Logistics / Supply Chain: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
What is Logistics & SCM
Introduction to Logistics / Supply Chain Management and its related components. Differentiate between Supply Management and Supply Chain Management. Understand how SCM components work together to give firms a competitive advantage.
Introduction to Logistics / Supply Chain Management and its related components. Differentiate between Supply Management and Supply Chain Management. Understand how SCM components work together to give firms a competitive advantage.
How to Optimize your Inventory
Managing inventory in the supply chain is critical to ensure high customer service levels. However, it is also a very costly asset to maintain. Having the right amount of inventory to meet customer requirements is critical. Find out what inventory best practices reduce inventory costs across the supply chain.
Managing inventory in the supply chain is critical to ensure high customer service levels. However, it is also a very costly asset to maintain. Having the right amount of inventory to meet customer requirements is critical. Find out what inventory best practices reduce inventory costs across the supply chain.
Creating a Logistics Strategy
Understand what drives the logistics strategy of the firm. Learn how to identify the gaps between actual performance and expected performance. Develop a strategy based on key drivers.
Understand what drives the logistics strategy of the firm. Learn how to identify the gaps between actual performance and expected performance. Develop a strategy based on key drivers.
3 Strategies for Inventory
Here are three inventory reduction strategies that are a result of supplier partnerships. Each strategy requires closer relationships with suppliers in addition to web-enabled information systems to track and monitor product movement and create better forecasts. Issues to consider when considering these strategies include confidentiality and inventory ownership.
Here are three inventory reduction strategies that are a result of supplier partnerships. Each strategy requires closer relationships with suppliers in addition to web-enabled information systems to track and monitor product movement and create better forecasts. Issues to consider when considering these strategies include confidentiality and inventory ownership.
What is Logistics & SCM?
Introduction to Logistics / Supply Chain Management and its related components. Differentiate between Supply Management and Supply Chain Management. Understand how SCM components work together to give firms a competitive advantage.
Introduction to Logistics / Supply Chain Management and its related components. Differentiate between Supply Management and Supply Chain Management. Understand how SCM components work together to give firms a competitive advantage.
5 Steps to Process Map SCM
A process map is a tool that may be used to reduce bottlenecks and complexity and identify areas for continuous improvement. It is particularly useful in describing cross-functional interactions between different functional areas.
A process map is a tool that may be used to reduce bottlenecks and complexity and identify areas for continuous improvement. It is particularly useful in describing cross-functional interactions between different functional areas.
3PL Advantages
The use of third-party logistics providers has grown steadily since their inception in the 1980’s and continues to grow. Many large organizations have either partially or fully outsourced their logistics operations; however, smaller organizations have been slow to follow. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing your logistics operations to a third-party logistics provider.
The use of third-party logistics providers has grown steadily since their inception in the 1980’s and continues to grow. Many large organizations have either partially or fully outsourced their logistics operations; however, smaller organizations have been slow to follow. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing your logistics operations to a third-party logistics provider.
Sample Case Studies
Here are three excellent Logistics / Supply Chain Management case studies, complete with teaching notes. They cover the evolution of 3PL’s to 4PL’s, challenges faced when implementing Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), and operational issues when delivering to multiple start-up locations within a project timeline.
Here are three excellent Logistics / Supply Chain Management case studies, complete with teaching notes. They cover the evolution of 3PL’s to 4PL’s, challenges faced when implementing Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), and operational issues when delivering to multiple start-up locations within a project timeline.
A History of Logistics / SCM
Logistics has always been a critical part as one of the 4 P’s in Marketing: Product, Place, Price and Promotion. The “Place” component ensures the product is at the right place, at the right time, in the right quantity and the right quality. Read about how the logistics discipline started and where it is headed.
Logistics has always been a critical part as one of the 4 P’s in Marketing: Product, Place, Price and Promotion. The “Place” component ensures the product is at the right place, at the right time, in the right quantity and the right quality. Read about how the logistics discipline started and where it is headed.
