Strategic Doing Pack:

Smart Supplier Network

Strategic Focus: Develop a regional “smart” supplier initiative

The region, through a series of organized events, can link regional suppliers to primes to enhance competitiveness
across the supply chain network. This effort becomes more than a supply chain analysis – but an in-depth mapping
of existing tier 1 and tier 2 supplier companies within the region, their competencies, and their capacities to expand
into different growing markets. The region may consider conducting a customized survey to identify supplier capacity
and capabilities and common workforce skill gaps. It can develop a framework for addressing identified supplier
needs and culminate in a series of supplier forums to validate key issues and provide opportunities for companies to
network and visit different production facilities.

The immediate focus for the region should be on the biosciences (specifically a look at medical device manufacturing
and bio-composite and nanotechnology applications). The region may even wish to integrate work with the upcoming
Bio-Composites cluster forum in La Crosse in October 2009.

Subsequent steps may include a supply chain examination of the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors.

Action Items:
 Working closely with the metro economic development entities, generate list of life science and other
applicable manufacturers.
 Conduct survey of existing life science companies (most EDOs should have some of this information) to
determine industry needs and supplier capabilities.
 Host regional forum/conference to identify overall supply chain value, sub-assembly processes, critical
analysis of supply chain management problems, and best practices, etc.
 Use forum to identify workforce training issues, interest in career readiness certification initiatives, etc.
 Forum can also serve as a “reverse trade show” where regional buyers are showcasing procurement
needs to interested suppliers.
 Develop materials and create tools for regular communication between respondents.

Strategic Doing Pack: Smart Supplier Network

AIM to WIN RIG Region
Winona, MN
August 26, 2009 Page 1 of 6
Strategic Doing Question 1:
Define a clear outcome for the STEM Consortium
Define an outcome with 3 characteristics...Define metrics to measure the characteristics...

Characteristics that define your Metrics to measure

Outcome your success
What are the characteristics or features of your outcome? How would you measure each
Characteristic 1
How do you describe it clearly? How will the region be Metric 1
characteristic?
different?
Characteristic 2 Metric 2

Characteristic 3 Metric 3

Strategic Doing Pack: Smart Supplier Network

AIM to WIN RIG Region
Winona, MN
August 26, 2009 Page 2 of 6
Strategic Doing Question 2:
Define one or more projects to achieve your outcome
Define how you will get to your outcome
Decide on a project with 3 SMART Goals
Simple Measurable Aggressive Relevant Time sensitive

Define one project (you can have multiple projects)

What are you going to do to achieve your outcome?

Define the project pathway with SMART Goals

SMART Gaol 1: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________
SMART Gaol 2: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________
SMART Gaol 3: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________

Define a second project

What are you going to do to achieve your outcome?

Define the project pathway with SMART Goals

SMART Gaol 1: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________
SMART Gaol 2: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________
SMART Gaol 3: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________

Strategic Doing Pack: Smart Supplier Network

AIM to WIN RIG Region
Winona, MN
August 26, 2009 Page 3 of 6
 Define a third project
What are you going to do to achieve your outcome?

Define the project pathway with SMART Goals

SMART Gaol 1: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________
SMART Gaol 2: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________
SMART Gaol 3: By ____________________, we will
___________________________________________________________________________

Strategic Doing Question 3:

Draft a short-term action plan

Who Project Action Step By When

Strategic Doing Pack: Smart Supplier Network

AIM to WIN RIG Region
Winona, MN
August 26, 2009 Page 4 of 6
Strategic Doing Question 4:
Set a schedule to revise your strategy and action plan within 30
days

Follow-up Meeting

Date

Time

Place

Strategic Doing Pack: Smart Supplier Network

AIM to WIN RIG Region
Winona, MN
August 26, 2009 Page 5 of 6
Strategic Doing Short Form

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA:

STRATEGIC OUTCOME (May be one of several)

CHARACTERISTIC CHARACTERISTIC CHARACTERISTIC

INITIATIVE or PROJECT to achieve the strategic outcome:

HOW DO WE MEASURE and DETERMINE SUCCESS? Metrics should connect with characteristics

METRIC 1 METRIC 2 METRIC 3

A REVIEW and FOLLOW UP SESSION is scheduled for

DATE: TIME: PLACE:
Strategic Doing Pack: Smart Supplier Network
AIM to WIN RIG Region
Winona, MN
August 26, 2009 Page 6 of 6