Supply Chain Management Archives - Page 7 of 14

Can Blockchain Unblock Supply Chain?

How Industry 4.0 is Changing and How Blockchain Fits!

When people hear about Blockchain technology they think of “Bitcoin” and because of this association – The underlying Blockchain technology has been always been viewed suspiciously due its rather radical approach to data sharing on an open platform using cryptography. Can Blockchain unblock Supply Chain?

However the application of the Blockchain technology itself is not just limited to digital currency as the technology can be used for open collaboration for any information across almost any industry.

This article introduces the concept of Blockchain technology and discusses its application in revolutionizing the traditional supply chain processes which are often based on “multiple bilateral links joined together to form a chain” as opposed to the Blockchain which is based on the “formation of an open ecosystem for collaboration”.

Supply Chain Risk Management is a Cirque Du Soleil Calibre Act!

Disaster Strikes!!! Is Your Supply Chain Ready To Recover?

Recently we took our Granddaughter to see a Cirque du Soleil show. While we had seen several Cirque shows before it was her first time. The show made an indelible impression on her. She talked about it for weeks and will remember it for the rest of her life. We were proud that we gave her such a lifelong memory.

In thinking about the show and its construct I thought about the incredible amount of risk that the performers and producers are managing. These world class performers have astonishing talent but they are also working in an environment designed to eliminate risk and maximize safety.

Supply Chain Professionals, although not usually theatrical like Cirque du Soleil, also work in an environment in which they are managing a tremendous amount of risk. While most jobs are not life threatening the level of risk is still prevalent.

What are the risks that Supply Chain people deal with every day and what is Supply Chain Risk Management?

The Importance of Supply Chain in the Apparel Industry!

Apparel Fulfillment – A Sneak Peek!

Apparel supply chain management is a key factor in determining the success of the apparel business. In any industry, an efficient supply chain is important to make the product reach the customer on time, and in optimum condition.

By means of optimizing the operations within the supply chain, maximum level of efficiency can be achieved, which in turn, leads to growth for the business.

Defining the New Normal in Supply Chain! What’s Normal Anyways?

10 Vital Supply Chain Lessons from the Coronavirus Pandemic!

The Coronavirus pandemic has upended almost every aspect of our personal and business lives. And now we hear talk about this “new normal”.

The economic and personal turmoil has been unprecedented. But with uncertainty around the future spread of the Covid-19 virus and uncertainty about the arrival of some kind of vaccine there is increasingly talk of a new normal.

A new normal implies a significant change from our ways of living and doing business as compared to how we lived and worked before we heard of the Coronavirus.

What is this ‘new normal’ state?

And what is the new normal in Supply Chain?

Where Should Supply Chain Time Be Spent After the Pandemic?

10 Vital Supply Chain Lessons from the Coronavirus Pandemic!

The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives and the global economy. From shortages of toilet paper to personal protective equipment (PPE) to lockdowns of businesses and channels of every form, Supply Chain has been at the epicentre of this disruption and it has consumed all Supply Chain time.

The pandemic has caused Supply Chain professionals to scramble to restore supply lines, respond to highly volatile demand patterns, find alternate logistics channels, and work under the restrictions of home quarantine.

But the time will come when day to day Supply Chain issue firefighting will ease. Then will come the time to translate these experiences into new strategies, improved processes and greater investments in technology and personnel development.

Where should Supply Chain professionals be spending their time when we get past the pandemic?

5 Tips for Students: Navigating the Complex World of Supply Chain in Your Dissertation!

Thesis Ideas for Supply Chain Students!

Businesses cutting across various sectors have encountered unexpected disruptions, leading to the realization that their supply chains are more complex than previously thought. Such complexities bring in several challenges rather than benefits.

While trying to manage this increasing uncertainty and adjust to the ever-evolving business environments, simplifying these complex supply chains has become an important objective.

But what exactly is meant by supply chain complexity? What are we referring to when talking about the extreme complexity of modern supply chains?

Shiny New Technology or Back to the Basics? What is Your Strategy?

Imagining the Supply Chain of the Future!

We hear about all of this cool and exciting new technology every day. Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Drones and Autonomous Vehicles, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Big Data and more.

As such it’s easy to become enamoured with the prospects of implementing these brand new technologies in your company.

