Category Archive

Supply Chains will be changing. Over the past forty years, global sourcing, outsourcing and lean structures, overseen by IT networks have often improved efficiency and reduced costs, but they have also allowed the creation of extended (and potentially fragile) supply chains. This occurred on the assumption that the world had entered an era of stability and safety. But that scenario … Read More

Importance of Global Cities. Does a global city automatically qualify as a Logistics Hub (and visa versa)? Due to their increasing influence on world trade, global cities must be on the list of topics that interest Logisticians. Saskia Sasson, a theorist on global cities, calls them “strategic sites than run the world – banks and markets that finance the global … Read More

Factors in a location decision. The criteria for selecting the site for a DC or warehouse have been established for many years. However, the changing structure of larger cities could provide an additional influence on the decisions to be made. It is therefore important to conduct appropriate research and analysis to avoid a less than desirable site and subsequent costly surprises. … Read More

Reverse Logistics activities. Reverse Logistics consists of the activities to bring items back from their current location, through the same or a different supply chain.  It is therefore a cost; but, is that a negative for your enterprise, or a benefit which could produce a positive return? Do not view Reverse Logistics in a negative light; instead, consider all aspects that … Read More

Inventory management challenges. An effective inventory policy is a good theoretical objective, but at a practical level, it becomes difficult to achieve. This is due to senior management’s views concerning the role of inventory and the knowledge and skills of supply chain and logistics professionals to structure a decision making process for an inventory policy. An example of the challenges … Read More