Supply chain initiative to connect small and big companies in US

Date: 20/08/2013
The success of advanced manufacturing is in efficient-management of supply chain. IT systems play a central role in having a big database of products from thousands of manufacturers and suppliers. Components can be selected and managed easily and efficiently using networked information management systems. The leading semiconductor chip foundry Globalfoundries along with other partners launched National Supply Chain Network Initiative (NSNI) where small and mid-size manufacturers get connected to large manufacturers and suppliers. The small manufacturers get access to expertise of existing organisations. Globalfoundries says the aim of this project is to create a scalable model and provide tool to build a more robust US supply chain and grow the US manufacturing base.

“As it becomes more evident that the success of modern manufacturing will be an integral part of the growth of the U.S. economy, it is apparent that a strong linkage between all size manufactures and access to innovation is imperative to ensure that the U.S. manufacturing sector can compete and lead in the global economy,” said Mike Russo, senior manager, government relations, Globalfoundries. “Large manufacturers need to be able to easily identify smaller manufacturers who are able to supply needed goods and smaller manufacturers need to know where their potential markets lie and have access to the latest innovation in order to improve manufacturing processes and product design. CGI has provided the vehicle for those now engaged in the NSNI to come together to identify and solve this fundamental problem.”

“The NSNI is intended to develop a comprehensive method to connect the supply chain,” said Sridhar Kota, University of Michigan. “Much of the needed information and resources exist, but there is no easy way for especially small and mid-sized manufacturers to access it. Better connectivity could provide manufacturers the necessary access to resources ranging from IP, expertise, and software tools to test facilities products, parts and capital. A state-of-the-art online network that leverages existing networks and resources will create the needed connectivity, leveraging existing expertise and information.”

“This CGI Commitment to Action, which strives to improve the American economy by invigorating the manufacturing value chain, aligns well with our inclusive intellectual property ecosystem that utilizes social media tools to smart-connect R&D and manufacturing innovators and commercializers to accelerate the adoption of innovation”, said AutoHarvest President and CEO, Jayson D. Pankin.

The pilot part of the project is to develop a scalable framework and prototype web-based platform leveraging expertise of the others involved.

The broader goal of this initiative is to provide access to finance, help in Developing environment friendly operations, and such issues related to business growth.

About the Clinton Global Initiative: Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative of Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, convenes global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. CGI Annual Meetings have brought together more than 150 heads of state, 20 Nobel Prize laureates, and hundreds of leading CEOs, heads of foundations and NGOs, major philanthropists, and members of the media. To date CGI members have made more than 2,300 commitments, which are already improving the lives of more than 400 million people in over 180 countries. When fully funded and implemented, these commitments will be valued at $73.5 billion. For more information, visit clintonglobalinitiative.org