The Electric Vehicle Charging Station Infrastructure!

The Electric Vehicle market will continue to expand around the world for decades to come. But one of the limitations with Electric Vehicles is their range of distance on a single charge.

In order to facilitate the growth of Electric Vehicle purchase and use there needs to be a dramatic expansion of the Electric Vehicle charging station infrastructure.

It won’t be enough to just charge your vehicle at home. There will need to be an expansive network of charging stations and options across any and every country.

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The Link Between Physical Security and Supply Chain Success!

70% of companies believe that strong supply chain management is the driving force behind exceptional customer service, while 57% believe that supply chain management gives their company an edge over competitors. Supply chains are an essential part of a fast-moving global economy.

Physical attacks on supply chains generally cause disruptions that can have long-lasting consequences to both reputations and finances. Physical security may seem like a given, but its importance cannot be overstated when considering manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and distribution.

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Examining Future Industry Innovations!

Consumer demand is rising in just about every conceivable industry. Customers want their products better, faster, and stronger; and as they adopt this mantra of “more, more, more”, companies have to keep up. In order to do that, they would have to make some drastic improvements or outright changes in the way they do business through industry innovations – particularly in the supply chain.

Just as advances in Internet-based platforms are improving the way people connect, communicate, and consume, advances in telecommunications, automation, robotics, and information technology are giving industries more power to control, oversee, and optimise their businesses to meet ever-growing demand.

It is no surprise, then, that the latest technologies are the cornerstone of business innovations for the foreseeable future. In this article, we will be taking a look at some of these innovations that are trending among companies and seeing how newer businesses can integrate them into their systems.

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Thesis Ideas for Supply Chain Students!

As students go back to school many of them are entering the final year of their University or College program. Many of these programs require the completion of a thesis or major project of some sort, intended to be an overarching project drawing on all of the knowledge that the students have acquired to that point to put it into application.

My recollection is that this was a stressful period trying to think about what subject you would base your thesis on and hoping it would be good enough to support a full blown these.

As such we thought it would be helpful to outline a number of thesis ideas that have the potential to make for great thesis topics for students to consider.

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How Renting Vans for Long Term Improves Supply Chain!

Renting vans and vehicles for long-term use is a growing trend among companies that need to keep up with increased demand.

These businesses are saving money by leasing their vehicles instead of buying them, and they’re also enjoying improved supply chain management due to their increased mobility and flexibility. But what does this look like on the ground?

If you haven’t already considered renting vans for your business, here are a few ways to benefit your supply chain management efforts.

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How to Optimize Material Handling!

One of the priorities of distribution and manufacturing firms is to regulate costs, especially since they operate with slim margins. This explains why such industries spend a significant time enhancing programs that emphasize advancing operational productivity. However, part of this is to manage and optimize material handling.

Material handling can affect the company’s operation, from forecasting, production, and after-sales to support. And due to the complexity of material handling and its effects on the operating margins, it’s essential for business owners and managers to understand how it works and learn ways to manage it efficiently. 

In this article, we’ll outline tips for optimizing material handling throughout the supply chain.

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Are You Prepared For A Supply Chain Talent Crisis?

SC Viral The Pandemic Diaries

The supply chain talent crisis is a significant problem that will cause widespread disruption in the industry. More workers are retiring, and there are just not enough members from the newer generations interested in the industry.

However, demand for more products, faster and at lower costs is increasing, so supply chain executives need to start thinking about how they can prepare for and respond to the current and forthcoming supply chain talent crisis.

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7 Essential Attributes of Strategic Supplier Partnerships!

Though the phrase partnership is often used, what really constitutes a strategic supplier partnership?

In a previous article about supplier management, I suggested that the more a supplier tells you that they are strategic, the less they really are. Strategic is a term that is often overused. Whether the phrase refers to sourcing, procurement, relationships, or other matters, its use is prevalent.

The notion of partnerships is equally ubiquitous and similarly both mis- and over-used. This article will identify a taxonomy for a strategic partnership between two parties.

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Warehouse Fulfillment – Move Material to the People, Not Vice Versa!

