Innovation in the Automotive Industry with Mr. Raj Kishore Naik, VP – Sourcing & Supply Chain, Ashok Leyland.

With over 33 years of experience in automotive product development and quality management, Mr. Raj Kishore Naik, Vice President of Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Head of New Parts Development & Quality at Ashok Leyland, has shaped a remarkable career. Starting at Maruti, followed by Tata Motors, and now leading at Ashok Leyland since 2013, his passion for automobiles has driven his success. In this interview, Mr. Naik shares his journey, discusses the evolution of the automotive industry, and outlines Ashok Leyland’s strategic approach to sourcing, supply chain, and quality assurance.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Q. Can you provide us with a brief overview of your professional journey and how you came to your current role at Ashok Leyland?

After graduating from NIT, Rourkela in 1991, I started my career with India’s No.1 Car Manufacturer, Maruti where I started my career. Moved to Tata Motors in 2002 to work in Engg Research Ctr for Passenger Car projects. I joined the Hinduja Group in 2013 and continuing successfully till now

Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in the automotive industry, particularly in sourcing, supply chain, new parts development, and quality management?

Automobile is my passion since childhood. I have grown up in a family where every member is an Auto Expert, and this always keeps me motivated.I am enjoying my responsibility since it calls for a pivotal role in the NPD process by interacting with almost all departments of Ashok Leyland like PMG/PMO/PD/MFG Plants/ SQA/Service and all Suppliers to make sure that the right Parts are getting developed at right Time at the right Cost and at right Quality with our relevant suppliers.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Q. As Vice President-Sourcing & Supply Chain, and Head of New Parts Development & Quality, what are the key responsibilities and challenges that come with your role?

It’s my good fortune to Lead a Team of 100-plus Extremely Talented Engineers to develop thousands of New Parts. In various leading positions, I got the opportunity to guide the team in New Part Development for the Highest Quality Standard. I always motivate my team on Quality confirmation activities related to Supplier parts in adherence to Quality systems starting from Scratch to the Start of Production till the life of parts.

Q. How do you ensure the seamless integration of sourcing, supply chain, and quality aspects for the development of new parts at Ashok Leyland?

We follow daily work management review with team members by conducting daily Morning meeting review at the scheduled time and thereby addressing the daily routine issues by providing necessary guidance & inputs for solutions and the way forward. Also we have scheduled weekly and Monthly reviews with the relevant teams for seamless communication to ensure every part development timeline is adhered.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Q. How have you witnessed the automotive industry evolve in terms of sourcing and supply chain practices over the years?

INDUSTRY 4.0 – The Last stop on the road to the fully automated smart factory. (Advanced Process controls and Visualization applications are key components of this strategy and ultimately will become the enabler for fully automated Factories.Sourcing and Supply Chain evolved in multi folds, Predictive supply chain, Risk assessment & mitigation plan, Environmental analysis The industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, leading to the adoption of eco-friendly Materials and Manufacturing Processes.Supply Chain Resilience: Recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience. Automakers are now more focused on building resilient and flexible supply chains that can quickly adapt to disruptions.Relationship with Suppliers: Closer Collaboration: Automakers are now collaborating more closely with their suppliers, forming strategic partnerships rather than traditional buyer-seller relationships.

COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Q. Can you share some examples of successful collaborations or partnerships that have contributed to the success of Ashok Leyland’s supply chain and quality initiatives?

We believe Customer centricity is the prime, to meet the customer delight – We clearly understand that the Supplier relationship & capability improvement are key focus area to reach our vision.We have multiple supplier motivational / capability improvement programs and trainings such as Supplier Samrat, and Cluster approach. Lean Six sigma training to supplier partners.We always treat suppliers as our valuable partners and their improvements is our victory.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Q. As the Head of Quality, how do you ensure the highest standards in the quality of automotive parts produced by Ashok Leyland?

I urge my Team few Steps given below,

Supplier Quality Management:

Supplier Audits: Conduct regular audits of suppliers to assess their quality management systems, production processes, and capabilities.Supplier Certification: Work with suppliers to achieve certifications such as ISO/TS 16949 for automotive quality management.Supplier Development: Collaborate with suppliers to improve their processes, provide training, and ensure they meet the required quality standards.

Process Controls and Continuous Improvement:

Statistical Process Control (SPC): Implement SPC techniques to monitor and control production processes, ensuring they remain within defined quality parameters.Root Cause Analysis: Utilize tools like Six Sigma, 8D, or similar methodologies to identify and address the root causes of quality issues.Kaizen and Lean Practices: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization, focusing on waste reduction and efficiency gains.

Robust Testing and Inspection:

In-Process Inspections: Conduct inspections at various stages of production to catch defects early and prevent them from progressing further thus reducing the waste of money and lead time.Final Product Testing: Perform rigorous testing of finished parts using techniques such as destructive and non-destructive testing to ensure they meet desired specifications.

Employee Training and Empowerment:

Quality Training Programs: Provide comprehensive training to employees on Quality Standards, Processes, and Tools.Empowerment: Encourage employees to take ownership of Quality by involving them in problem-solving, decision-making, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Customer Feedback and Satisfaction:

Customer Surveys: Regularly gather feedback from customers to understand their expectations and perceptions of product quality.Customer Complaint Handling: Establish effective processes for handling customer complaints, conducting thorough investigations, and implementing corrective actions.

Performance Metrics and KPIs:

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define and track relevant quality metrics such as defect rates, PPAP effectiveness and customer complaints to monitor performance and drive improvements.By implementing these strategies, we have set up a robust Quality management system that ensures the highest standards in our product, ultimately leading to Customer Satisfaction, Brand reputation, and Operational excellence.

Q. Can you share some insights into the quality control measures and processes implemented to maintain excellence?

Quality excellence is a continuous journey and have no limits. We strongly recommend IATF 16949 to our supplier partners. Being a TQM company we emphasis on continuous improvement with process controls.We too take some critical initiatives such as Q max drive to improve our supplier capabilities in which we collaborate, PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Q. What motivates you in your role, and how do you stay inspired amidst the demands of the industry?

Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and developments in the automotive sector. Engage with professionals in the field through networking events, industry associations, and online forums. Sharing ideas and experiences with peers can provide fresh perspectives. I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Tackling complex problems and overcoming obstacles keeps me motivated.enthusiasm in my job. Maintain a curious mindset and approach each day with a sense of eagerness to learn something new.

CAREER ADVICE

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Q. Is there anything else you would like to share or highlight regarding your role or Ashok Leyland’s approach to sourcing, supply chain, and quality management?

It’s a pleasant experience handling multiple projects at the same time and completing Quality Assurance activities within stipulated timelines.AL is a place where everybody gets lots of opportunity to learn and learn fast too. Since the projects are varied in nature, one gets an excellent opportunity to experience multiple prospects.We give topmost priority for the Quality of our Products. We have very strong Corporate Values and Value the customers and Business Partners.

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