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com-plex-i-ty [k uh m- plek -si-tee]. - noun, the state or quality of being complex; intricacy. Source: Dictionary.com. As today’s networks grow and interaction with partners across the world becomes the norm, it is your ability to identify complexity and then develop a strategy to manage it that can make or break your competitiveness. Managing complexity is almost like looking at your reflection, it forces you to look within.
'Sony said on Tuesday shortages of parts and materials would force it to reduce or suspend production at five additional plants in Japan following the catastrophic earthquake this month. The plants, mostly in central and southern Japan, make products from digital cameras and video cameras to televisions and microphones, the company said in a statement.
The IT and telecommunications sectors have long been at the forefront of sustainable procurement, yet the pressure to successfully actualize sustainable practices along each stage of the supply chain (raw materials, manufacturing and end-of-life recycling) is intensifying. Beyond all the existing issues of diminishing raw materials, electronics companies source minerals such as cobalt, coltan and copper in countries that are often marred by corruption and civil war.
'Who said supply chains are boring? Whenever I tell a friend, colleague or family member about my job as soon as the words "supply chain" are muttered I immediately see glassy eyes followed by a yawn or two. Little do they realize that every time they discard or recycle a carton of milk they are completing the end of the supply chain cycle. Without supply chains consumers would be stuck using products that they had to make or grow with their own two hands.
Procurement leaders are at a pivotal moment. With CPOs playing an increasingly strategic role, it’s time to leverage innovation and technology to drive resilience and efficiency. Download The 2025 Annual ProcureCon CPO Report to uncover key insights to thrive in a dynamic procurement landscape. What’s Inside: How CPOs are driving strategic decision-making and technology adoption The top priorities and challenges for procurement in 2025 Why AI, sustainability, and data analytics are essential for
The prophets of lean manufacturing methods usually scorn planning systems. ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (APS) systems stochastically propagate a combination of hard demand and forecasts through the supply chain. Demand signals are ignored and individual inventory buffers are based on lead times and lot size requirements throughout the supply chain.
For more than a decade, the idea of a close working relationship between trading partners has been one of the Holy Grails of the supply chain. Information moving seamlessly…everyone knows what the other is doing…bottlenecks removed…a Utopia of sorts. But, are we there yet? IndustryWeek recently highlighted a new book, The New Supply Chain Agenda , which outlines the five steps to drive value.
For more than a decade, the idea of a close working relationship between trading partners has been one of the Holy Grails of the supply chain. Information moving seamlessly…everyone knows what the other is doing…bottlenecks removed…a Utopia of sorts. But, are we there yet? IndustryWeek recently highlighted a new book, The New Supply Chain Agenda , which outlines the five steps to drive value.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could see around the corner, to posses that magical ability to anticipate what’s at the next intersection? On the road, we now have cars that can see around a corner, let you know what is ahead and prepare for any changes in conditions. You, the driver, are no longer limited by what you see straight ahead. With improved visibility, you quickly adjust and successfully navigate whatever the road throws your way.
Yes, a better supply chain is just three steps away. And, no, I am not going to try to sell you a companion book for $29.95 plus shipping and handling. It is no secret there is increasing pressure from customers, competitors, internal management, and others to create additional efficiency throughout the supply chain. After speaking with end-users from several industries and geographies, we uncovered three best practices for a more productive and cost effective supply chain. 1.
Sales and operations planning (S&OP) is a process designed to unite all key constituents across the enterprise to a single goal. Senior level executives responsible for sales, marketing, materials/procurement, manufacturing, transportation, supply chain, and finance (to name a few) meet to consider the needs and constraints of each of their respective areas in light of overall company objectives, and agree on an operating plan for the next month, quarter and year.
Ruggedly independent, yes, but they know they can rely on each other, too. Butch Cassidy was all brains and vision, while Sundance had good looks and the fast draw. Luke was innocent and highly intuitive, while Han was rakish and resourceful. The classic buddy movie is based on a perfect synergy of two very distinct characters, and when Hollywood starts to cast that big supply chain epic (any day now), they should go with Network Design and Inventory Optimization as their Hope and Crosby.
