Page 44 - MetalForming January 2014

Tooling Technology
as 36 months before vehicle launch. Increased collaboration leads to improved manufacturing feasibility, increased input on part design and improved understanding of supplier capabilities. Modifying processes throughout the value stream—plan- ning through to development, kickoff, production and beyond—not only would reduce tooling cost, but also boost capacity.”
While industry thought leaders have been discussing the need to design and build tools more collabo- ratively for years, Harbour insists that the notion must now become a reali- ty. Among the inefficiencies plaguing the industry and inhibiting capacity growth, according to Harbour, where collaboration would make an impact: multiple or late-in-the-game engi- neering redesigns. A majority of the
costs associated with the vendor-tool- ing value stream result from process wastes and, when improved, can make a considerable difference on the over- all cost of the industry.
“A few OEMs are once again revis- iting how and when they bring tool shops into the tool-design and build timeline,” shares Harbour, “and this time they must succeed. And, others must follow the same path. Collabo- ration, visibility into capacity and completeness of design and engi- neering before build begins promise to greatly reduce overall cost and streamline the build process. Avoid delays and control costs and we can really change the face of the tooling industry.”
Payment Terms—OK, I Said It
Of course, any discussion of tooling cost always winds its way to the topic of payment terms, and my talk with Har- bour is no exception.
“To encourage and incentify the best tool shops to grow to the needed capacity, a big step forward is getting them involved up front during engi- neering and design feasibility work, and then paying them progressively for the work done, rather than waiting until production-part approval,” insists Harbour. “That’s the best way OEMs and Tier One suppliers can ensure capacity. We started to see a trend toward progressive payment coming out of the recession, when so many new models were launched. However, in the last six to 12 months we’ve seen a return to standard pay- ment terms.”
Harbour’s survey reveals little opti- mism—only 15 percent of participants believe the trend toward progressive payment terms will improve, while 28 percent expect payment terms to worsen.
“If the focus does not shift to man- aging costs, the industry will face incredible challenges as capacity grows,” continues Harbour. “To do so, we must move to progressive payment plans, which would change the tool shop’s entire perspective. Such plans
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42 MetalForming/January 2014
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