‘How to analyse your competitor’s relationships with one of their major contractor...’
WHO: One of the largest international car manufacturer
The UK division of an international vehicle manufacturer approached IRN in September 2000.
WHAT: Research into the organisation of a major competitor’s tooling supply
For all international car manufacturers, organising and managing an efficient network of suppliers for their tooling needs is essential to guarantee the efficiency of their production organisation.
In order to re-evaluate their model of tooling supply, the client requested a study on the tooling supply system of a French competitor. The research was to provide an overview of the types of relationships the French competitor establishes with its tooling contractors, for which tooling, for which models of car, etc…
WHY IRN: An expertise in manufacturing industries with language skills
Research in specialist library and information centres combined with in-house online and desk research allowed IRN’s consultants to gather a proportion of the information requested. Specialist trade journals and industry reports constituted the base of the report. IRN’s expertise in the manufacturing industries rendered quick access to the information requested.
Direct contact with the competitor and its suppliers was the second essential part of the research methodology. Thanks to its French speaking team of consultants, executive telephone interviews were conducted with the competitor and its sub-contractors as well as with French automobile/vehicle trade associations.
THE RESULTS: A thorough report to be used for future recommendations
The research was conducted in less than a week and the client received a complete 16-page report on the competitor’s organisation of tooling supply.
The report was sent to the client’s overseas headquarters to be used as a base for discussion on how to reconsider their supply system.