Synchronous supply: an automotive case study

The paper presents a case study of Ikeda Hover Ltd, a synchronous seat supplier to Nissan Manufacturing UK Ltd. The case study explores the differences between just‐in‐time (JIT) and synchronous supply from both the buyer and supplier perspective, as well as examining the importance of effective supply chain management, effective use of appropriate technologies and the importance of quality within the context of a synchronous buyer‐supplier relationship. The findings of this case study suggest that whilst synchronous supply results in notable benefits for both buyer and supplier the journey to achieving synchronicity is difficult and such a supply system may be limited to the supply of a small number of key components or high value component systems.