Here is a very good story about Toyota, it’s supply chain and managing its risks, from the February 25, 2010, issue of The Economist.
http://www.economist.com/business-finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15581072
In light of its recent troubles I am not really troubled by Toyota. Perhaps I should be, but I am not. I have a Toyota and would likely buy another one before I even look at GM, Ford or Chrysler. Of course Toyota made some mistakes – but I know enough about Lean Six Sigma to know that defects will happen.
So while Toyota’s grades have fallen from A+ to A- or B+, I still perceive the US Big 3 as having grades of D+.
Risks can also be opportunities and it will be interesting to see what Toyota can make of the current situation. They are an impressive company. They may yet surprise.
Toyota used to be the legend of lean supply chain management. I’m not sure why they collapsed.