IT applications which meet the need. Commentators are telling us that to be successful, manufacturers and distributors operating in an ‘on-demand’ economy will require to integrate the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and multiple other technologies. But what they do not write about are the software requirements to plan the flow of materials and resources through an Agile supply … Read More
Agile supply chains have challenges for your business
Technologies and Agile. Going Agile is not an easy road. The Internet of Things (IoT) is often portraid as one of the technologies that will help to solve manufacturing and distribution problems; for example, a recent promotion for a conference stated that IoT will help provide Agility for businesses and increase the bottom-line (profit). But is this a true statement? … Read More
Agile is the way we want to do business, or is it?
Agile sounds a good place to be. Being Agile in your core supply chains is gaining prominence in media articles and conference streams. This is in comparison with past years and the push for a ‘Lean’ approach. Agile is “having the power of quick motion; nimble”, but can (or should) your business have this objective? Before rushing into an Agile … Read More
Innovations require effective planning of supply chains
Innovation and Continuous Improvement. Media articles and programmes that are focused on innovative technologies for business make much of the technical aspects, sometimes address the social (i.e employment) aspects, but rarely discuss the required integrated systems challenges. We have been there before in the 1980’s, with the advent of innovations associated with computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). It went through the … Read More
Segmentation of a supply chain improves the planning
Why Segmentation in supply chains? The role of Supply Chain professionals is to provide Availability. This intention is defined through expectations concerning ‘delivery in full, on time, with accuracy’ (DIFOTA), established between the selling and buying parties to an agreement or contract. To achieve the agreement requires planning of distribution, storage, inventory, operations and buying. However, Availability is influenced or affected … Read More