a kanban supplier agreement, that is simple enough to easily convey the parameters, but also has the appropriate controls and "legaleze" in its terms and conditions. Any ideas where I can get one rather than re-inventing the wheel?

Thanks,

--PC

Can anyone help on this one?

I want to help, but I am not sure what is being asked for here!


Are you looking for a contract agreement template to standardize/control ? Or an outline of how to implement kanban in general?

If you are looking for the contractual controls, that should come from a development of the kanban system you establish. It is born out of such.

Your "wheel" needs to be tailored for your company using the tools and processes you have created. You can do that, and develop what you are looking for by,

1. Map the value stream. From there you will learn takt time, you will need this to determine the pace of everything else upstream and to get pull.

2. Define the point(s) where you want to control incoming materials. Define what is upstream of that point and who the upstream stakeholders are.

3. Define exit point(s) beyond which you don't intend to control as well as what is downstream of that and who the downstream stakeholders are.

4. Meet with all internal stakeholders through "kaizen team" based leadership meeting(s). Policies involving capacity requirements of the current VSM vs the future VSM can be discussed here. Establish WIP controls at some point, if required.
Lead through regular PDCA meetings (with the upstream partners) and look at a release/delivery coordination system such as use of ERP/MRP controls. with the downstream partners. Visual for the gemba.

5. Meet/discuss with internal/external suppliers to see what they can and will do. This can be "fun". Depending on suppliers you may want to educate them. Don't expect compliance immediately, but do expect it.

6. Create a board wall to track the value stream you are working on, and towards. Use pencil!

7. Have a quick 5-10min meeting every day in front of the board with the team. Invite upstream and downstream stakeholders.

8. Agree to have a regular kaizen review meeting for analysis of the process (invite upstream and downstream stakeholders) keep in touch with externals.

9. Educate the team on the new board and all controls trialed. What is working, what is not.
Remember your building a pull system. pull system.

10. Start using the new "Kanban" process

11. Document the final VSM and the rules, if you need to.

12. Do written agreements/contracts were required with external suppliers. Some of this may depend on your QA system requirements regarding suppliers. Include your QA Manager or delegate.


If none of that applies to what you need, please clarify further! ;)

Dante,

Thanks for your detailed response. We have met with one of our biggest suppliers, a contract manufacturer, and already have an agreement in principle. To implement across my supplier base, I'm looking for an elegant template of a supplier agreement that is straightforward, but has adequate controls to reduce our (and our supplier's exposure), so that we can get beyond the handshake. I have a few sample agreements which run the spectrum; at one end, I have an agreement that doesn't adequately protect either party, and at the other end, I have an agreement so rich with legalese that the core essence of the agreement is lost. I can meld the two and come up with an agreement, but was hoping someone might already have a tried and tested agreement so that I would not need to reinvent the wheel.

Thanks,

--PC

Sorry for the long delay.

I think your going to find that whatever you come up with will be fairly simple and should be able to whip something up in a few min. I don't have a template as such, but here is what I would recommend. You should consider key headings in the agreement such as:

purpose (standard document purpose),
scope (standard document purpose),
process (include trigger, contact method and lead time information),
package ID/Label ID (what are the expectations?),
transport integrity (how and who of transport,reliability, contingency plan),
demand spikes, if required (what expectations are there from supplier to handle variable of spikes in demand),
termination (who can terminate agreement and for what reasons),
terms and conditions (the final "and so it is written, and so it shall be" statement).

Have supplier sign and have a QAM or supply chain management person in your company sign and date.

Huh, found this first page Google search, http://www.gemssensors.com/uploadedfiles/Literature/Suppliers/KANBANTERMSANDCONDITIONS2.pdf

Thanks for the help! I will incorporate your suggestions.

Regards,

--PC