To manage materials across the vehicle life-cycle, Ford has developed a comprehensive set of processes and system tools called Global Materials Management. These tools include the Global Material Approval Process (GMAP), which handles all materials processed in Ford's plants, and the International Material Data System (IMDS), developed by seven auto manufacturers in 1997 to handle the tracking, review and reporting of all vehicle components and service parts from all suppliers. The IMDS, which now has 21 automotive companies as official members, is a web-based system used internationally by suppliers to report on the materials contained in parts for our vehicles. The IMDS has set up a help desk in the Asia-Pacific region as well, to encourage automakers in China to use the IMDS and become IMDS members. Ford has cooperated with other automakers to align reporting requirements for restricted substances and analyze the data provided. This helps us identify materials of concern and target them for elimination.

To further help our suppliers manage their materials/substance data, Ford developed and launched the Global Materials Integration & Reporting Supplier Portal (GMIR), in which all parts that require reporting are listed and their reporting and certification status is posted. Through the GMIR, every supplier can monitor its reporting status and understand which parts are required to be reported. This two-way communication helps to clarify a very complex materials management task and saves time and money for Ford and its suppliers. In 2007, Ford gathered more materials data from its suppliers than any other automaker. Ford of Europe vehicle programs reached an average of 88 percent of parts reported in IMDS in 2007. Based on the data reported, Ford was able to certify that all affected vehicles meet the End-of-Life (ELV) directives in the EU and Japan. Ford was also able to modify the GMIR materials management system to gain the information needed to meet the new EU chemicals management regulation, called Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals.

For nondimensional materials (such as paint and adhesive) that are directly shipped to Ford plants, Ford piloted and launched another electronic tool aimed at simplifying the materials approval process. The GMAP\e-1291 process allows suppliers to use electronic transactions to submit their Material Safety Data Sheets and composition data. Internally, Ford approvers communicate their decisions of approval or rejection electronically. This new process saves time and ensures better-quality data for complying with government regulations and Ford policies.