2014
(Posted Oct. 2014)
- Development - Wide contributions to society through product development anticipating future needs
- Materials procurement - Supporting responsible materials procurement by linking the company internally and externally
- Manufacturing - Realizing the highest-quality products through even higher efficiency
- Sales - Staying close to customers to accurately respond to their needs
Thorough Compliance to Protect Trust in the Company
Mr. Kyuichiro Miyatake (entered company in 1981)
Manager, Administration Section, Purchase Department
Procurement and Logistics Division
The Procurement and Logistics Division is responsible for procuring necessary materials and delivering them to manufacturing sites. The division's Purchase Department, Administration Section is responsible for ensuring that the procurement and logistics functions are carried out in compliance with laws and regulations. Ms. Tomomi Suzuki is in charge of confirming that goods shipments to overseas sites comply with Japan's Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act*. "In my work, it's critical to be accurate and cautious in handling shipments," notes Ms. Suzuki. "But I also feel a lot of pressure because I don't want a delay in my decision to have a negative impact on overseas plants."
* A law controlling the movement of funds, products, and services between Japan and foreign countries, as well as foreign exchange.
Ms. Tomomi Suzuki (entered company in 2008)
Administration Section, Purchase Department
Procurement and Logistics Division
Her manager, Mr. Kyuichiro Miyatake, understands her problem. "We have to clearly understand the situation at plants, which need us to rapidly send shipments. But at the same time, we must comply with all laws, and we can't allow ourselves to make an incorrect decision because we are hurried."
Ms. Suzuki and her colleagues are frequently asked by people in and outside the company to provide their advice on internal controls and the foreign trade laws. "There are still many cases where I can't make my own decision and need the help of my supervisors and colleagues," notes Ms. Suzuki. "I'm just getting to the point where I can propose my own solution based on my accumulated skill and experience before seeking the help of my superiors," Ms. Suzuki adds with a forward-looking attitude. Mr. Miyatake is quick to praise her approach. "First, it's important for you to find your own solutions. Then, you can actively take advantage of discussions with your colleagues on issues."
Leveraging Specialized Know-how to Coordinate Projects
With laws being revised frequently, Ms. Suzuki realizes that there is no limit to the subjects she could study to stay abreast of change. It's possible that a change to the foreign trade laws could make it impossible to ship certain materials to another country without government permission, which would significantly obstruct the procurement process. The role of materials management is to coordinate with both suppliers and manufacturing departments to find solutions to these types of issues. "Ideally, our department acts not only as a purchaser and supplier of goods, but as a coordinator which can use its expertise to solve problems when they occur in the purchasing and supply processes," notes Mr. Miyatake.
"We are strengthening our coordination with our suppliers to respond to the recent societal demand for green procurement," adds Ms. Suzuki, who shares responsibility for executing the department's important responsibility. "I'd like to build knowledge from my various experiences to become a true professional and the kind of colleague people feel confident in consulting," she adds in discussing her professional goals. Minebea's manufacturing operations cannot succeed unless materials reach the manufacturing sites properly. In this sense, the Procurement and Logistics Division underpins Minebea's manufacturing foundation.
* Positions/assignments current as of time of interview (December 2013)
- Development - Wide contributions to society through product development anticipating future needs
- Materials procurement - Supporting responsible materials procurement by linking the company internally and externally
- Manufacturing - Realizing the highest-quality products through even higher efficiency
- Sales - Staying close to customers to accurately respond to their needs