Savvy B2B marketers know that a great account-based marketing (ABM) strategy leads to higher ROI and sustainable growth. In this guide, we’ll cover: What makes for a successful ABM strategy? What are the key elements and capabilities of ABM that can make a real difference? How is AI changing workflows and driving functionality? This Martech Intelligence Report on Enterprise Account-Based Marketing examines the state of ABM in 2024 and what to consider when implementing ABM software.
Inventory optimization (IO) has become an increasingly important topic of late as companies try to balance inventory (amount, location, etc.) with erratic demand and supply variability. Following the inventory slashing practices during the global financial crisis, many were left unable to respond quickly and cost-effectively to a rise in demand, leaving these companies at a disadvantage.
How to excel at the Replenishment Shuffle. One of the most profitable moves a supply chain team can make is optimizing replenishment in a multi-tiered distribution network (manufacturer to DC, DC to Retailer, etc.). I have found many companies miss the boat with a single-echelon approach that simply replenishes the warehouse or the DC separately. This doesn’t optimize the multiple tiers inherent in a supply chain.
Walmart Wammy Teaches a Lesson in SKU Rationalization. To rationalize or not to rationalize: that is the question. According to CFO.com , Walmart thought it had the right answer by cutting back “vast numbers of underperforming stock-keeping units” in 2009. In the stores, customers saw a narrower range of products and more private-label products, so…they shopped elsewhere.
The weather, even here in Atlanta, has been crazy and the thought of Spring and its warmer temperatures makes me long for my childhood home in South Florida. Just the other week we saw upwards of 7 inches of snow here, which closed the city for four days! Many of you have dealt with several feet. So, it is no wonder the idea of Florida right now is quite enticing.
Fulfillment is no longer just about getting products from point A to point B – it's about crafting seamless, scalable, customer first experiences. Flexible fulfillment strategies are more important than ever for those aiming to stay ahead and build resilience as retail enters a new era in 2025. Learn how to optimize fulfillment processes, tackle complex, multi-vendor orders, and create seamless customer experiences – from white-glove delivery for high-value items to quick-ship solutions for ever
VMI is back. While many have spoken of its demise, lately I have found myself engaged with customers, press and analysts about its resurgence. I also have an article set to appear in the Journal of Business Forecasting as well as a whitepaper on the topic, What You Need to Know About the New Collaborative VMI. This is clearly a subject area, similar to S&OP and inventory optimization , that is top of mind for many industry leaders.
'Toyota said it expects to halt production at some of its North American factories due to shortages of parts from Japan following the devastating earthquake. The automaker said it was unclear which facilities would be affected or how long the suspension might last. The impact should be limited because the majority of parts used by its North American factories come from suppliers in North America, Toyota said.
'Global biopharmaceutical company, Bristol-Myers Squibb, has chosen Exel as its third-party logistics provider handling its U.S. distribution. As part of the contract, Exel purchased the existing Bristol-Myers Squibb distribution centers in Mount Vernon, Ind., and will take over operations in the second quarter of this year. Exel will provide logistics operations and finished goods distribution services including storage and distribution of cold and non-cold chain products, clinical trials, samp
Consumer Goods companies appear to be “tool-challenged” when it comes to inventory optimization (IO). At least that is what they think based on a recent survey conducted by Consumer Goods Technology , “ Inventory Optimization—Delivering more than just Inventory Reduction.” Four statistics pulled from this report deliver a clear message regarding the industry’s need for better inventory optimization tools.
The Supplier Relationship Management Playbook is your guide to building effective supplier partnerships that drive supply chain excellence. This playbook equips supply chain professionals with strategies for managing compliance, tracking performance, and fostering collaboration to reduce supply chain risks. Inside, you’ll find: Strategies for Compliance: Best practices to help meet regulatory standards.
'Activant Solutions Inc., a leading technology provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for distributors and specialty retailers, shared its vision for using ERP systems of record in combination with social media to help wholesale distributors improve efficiencies, customer engagement and collaboration at Summit 2011, held in Orlando, Florida, earlier this month.
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