In order to achieve success with your outsourced manufactured goods, there must be cohesiveness between the manufacturer, Supplier, and the product developer, Customer. This would require a recognized leader with an ability to understand the challenges representing both entities.

In an ideal setting, the Supply Chain Liaison, Consultant, would have a place at the table with the cross-functional group representing the Customer in the design of the product. That same individual would be involved directly with the leaders of the Supplier in the development of the manufacturing processes, in step with the roll-out of the design. In this role, as that of the conduit between both sides, the Consultant would also allow for the critical manufacturing input during the design phase of the product life cycle. From there, the reductions in cost and increased efficiencies discovered during the eventual process validations would be realized.

This paper will discuss the 5 steps required to accomplish all of this, while defining the role of the "Consultant," whose role is instrumental in providing the tools & leadership in order to maximize the value of the Supplier in their partnership with the Customer; with the end goal of joint ownership in order to reach the vision of the Customers objectives.

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