“Here Come The Bots!”

Wow!  This was the headline caption on the presentation I was about to see.  I had just joined the company.  I had just spent the last few years in Retail.  I had done a lot of research on how to improve efficiencies and productivity in Online/E-Commerce Fulfillment Distribution Centres.  And I had lived through the agonizing process and resource challenges of fulfilling E-Commerce orders during the Holiday season, which is far and away the busiest time of the year in Retail.

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The Good Jobs of the Future Belong to Supply Chain!

A new Harvard Business Review article lays out some striking research out of MIT about the role of Supply Chain Management within the broader economy. 

Written by Mercedes Delgado and Karen Mills, the study seeks to better define what constitutes the “Supply Chain” part of the economy, and what doesn’t.

The goal?

To better define Supply Chain Management’s place in the broader economy, and the role it plays in terms of innovation.

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Attracting and Retaining Top Supply Chain Talent!

The hunt for top-notch supply chain talent is as thrilling (sometimes as frustrating) as searching for buried treasure. You know those skilled, adaptable, problem-solving stars are out there.

But in this competitive market, you’ve got to shine brighter than your rivals to win over Supply Chain talent – and then keep them committed. So, what’s the secret formula?

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Competing against Amazon? You Need A Blue Ocean Strategy!

Amazon is far and away the leader in the E-C0mmerce space.  Their growth continues at an exceptional pace.  And they continue to expand their products, services, and capabilities.  In short they continue to press their advantage and make it difficult for anyone else to compete with them.  You need a Blue Ocean strategy!

But if you are in the E-Commerce space that is your reality.  Amazon is the biggest shark in the room.  So how do you compete in the face of such an overwhelming adversary?

One technique is to consider creating your own Blue Ocean Strategy to create competitive advantage!  If you can define dramatically different space in which to do business you may be able to keep this shark, and others, at bay (at least for a period of time).

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Digital Transformation: Lessons from Bitcoin Casinos for Revolutionizing Supply Chain!

The world of business is undergoing a significant shift with the advent of digital transformation. As organizations seek to optimize their operations, supply chain processes have become a focal point for innovation. 

Surprisingly, there are valuable lessons that can be gleaned from an unexpected source: the realm of cryptocurrency casinos. 

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Tesla Supply Chain Issues and Lessons!

Tesla’s relentless research and development produce innovative solutions powered by cutting-edge technology. Tesla is a perfect role model for using advanced automotive technologies that further enhance modern vehicles’ efficiency and safety.

Automobile makers, including Tesla, utilize automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other technologies when designing vehicles, including innovative accessory feature comparisons such as flow formed wheels vs forged

While Tesla’s milestones in automotive manufacturing are impressive, the company also faces a fair share of issues, including supply chain management.

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10 Catastrophic Man-Made Supply Chain Disasters!

My fear is that Supply Chain leaders are getting lazy. I don’t mean that they are lazy in terms of getting their day to day tasks done. But I do mean lazy in terms of making the strategic improvements necessary to create more robust and resilient Supply Chains.

As a case in point, with the end of the global Coronavirus pandemic, far too many companies have forgotten the level of devastation caused by the pandemic and have reverted to their age old ways of doing things.

So to jostle these leaders from their inertia I’ve compiled this list of 10 catastrophic man-made Supply Chain disasters.

1. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (2010)

One of the worst environmental disasters in history, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred due to the explosion of an offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident caused massive oil leakage, leading to devastating environmental damage and disrupting the supply chain of the fishing, tourism and shipping industries in the region.

The result was 205.8 million gallons of oil and 225,000 tons of methane spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. Fish and fishing across 88,000 square miles of water were impacted along with 82,000 birds, 6000 sea turtles, and 26,000 marine mammals. Thousands of jobs were impacted along with billions of dollars of economic impact.

With residual oil remaining in the water the disaster emphasized the need for stringent safety measures and contingency plans to prevent and manage such incidents.

