Key interfaces: New opportunities for human resources

A shift is occurring in traditional views regarding vendors to organizations. The shift moves from the view of suppliers as providing commodities for which the only consideration is price toward recognizing the value they add to the manufacturing process when they contribute higher level assemblies as partners. This article uses an extended example of one company making the shift from vendor to strategic supplier partner. As this shift evolves, major savings of time and dollars occur as do major reductions in complexity. Finally, this article describes the significant contribution that the HR role can make in the transformation of vendors into partners. Specific actions are recommended for the HR professional.