Nissan and Accuride Leverage Digitalisation for Supply Chain Regulatory Advantage
The automotive industry is embracing a new approach to supply chain compliance, with a focus on structure, transparency, and digital innovation. This transformation was a central theme at the ALSC Digital Strategies North America 2025 conference, where industry leaders shared their insights on topics such as cybersecurity, interoperability, real-time tracking, and transparency.
The ENSURE Model: A Structured Approach to Compliance
Adam Shumake, senior manager of SCM compliance at Nissan, introduced the ENSURE model, a structured framework designed to transform complexity into capability in managing compliance obligations. The acronym ENSURE stands for:
- Engage cross-functional leaders
- Normalise objective standards
- Develop procedures
- Utilize technology to augment systems
- Reinforce consistent governance
- Educate stakeholders continuously
Engaging cross-functional leaders means forming coalitions across engineering, procurement, logistics, legal, and data science. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive understanding of compliance requirements and the development of effective strategies to address them.
Proactive Cybersecurity Measures and AI-Powered Solutions
Eric Elliott, SCM senior manager, supplier cybersecurity at Nissan, discussed the importance of proactively assessing and monitoring cyber risks and vulnerabilities across the supplier and provider network. Meanwhile, Greatway and IT partners have developed an AI-powered app that generates Carta Porte documents, a critical part of Mexico's cross-border compliance.
Digital Transformation and Supply Chain Resiliency
At the conference, major companies such as SAP participated, focusing on agile logistics, composable supply chains, and digital transformation initiatives like SAP S/4HANA and SAP Ariba. SAP was noted for bringing particularly outstanding contributions emphasizing supply chain transparency, agility, and digital innovation.
Nissan is also leveraging advanced mapping tools as a key part of its supply chain resiliency playbook, scanning nearly 1.9 million nodes in its supply chain to deliver meaningful insights. Aptiv is developing a control panel that integrates supplier data, CAD drawings, tariff schedules, and real-time shipment visibility.
Navigating Layered Forms of Compliance and Upskilling Stakeholders
Moe Saleh emphasised that LSPs are navigating layered forms of compliance, including customs regulations, driver, equipment, and warehouse compliance. Continuous education means upskilling not just internal teams, but suppliers and customers. This approach ensures that everyone involved in the supply chain is equipped to handle compliance requirements effectively.
Consistent Governance, Shared Language, and Tools for Compliance
Shumake called for a shared language, shared timing, and shared tools for compliance, stating that it's not just about protecting the company, but protecting each other. Skotti Fietsam, SVP of supply chain and CIO at Accuride, agreed and added that more transparency and support from OEMs could empower smaller suppliers to raise their game.
Fietsam argued for consistent survey formats and regulatory expectations to avoid duplicative reporting. Accuride's investment in a unified platform enables visibility not just for trade issues, but also for sustainability requirements, cybersecurity standards, and modern slavery compliance.
The Role of Diverse Functional Expertise and the RACI Model
Skotti Fietsam also highlighted the critical role of diverse functional expertise in managing unexpected tariffs, and the use of a RACI model to clarify internal roles and proactively pass costs to customers. This model ensures accountability and clarity in the decision-making process, helping companies navigate complex compliance challenges effectively.
The Importance of Emergency Outreach and Trust-Building
Carrie McConnaughey, regional production control and logistics manager, Americas at Aptiv, emphasised the critical role of emergency outreach to partners, third-party support, and sales teams in rebuilding trust when suppliers provide incorrect trade data. This proactive approach to communication helps maintain the integrity of the supply chain and builds long-term relationships based on trust and transparency.
Technology and the FAIR Principles
Technology is brought in only once a repeatable baseline is established, allowing for the application of FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to compliance data. Reinforcing governance gives the company the structure to track progress and escalate issues consistently.
In conclusion, the ALSC Digital Strategies North America 2025 conference highlighted the importance of a structured, collaborative, and technologically-driven approach to supply chain compliance. The ENSURE model, proactive cybersecurity measures, and digital transformation initiatives are key components of this approach, helping companies navigate complex compliance challenges and build resilient, transparent, and agile supply chains.
