
STEP 3
Supplier Relationship Management
Publishing Date: 05-Sept-2025
Read Time: In-depth guide | <25 minutes
Reviewer: Christoph Horlebein, CEO Horlebein Consulting
Strong supplier relationships are the backbone of resilient product strategies. This step shows how trust, transparency, and structured collaboration can prevent obsolescence surprises, enable early warnings, and foster co-creation. Learn how the Triple Fit Framework turns partnerships into strategic assets for continuity and innovation.

Author: Martin Riedel (MD Martin Riedel Consulting)

Co-Author: Christoph Horlebein (CEO Horlebein Consulting)
Theme
Standard & Clause
Early Warning & EOL Notification
IEC 62402 §9.2 • SD-22 §3.3
Joint Risk Assessment & Planning
IEC 62402 §9.3 • SD-22 §3.4
Transparent Communication & Data Sharing
IEC 62402 §6.4 • SD-22 §4.2
System Integration for Lifecycle Data
IEC 62402 §8.10 • SD-22 §4.3
Supplier Segmentation & Strategic Alignment
SD-19 §3.2 • SD-22 §2.2
Relationship KPIs & Performance Reviews
SD-22 §3.5 • SD-19 §3.3
Contractual Flow-down for Notices & Escalation
SD-26 §2.1 • SD-26 §6
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Christoph
Horlebein
Position
CEO & Founder
Company
Horlebein
Consulting
Christoph Horlebein, CEO & Founder of Horlebein Consulting, helps high-tech leaders turn risk into resilience. Former Brainlab R&D project lead (FDA/CE approval) and Fortune 100 strategist securing a $1B portfolio. Builds human-centered, data-driven strategies by aligning people, process & tech. C-level advisor, investor, author and speaker with global experience from India to Europe. Leader of the 12 Steps framework—driving digital transformation, sustainable implementation, and strategic foresight.

About the author

Martin Riedel
Martin Riedel, MD of Martin Riedel Consulting, is an Executive Advisor & Global Account Management leader with 25+ years of international experience in consultative sales, business transformation, and relationship strategy. Formerly at Schneider Electric, he scaled partnerships across industries, driving a 15x sales increase. Combining engineering & business expertise, Martin helps organizations turn customer relationships into strategic, long-term collaborations built on trust & shared value.

Christoph Horlebein
Christoph Horlebein, CEO & Founder of Horlebein Consulting, helps high-tech leaders turn risk into resilience. Former Brainlab R&D project lead (FDA/CE approval) and Fortune 100 strategist securing a $1B portfolio. Builds human-centered, data-driven strategies by aligning people, process & tech. C-level advisor, investor, author and speaker with global experience from India to Europe. Leader of the 12 Steps framework—driving digital transformation, sustainable implementation, and strategic foresight.
