In the September issue of Supply Chain Digital, we interviewed Tom Kruse, Global Head, Supply Chain Collaboration & Consortiums, at Corning Incorporated. Here, we reflect on the in-depth interview.
As a leading organisation in the glass manufacturing space, Corning has a range of business lines that serve and enable the latest trends in the optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, life sciences vessels, automotive and display markets. “Overall, we manufacture a really mixed product line with our clients, customers and other multinational companies in mind,” Kruse explains.
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Corning has overseen a rapid transformation in the number of consortia it has become involved in over the past few years. Having participated in just one consortium two and a half years ago, the company has experienced a major surge, with the figure increasing to 11 in a short space of time. “We’re seeking out new consortiums or Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO’s), in different markets to understand what they’re doing and how we can benefit by joining them,” explains Kruse. “Ultimately, we measure the savings by evaluating the contribution to operating margins (COMs) and decide how we can make them perform. Other than savings we need to ask ourselves: what other value can we gain from them? For example, we’re pursuing market intelligence, understanding best practices and working with other organisations to exchange information.”
Following the introduction of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), manufacturing companies must adopt and embrace new technologies in order to remain a leader in the sector. Kruse believes digital transformation is the core component to Corning’s decision-making processes moving forward. “We have different internet platforms where we exchange information externally with collaboration partners, suppliers, like-minded organizations and customers,” he explains. “We’re working on this with a great sense of urgency because we recognise that digitalisation and digital transformation are becoming vitally important to us.”
Do you want to read the full profile? Check out the September 2018 edition of Supply Chain Digital.
For more information on all topics for Procurement, Supply Chain & Logistics – please take a look at the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital magazine.
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