Decisions and costs. Your CEO makes an announcement about a change in policy. The statement may sound straightforward, but must Supply Chains be changed to meet the new objective? And does the CEO understand what the Supply Chain professionals will need to do and by when? These questions were highlighted by the actions of a major discount department store chain … Read More
Better decisions – is more and better data the answer?
Data and decisions. Put more and ‘better’ Supply Chain data in the hands of decision makers – does it result in better decisions? In articles written about big data, internet of things and other such technology advances, there appears to be an underlying acceptance that the hypothesis is proven – but is this correct? The question was asked in relation … Read More
Position your Logistics Service Provider firm for growth
The LSP market. What business development options does a mid-size Logistics Services Provider (LSP) have, given the forecasts for growth in world trade? Is it a ‘glass half full or half empty’ scenario – plan for growth or continuing slowdown? These thoughts occurred recently when a large 3PL in Australia (although mid-size in world terms) announced their intention to commence … Read More
Steps in developing a successful Supply Chain strategy
Who knows your Supply Chain strategy? The Supply Chain strategy of your organisation could be a hidden surprise to most employees or even managers. To understand the situation, consultants with a brief to identify improvements in areas such as profitability, productivity and new product introduction may often commence their assignment with an exercise. A blank card is given to a … Read More
Supply Chains are a part of Marketing’s brand equity
Branding includes Supply Chains. Texts concerned with marketing are likely to emphasise that a brand is a name and symbol that identifies a product or service of a seller. A brand differentiate the organisation or product from competitors and involves investment in packaging, advertising and promotion. But is this really the extent of branding? The objective of a brand is … Read More