First Podcast Dedicated to Global Automotive Supply Chain Issues Debuts

Co-hosted by auto industry veterans, “Auto Supply Chain Prophets” aims to change perceptions about profitability

QAD Inc. today announced its participation in the launch of the first podcast dedicated solely to global automotive supply chain issues, called “Auto Supply Chain Prophets”. Co-hosted by QAD Director of Automotive, Terry Onica and Quistem President, Cathy Fisher, and produced by Gravitas Detroit Founder and President, Jan Griffiths, the podcast can be found on the Auto Supply Chain Prophets website or any major podcast platform.

The biweekly series features interviews with high-profile automotive industry executives and thought leaders who have successfully leveraged their supply chains to boost organizational profitability. Co-hosts Terry Onica and Cathy Fisher share over 70 years of combined automotive manufacturing, quality and supply chain expertise to help suppliers and OEMs discover hidden profits. In a concise, 20-minute format, the “Prophets” and their guests discuss actionable insights for improving the supply chain.

“The automotive industry, like most manufacturing segments, doesn’t typically view the supply chain as a driver of profits,” said co-host Cathy Fisher. “That’s a costly misperception that we aim to correct, because the supply chain is where the money is.”

Supply chain inefficiencies and disruptions cost manufacturers billions of dollars in lost production and sales each year. But OEMs and major suppliers can turn the supply chain into a competitive advantage by focusing on improvements in QAD’s 24 essential supply chain processes. It’s these 24 processes that form the basis of the podcast’s discussions.

“Today’s sprawling, diverse, global supply chains inherently pose great risks to manufacturers and can make or break an enterprise,” said co-host Terry Onica. “But these companies can succeed by refocusing their operations from manufacturing-centric to supply chain-focused.”

The “Auto Supply Chain Prophets” can’t really predict the future, but by sharing their expertise and experience in the industry, they can help auto manufacturers recognize, prepare for and profit from whatever comes next, and provide timely and relevant insights and best practices.

About the “Prophets”

Cathy Fisher, founder and president of Quistem, helps manufacturing clients eliminate customer complaints and increase profits through management system transformation. She has worked in the automotive supply chain since the 1980s, starting her career at General Motors.

Terry Onica, director, automotive for QAD Inc., has advised global manufacturers on improving production, quality and supply chain operations through advanced processes, technologies and best practices. She began her career in the late 1980s by leading EDI implementation for all Ford assembly and component plants.

Jan Griffiths, founder and president of Gravitas Detroit, is a veteran automotive industry executive who served as chief procurement officer for a $3 billion Tier 1 global supplier. With Gravitas Detroit, she provides online courses, speeches and workshops on authentic leadership in the workplace. Jan also hosts the Finding Gravitas authentic leadership podcast.

About Quistem

Quistem helps global automotive manufacturers transform their management systems into “Money-making Machines.” We simplify the complex through our integrated approach to management systems development and implementation, enabling our clients to consistently satisfy their customers while fulfilling stringent automotive industry requirements. Over the past 25 years, Quistem has helped automotive manufacturers, from OEMs to Tier 1 thru Tier n, achieve and maintain certification to international management systems standards including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001. Quistem is at the forefront of standards development to support the transition of the automotive industry towards new mobility solutions.

About QAD – Enabling the Adaptive Manufacturing Enterprise

QAD Inc. is a leading provider of adaptive, cloud-based enterprise software and services for global manufacturing companies. Global manufacturers face ever-increasing disruption caused by technology-driven innovation and changing consumer preferences. In order to survive and thrive, manufacturers must be able to innovate and change business models at unprecedented rates of speed. QAD calls these companies Adaptive Manufacturing Enterprises. QAD solutions help customers in the automotive, life sciences, packaging, consumer products, food and beverage, high tech and industrial manufacturing industries rapidly adapt to change and innovate for competitive advantage.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, QAD has 29 offices globally. Over 2,000 manufacturing companies have deployed QAD solutions including enterprise resource planning (ERP), demand and supply chain planning (DSCP), global trade and transportation execution (GTTE) and quality management system (QMS) to become an Adaptive Manufacturing Enterprise. To learn more, visit www.qad.com or call +1 805-566-6000. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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