2. Rana Plaza Factory Collapse (2013)

The collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh resulted in the loss of over 1,100 lives. The tragedy exposed the grim reality of poor working conditions and safety standards in the global garment supply chain. And it exposed the lack of care or concern of companies and their sourcing organizations for the working conditions of their suppliers and their employees.

It highlighted the ethical corporate social responsibility of companies to ensure safe working conditions and the importance of transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain amongst all tiers of their suppliers.

3. Volkswagen Emissions Scandal (2015)

Volkswagen’s deliberate manipulation of emission tests revealed a systemic failure in the automotive supply chain. The scandal led to substantial financial losses, legal consequences, and a decline in consumer trust.

The economic and reputational impacts were not confined to VW alone, as their suppliers were impacts as well.

It underscored the significance of ethical practices, integrity, and regulatory compliance within supply chains, emphasizing the need for transparency and monitoring mechanisms.

4. Boeing 737 Max Crisis (2018)

Following two fatal crashes attributed to a software malfunction, the Boeing 737 Max crisis unfolded. The incident resulted in the grounding of the entire 737 Max fleet and significant disruptions in the aviation industry’s supply chain.

Leadership issues, sourcing decisions, design changes, cost cutting decisions, insufficient supplier management and testing, and other factors contributed to the disastrous situation.

The crisis highlighted the criticality of effective quality control, proper training, and thorough testing in the development and deployment of complex technologies.

5. Colonial Pipeline Ransonware Attack (2021)

The ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, one of the largest fuel pipelines in the United States, disrupted fuel supply of almost 50% to the east coast of the US, causing panic buying and fuel shortages.

The incident exposed the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digitalized supply chain landscape.

6. Tianjin Port Explosion (2015)

A series of explosions at the Tianjin Port in China (3rd largest in the world by container volume) caused significant damage to the port infrastructure, disrupting global supply chains, along with loss of life. Tianjin, home to 12 million people is a critical Chinese logistics and manufacturing hub.

The incident emphasized the importance of risk management, contingency planning, and the need for enhanced safety protocols and regulations in the handling and storage of hazardous materials.

7. Foxconn Suicides (2010)

A series of suicides at Foxconn, a major supplier for companies like Apple, raised concerns about labor conditions in the electronics industry. Described as a labor camp with abuses in the working conditions and demands of employees, both Foxconn and their customers, most notably Apple, were forced to take action.

The incidents highlighted the need for improved worker welfare and supply chain transparency, prompting companies to reassess their, and their supplier’s, manufacturing practices and labor standards. This also highlighted the need for companies to do this proactively instead of taking reactive steps.

8. West Coast Port Labor Dispute (2014-15)

The labor dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association at 30 West Coast ports in the United States resulted in severe congestion and disruptions in the supply chain. 14,000 longshoremen impacted the US economy to the tune of $2 billion per day.

The prolonged dispute impacted various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and agriculture, causing delays and economic losses.

9. Galaxy Note 7 Battery Explosions (2016)

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 smartphone experienced widespread battery explosions, leading to a global recall of the product and significant damage to Samsung’s reputation. They were forced to stop production and sales in this highly competitive marketplace.

With the majority of these batteries coming from one supplier, Samsung had to quickly find and qualify alternative suppliers, which also experience battery problems as these products were rushed to market. Manufacturing and design issues were to blame.

10. KFC (2018)

How does the world’s largest chicken franchise run out of chicken? In the UK the company was closing half of its stores due to a lack of supply. KFC switched from a 3PL supplier with 6 distribution centres to a 3PL supplier with one location. The problems quickly surfaced.

The lack of planning and foresight, and understanding of their supply chain, logistics and lead times and delivery times was clearly at issue.

Conclusion

There are endless examples of Supply Chain disasters. And not just from natural events, but from man-made events. There are lessons to be learned by any and every company, big or small, from each of these examples.

Companies cannot rest on their laurels and be lazy. If they do, the next of the catastrophic man-made Supply Chain disasters is heading your way. None of the companies saw the above events coming, even though in most cases they should have. No one is immune.

Which catastrophic man-made Supply Chain disasters would you add to this list?

Originally published on May 16, 2023.