Title: Unified requirements for suppliers' production sites of high voltage electric and electronic components - a case study from BMW

Authors: Roman J. Schindlbeck; Julian M. Müller; Andreas O. Störmer

Addresses: BMW Group, Lauchstädter Str. 5-9, 80807 München, Germany ' Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Urstein Süd 1, 5412 Puch/Salzburg, Austria ' BMW Group, Knorrstraße 147, 80788 München, Germany

Abstract: This paper investigates the supplier relationship management (SRM) of BMW in the sector of electromobility and considers the special requirements and standards in high voltage components of the electric and electronic (E-E) industry. Two research questions associated with the standards of the E-E industry and SRM are examined by applying a case study approach. Six plant audits and expert interviews were conducted. The results of this paper support the conclusion that competitive advantage and product quality depend decisively on the relationship of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to an external provider. In addition, the implementation of quality and production standards requires the support of the management and a knowledge management system that leads to a high exchange of information. The resulting recommendations for action are useful for quality managers to further strengthen the continuous improvement process of SRM and production plants in the E-E industry.

Keywords: supplier relationship management; SRM; automotive industry; electromobility; electric and electronic industry; quality standards.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2020.110407

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2020 Vol.20 No.3, pp.275 - 296

Received: 23 Sep 2019
Accepted: 04 Mar 2020
Published online: 19 Oct 2020 *

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