Ford is now requiring all tier 1 suppliers to have specific virtual site visit hardware & software (Facetime, iPhones, simple devices, etc. are NOT allowed). Not only is it required, it's a question on the Q1 MSA. We asked our STA to explain how the equipment would be used so we know what to investigate / invest in and the response was extremely simplified, unhelpful and it really seems like a mobile phone or equivalent would truly suffice. So we then asked our STA to waive this requirement based on the commodity and type of product we supply and provided a written statement with explanation and evidence. The STA (allegedly) took it up the chain and ultimately denied our request.
My company does not want to invest in this simply because Ford is imposing the requirement, not to mention with little to no information about the need or use. For us, the VR ability itself holds no value, when a personal visit or certainly an Iphone will do the same thing for which our STA has indicated its needed. Only meeting the Ford requirement has value. I've advised my boss of my opinion which is that we will not win this battle, but it's not my money being spent on useless equipment nor is it ultimately my decision. So the plan is to do all the due diligence we can and make an informed decision from there.
That said, my boss has challenged me with finding out how (presumably adversely) it would affect us to decide to NOT invest in the specific hardware/software. Specifically he's asked, what effect will it have on our MSA score to have a permanent red rating and no action plan (or a plan where the date is always missed) for this requirement (assuming Ford will allow it to simply remain a red MSA response versus a penalty for outright not meeting a CSR). And then, what affect will that score have on our overall Q1 score/rating? Not saying this is the route we'd go, I've just been taxed to do the research and find the answer.
By the way, we have a corrective action response due for this incomplete MSA question (the question was added after our 2021 assessment was complete and approved). So I need to answer the question in some way- likely yellow- with a stated action plan since only "already have VR in place" is the only way to get a green rating.
Does anyone have any idea of the answers? Or know where I can find the answers? Without asking Ford or our STA directly, of course. Obviously we don't want to raise any red flags especially if this isn't necessarily our intent. Would greatly appreciate any input on these questions specifically or this requirement/situation with the VR in general. Thank you.
My company does not want to invest in this simply because Ford is imposing the requirement, not to mention with little to no information about the need or use. For us, the VR ability itself holds no value, when a personal visit or certainly an Iphone will do the same thing for which our STA has indicated its needed. Only meeting the Ford requirement has value. I've advised my boss of my opinion which is that we will not win this battle, but it's not my money being spent on useless equipment nor is it ultimately my decision. So the plan is to do all the due diligence we can and make an informed decision from there.
That said, my boss has challenged me with finding out how (presumably adversely) it would affect us to decide to NOT invest in the specific hardware/software. Specifically he's asked, what effect will it have on our MSA score to have a permanent red rating and no action plan (or a plan where the date is always missed) for this requirement (assuming Ford will allow it to simply remain a red MSA response versus a penalty for outright not meeting a CSR). And then, what affect will that score have on our overall Q1 score/rating? Not saying this is the route we'd go, I've just been taxed to do the research and find the answer.
By the way, we have a corrective action response due for this incomplete MSA question (the question was added after our 2021 assessment was complete and approved). So I need to answer the question in some way- likely yellow- with a stated action plan since only "already have VR in place" is the only way to get a green rating.
Does anyone have any idea of the answers? Or know where I can find the answers? Without asking Ford or our STA directly, of course. Obviously we don't want to raise any red flags especially if this isn't necessarily our intent. Would greatly appreciate any input on these questions specifically or this requirement/situation with the VR in general. Thank you.