But for many companies they are struggling each and every day just to get the basics right. Ensuring deliveries are on time, making sure purchase orders are placed, changed, and acknowledged, keeping track of and reducing inventory levels, managing forecasts and forecast accuracy, and training and retaining resources are just a few of the basics that companies are working vigilantly to address every hour of every day.

Given pressures to reduce costs, improve productivity, increase competitiveness and increase asset velocity what should your strategic focus be?

Shiny new technology or boring old basics?

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Supply Chain Management! (Or is that 4,000 years?)

Supply Chain’s Moment of Truth Has Arrived!

In 1982 Keith Oliver is credited with coining the phrase “Supply Chain Management”. As I began my career in 1982 I can attest to the fact that the term Supply Chain was not in general use at that time. In fact it would be many years before anyone started to hear that phrase being widely used.

So it is appropriate that in 2022 we look back at the last 40 years. But in reality all of the functions and responsibilities that constitute Supply Chain Management have been around for thousands of years.

Let’s take some time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Supply Chain Management!

Digital Marketing and Supply Chain Synergy: Enhancing Online Presence!

How to Create a Digital Marketing Strategy for a Logistics Company!

In an age where every click, like, and share counts more than ever, industries across the board, including logistics and supply chain management, are turning to digital marketing for visibility, engagement, and, ultimately, business growth.

This strategic blend of digital marketing with traditional industries like logistics isn’t just about staying relevant; it’s about thriving in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

How to Avoid Supply Chain Bottlenecks!

Breaking your Supply Chain Traffic Jam!

It’s easy to visualize your supply chain as a river, flowing from one point to another. Along the way, it can branch out into various tributaries and meet various bottlenecks — but like running water, any item in the supply chain will find its way to its destination eventually.

Yet just as a dam can hold back the flow and slow it down, your processes can be encumbered by bottlenecks.

There are many reasons why a bottleneck may develop in your logistics, but the effects it can have are all negative. If left unaddressed, they can cause delays, hurt productivity and waste resources.

None of these is good for your business’s bottom line, which means it’s crucial to know what causes them and how to address them.

6 Common Causes of Supply Chain Disruptions and How to Overcome Them!

Disaster Strikes!!! Is Your Supply Chain Ready To Recover?

In the multifaceted world of supply chain management, there are numerous variables that can cause unexpected disruptions. From natural disasters and IT issues to fluctuations in global politics, these challenges require strategic planning.

We’ve laid out six common causes of such Supply Chain disruptions along with potential solutions for each one, giving you the means to put your own contingencies in place.

Interest Rate Increases and Their Impacts on Supply Chain!

Supply Chain’s Moment of Truth Has Arrived!

The spectre of inflation reared its ugly head in 2022, just as the world was climbing out of the pandemic and looking forward to getting back to normal.

The interest rate increases by banks around the world, designed to reduce the rate of inflation, will continue to have impacts on Supply Chain across several dimensions.

Let’s discuss the various implications of these increase rate increases on Supply Chains everywhere.

How Blockchain Helps Improve Supply Chain!

4 Ways Blockchain is Revolutionizing Supply Chain!

Supply chain management has witnessed a growing blockchain application in recent times. Zion Market Research says that by 2028, the market for blockchain technology in supply chain management will be worth more than $3.1 trillion, growing at a rate of 51.3% per year.

This technology could make it easier for retailers, wholesalers, and financial institutions to work together by speeding up product delivery, lowering costs, and making it easier to track products.

Blockchain is thought to have a revolutionary effect and could change how supply chain management systems work.

Supply Chain and Procurement in the Digital Age!

The Supply Chain Renaissance Has Begun!

If your supply chain is more visible, you can halt minor issues like order mistakes or project delays and react to problems more quickly. If you want to increase the efficiency, reliability, and robustness of your firm’s whole supply chain, having rapid and easy accessibility to that sort of knowledge is essential.

This is the future as Supply Chain and Procurement enter the Digital Age.

Why Effective Supply Chain is Critical to a Successful ECommerce Business!

E-Commerce Needs These Supply Chain Systems !

To thrive as a successful eCommerce business, you need to manage your supply chain effectively. In practice, this accurately monitors stock levels and ensures the smooth transfer of products and supplies. Combined, these factors keep customers coming back and generate revenue for your company.

Understanding the unique demands of an eCommerce supply chain can be complex. We’ve outlined a few things you should know about managing one effectively in our quick guide below.