Supply Chain is a concept The term ‘supply chain’ was introduced in an article of the early 1980s and its use in businesses began about ten years later, but supply chains have existed since people commenced making and trading items. The publicity concerning international disruption to trade has helped the term enter general conversations, but it is used with limited … Read More
Improving Supply Chains under Uncertainty through 2025
Uncertainty in 2025 Much has been written and spoken about possible scenarios for business and supply chains in 2025. But the impression of outcomes gained from commentators’ articles is ‘don’t know’. This is an unsettling view to rely on when considering improvements to the operations of your organisation’s supply chains. An outcome of ‘don’t know’ implies heightened uncertainty, with difficulty … Read More
Thinking about change in your Supply Chains for 2025
Restrictions, Interruptions and Disruptions It is a waste of effort to think of trends in supply chains that your organisation could apply in 2025. Headlines about restrictions, interruptions and disruptions to supply chains, caused by humans and nature, are likely to gain more attention from senior management. Instead, think about actions that better positions your organisation’s response to possible events. … Read More
Changes in supply chains occur for convenience products
Convenience products Convenience products for consumers are ‘the products they need, but are not willing to spend much time or effort when shopping’. The purchase can be an impulse buy, so retail shelves can be quickly depleted, requiring constant replenishment. These convenience products are handled through supply chains as Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). The … Read More
Sales markets, forecasts and bias affect Supply Chains
Assumptions about a sales market Over the years, much has been written and spoken about the importance of an ‘accurate’ forecasts of sales. But what if the underlying assumptions about a market are wrong, in which case, forecast accuracy has little meaning. And its the Supply Chains group that must clear the debris left behind when reality strikes. This situation … Read More