At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here When OEMs change their schedules or requirements, the ripple effect through the supply chain can feel like a game of telephone. Messages get passed down the chain, sometimes altered and ignored, leaving those further down the line piecing together what has changed. That's the reality for Jenni Smith, VP of Supply Chain at Royal Technologies, who joins the show to share what managing that complexity as a tier two supplier is like.She explains how this constant guessing game makes planning nearly impossible and why direct visibility into the "why" behind OEM decisions is just as important as the numbers themselves.Jenni clarifies that communication and speed are non-negotiable, but doesn't stop there. At Royal, automation is a core strategy, not a side project. She talks about the company's use of robotics to offset labor challenges and how AI is helping them forecast demand, spot volatility, and identify risks months in advance.The conversation then turns to MMOG/LE. While many treat it as a compliance headache, Royal approaches it differently, using it as a framework to uncover process gaps, improve efficiency, and strengthen profitability. Jenni gives a practical example with packaging standards: on paper, Royal could pass certification, but by actually listening to warehouse teams and standardizing packaging, they unlocked real cost savings and smoother operations.But systems and standards only go so far if people are burning out. Jenni is candid about "supply chain fatigue" in today's unpredictable environment. Instead of ignoring it, she leans into knowing her team, rotating responsibilities, giving people recovery time, and jumping into the trenches alongside them during crises.When asked what she'd like to see from tier ones, Jenni's answer is simple: open the doors and invite tier twos in. Real efficiency happens when suppliers can see processes firsthand, ask questions, and solve problems together instead of working in silos. Engagement, she says, is the foundation of stronger relationships up and down the chain.Looking ahead, Jenni's focus is on stability—aligning Royal's supply base to MMOG standards and preparing for the next disruption before it hits. With a culture that values quality, delivery, innovation, and people in equal measure, Royal Technologies proves that even a tier two can lead the way in how supply chains adapt to the future.Themes discussed in this episode:How OEM requirement changes travel through EDI and disrupt tier two suppliersWhy communication speed and context are critical for supply chain stabilityThe role of automation and robotics in reducing labor constraints and boosting efficiencyUsing AI for demand sensing, forecasting, and identifying supply chain risks months in advanceHow MMOG/LE can be used as a tool for profitability and process improvement rather than just complianceThe rise of supply chain fatigue post-COVID and strategies to prevent burnout in small teamsThe value of AIAG membership for tier two suppliers and how it supports training and collaborationWhy stronger engagement between tier one and tier two suppliers is key to solving problems and building efficiency across the chainFeatured on this episode:Name: Jennifer SmithTitle: Vice President of Supply Chain at Royal TechnologiesAbout: Jennifer is the Vice President of Supply Chain at Royal Technologies Corp.,...

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