Benchmarking supply strategies in the automotive and the power tool industry

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Problem Definition and Scope of the Diploma Thesis

1.2 The Hilti Corporation: Introduction and Background Information

1.3 Structure of the Diploma Thesis

2 Definitions and Classifications

2.1 Supply Management Definitions

2.2 Classification of a Supply Strategy

2.3 Introduction to Supply and Sourcing Strategy Concepts

2.4 The Sourcing Strategy Triangle

2.4.1 Global Sourcing versus Local Sourcing

2.4.2 Supplier Management

2.4.3 Commodity Management

3 Benchmarking the Sourcing Strategy Triangle in the Automotive and the Power Tool Industry

3.1 Applied Benchmarking Methodology

3.2 Benchmarking Analysis of the Sourcing Strategy Triangle

3.2.1 Benchmarking Global Sourcing versus Local Sourcing

3.2.2 Benchmarking Supplier Management

3.2.3 Benchmarking Commodity Management

4 Supply Strategy Recommendations for Power Tool Companies focusing on the Hilti Corporation

5 Conclusion and Future Aspects

Objective and Key Themes

The primary objective of this diploma thesis is to address the research deficit regarding the benchmarking of supply and sourcing strategies by comparing the automotive and power tool industries. The study establishes a "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" framework to provide tailored recommendations for the Hilti Corporation.

• Benchmarking of supply and sourcing strategies across different industries.
• Development of a "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" framework for holistic supply management.
• Analysis of geographical sourcing trends (global vs. local) and their impact on costs.
• Evaluation of supplier management methods and OEM-supplier relationship models.
• Classification of commodity groups and their impact on sourcing strategy selection.

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Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the research topic, defines the problem of limited benchmarking data in supply management, and introduces the Hilti Corporation context.

2 Definitions and Classifications: Establishes fundamental terminology for supply management and introduces the "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" as a framework for the subsequent analysis.

3 Benchmarking the Sourcing Strategy Triangle in the Automotive and the Power Tool Industry: Conducts a qualitative and quantitative benchmarking analysis comparing supplier management, commodity grouping, and geographical sourcing strategies between the two industries.

4 Supply Strategy Recommendations for Power Tool Companies focusing on the Hilti Corporation: Derives actionable strategic recommendations for Hilti based on the identified industry benchmarks and best practices.

5 Conclusion and Future Aspects: Summarizes the key findings of the thesis and provides an outlook on future trends and competitive challenges in the global supply environment.

Keywords

Supply Management, Benchmarking, Sourcing Strategy, Automotive Industry, Power Tool Industry, Hilti Corporation, Global Sourcing, Local Sourcing, Supplier Management, Commodity Management, Total Cost of Ownership, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Purchasing, Strategic Sourcing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this diploma thesis?

The work focuses on benchmarking supply and sourcing strategies in the automotive and power tool industries to derive strategic recommendations, specifically for the Hilti Corporation.

What are the central thematic fields addressed?

The study centers on the Sourcing Strategy Triangle, covering three main dimensions: Global versus Local Sourcing, Supplier Management, and Commodity Management.

What is the primary goal of the benchmarking approach?

The goal is to address the current lack of academic research regarding cross-industry supply benchmarking and to develop a practical framework to improve supply management efficiency.

Which scientific methodology is used for the benchmarking?

The study utilizes both qualitative literature research and a quantitative benchmarking analysis based on empirical data from 47 companies in the automotive and machinery sectors.

What is covered in the main part of the thesis?

The main part analyzes the three elements of the Sourcing Strategy Triangle using data to compare how these industries handle supply, vendor relationships, and material classification.

Which keywords characterize this thesis?

Key terms include Supply Management, Global Sourcing, Supplier Management, Commodity Management, and benchmarking within the automotive and power tool sectors.

Why was the Hilti Corporation chosen for this study?

The thesis is written in cooperation with Hilti to provide the company with specific, benchmarking-based recommendations to optimize its supply structure and gain a competitive edge.

How does the "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" help in supply management?

It acts as a holistic framework that reduces complexity by grouping all relevant supply aspects into three manageable dimensions, allowing for a structured and objective benchmarking process.

What role does the "Country of Origin" play in sourcing according to the study?

The study reveals that, despite global trends, the majority of sourcing value is still generated within the country of origin, highlighting a gap between global sourcing discourse and actual practice.