Empower your suppliers to do more on their own

Teamcenter Supplier Connect

In the previous blog post we looked at how Supplier Connect can streamline the data exchange process with your supply chain. The traditional approach of an OEM initiating a data exchange and a supplier responding to it may not always work in many industries.

Most companies, especially those in Aerospace, Energy or Construction have standing contracts with suppliers to provide regular updates, whether it is updated drawings, quality documents, test results or any other deliverable that needs to be submitted across the duration of the product development or project timeline. In these situations, it is more convenient for the suppliers to request access as they approach their due dates to submit their contractual deliverables.

Supplier Connect offers an approach for suppliers to self-serve request access to modify data and submit updated deliverables as and when they need.  

Supplier self-service

Supplier Self-Service begins with the OEM sharing data for reference. This approach ensures that the suppliers have read access to product data (Bill of Materials, CAD Assembly or similar) and the supplier can stay updated on the product changes as it evolves. Vendors can login to Supplier Connect, run a part number search, and view information shared to them through the data exchange. Note that the vendor still does not have any access to modify data and the data shared is purely for reference only. 

Initiating write access requests

As the contractual deadlines approach, the supplier can initiate a request for write access to specific data which is necessary to complete and submit the deliverable for an upcoming deadline. This is primarily the difference between a standard data exchange, where an OEM decides upfront on parts or assemblies where user will require write access versus the self-service approach where the user initiates the request for write access. 

The write access requests are routed to an OEM gatekeeper who reviews and grants the required access. 

Submission and review process

The vendor receives the updated self-service data exchange, performs the necessary updates and submits the deliverable based on the negotiated due dates. 

The OEM user reviews and iterates as needed, like a standard data exchange and the updates are permanently recorded for future reference. 

Empowering suppliers

Supplier Self-Service empowers users to have broad-based access to reference data which allows them to track the evolution of a product and request access and provide updates when their contract deliverables are due. 

To learn more about Supplier Self-Service with Supplier Connect, please contact your salesperson and request a demo. 

Conclusion

Teamcenter Supplier Connect revolutionizes the collaboration process, making it more efficient and dynamic. By enabling suppliers to self-serve and request access to modify data, it addresses the limitations of traditional data exchange methods. This proactive approach ensures that stakeholders can stay aligned with evolving product requirements and meet their contractual obligations seamlessly. It reduces delays, enhances data accuracy, and fosters stronger partnerships between OEMs and suppliers.

Additionally, the platform’s ability to provide real-time updates and easy access to reference data allows suppliers to be more responsive and adaptive to changes. This not only streamlines operations but also drives innovation and competitiveness in industries where precision and timely delivery are crucial. The user-friendly interface and robust functionality make it an essential tool for modern supply chain management. To explore the full potential of Supplier Connect and see how it can benefit your organization, reach out to your salesperson for a comprehensive demo and further assistance.

---

No matter how you choose to deploy Teamcenter,
you get the same proven solutions designed to help you innovate faster.

---