d harness development and manufacturing resources to create high-quality, competitive products that meet growing demand in markets around the world. This integrated marketing system is a key factor in differentiating Nidec from its competitors (http://www.nidec.co.jp/english/topics/index.html).Proposed SolutionIBM’s primary need is to speed up the hard disk drive development process and introduce products more quickly at a lower price. The following is our proposed solution to this problem:Decrease development cycle time from six months plus to less than four monthsTo achieve this ambitious goal, suppliers must work together to develop an integrated hard disk drive. Both suppliers and IBM engineers should be simultaneously involved in the design process. IBM suppliers can collectively use their specialized knowledge to provide input in the design process. IBM engineers can provide detailed specifications and monitor the design process. Meetings in centralized locations should be used to accomplish this task. Nidec is extremely flexible in this respect because there are Nidec facilities in North America and Asia, where IBM suppliers are concentrated (see Appendix, Exhibit 1 for world map). Nidec even has the ability to facilitate this entire process. Currently, Nidec has working relationships with over 90 percent of IBM’s hard disk drive suppliers, including Kenseisha, Greenleaf and Sumitomo. These suppliers have expressed interest in working with us at Nidec to develop innovative solutions (we will bring written correspondence as a proof device to the presentation). Nidec can develop a partnership with IBM, working closely with their engineers to expedite the development process. Nidec will also perform the function of liaison between IBM and its other suppliers. This solution helps IBM design new products more quickly with less effort involved. Lower cost of spindle motors and other components by 50 percent over two yearsTo...