Improve Warehouse Operations
Increase productivity and accuracy in warehouse operations by focusing on Receiving and Picking processes. Set realistic and meaningful productivity standards.
Increase productivity and accuracy in warehouse operations by focusing on Receiving and Picking processes. Set realistic and meaningful productivity standards.
Key Performance Indicators
A Key Performance Indicator is a management metric that measures the performance of the logistical system. Customer service, cost, productivity, quality and asset management are all areas that may be measured.
A Key Performance Indicator is a management metric that measures the performance of the logistical system. Customer service, cost, productivity, quality and asset management are all areas that may be measured.
Effective SCM Forecasting
Follow this five-step approach to help your organization generate better forecasts. The benefits of better forecasting include reduced inventory levels and better customer service through higher in-stock rates.
Follow this five-step approach to help your organization generate better forecasts. The benefits of better forecasting include reduced inventory levels and better customer service through higher in-stock rates.
Reduce Purchasing Costs
In a typical organization, 80% of the purchasing transactions represent approximately 20% of the total dollars spent. Many organizations spend the same amount of money to process a $1,000 transaction as a $10,000 transaction. Here are four methodologies that may be deployed to reduce small value purchase transaction costs which involve consolidation and automation. Find out which approach will work best for you.
In a typical organization, 80% of the purchasing transactions represent approximately 20% of the total dollars spent. Many organizations spend the same amount of money to process a $1,000 transaction as a $10,000 transaction. Here are four methodologies that may be deployed to reduce small value purchase transaction costs which involve consolidation and automation. Find out which approach will work best for you.
Implementing an ERP System
Your organization has decided to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Whether the driver for change is that the current Legacy system is out-of-date, cannot handle the volume or is causing customer service issues, it is imperative that your organization not fall into the trap that plagued hundreds early ERP adopters. Here are a number of steps to a successful implementation as well as issues to avoid which may lead to failure.
Your organization has decided to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Whether the driver for change is that the current Legacy system is out-of-date, cannot handle the volume or is causing customer service issues, it is imperative that your organization not fall into the trap that plagued hundreds early ERP adopters. Here are a number of steps to a successful implementation as well as issues to avoid which may lead to failure.
Inventory Reduction Strategies
Can you remember the last time you went to the grocery store to buy ketchup for your weekend barbecue? How many different brands, flavors, packages, sizes, etc. did you find? Can you imagine no less than 15? Here are four long-term inventory reduction strategies that will help reduce inventory while maintaining customer service.
Can you remember the last time you went to the grocery store to buy ketchup for your weekend barbecue? How many different brands, flavors, packages, sizes, etc. did you find? Can you imagine no less than 15? Here are four long-term inventory reduction strategies that will help reduce inventory while maintaining customer service.
4 Steps to Manage SCM Risks
Implement a risk management strategy to minimize potential disruptions in your supply chain.
Implement a risk management strategy to minimize potential disruptions in your supply chain.
4 Forecasting Methods for SCM
Listed below is a brief description of four forecasting methods that may be used to generate a demand forecast for a product. They are listed in order of effort required to product the forecast.
Listed below is a brief description of four forecasting methods that may be used to generate a demand forecast for a product. They are listed in order of effort required to product the forecast.
Programs Available
Here is a list of logistics / supply chain management courses & programs available in the US, Canada and on-line.
Here is a list of logistics / supply chain management courses & programs available in the US, Canada and on-line.
Logistics / Supply Chain - Articles
An index of Articles for the Logistics / Supply Chain guide site.
An index of Articles for the Logistics / Supply Chain guide site.
Logistics Network Design
A Logistics Network Design initiative is a strategic analysis of your entire supply chain. Some of the strategic questions that are asked are:
A Logistics Network Design initiative is a strategic analysis of your entire supply chain. Some of the strategic questions that are asked are:
Choose the Right Supplier
Quite often, organizations use price as the determining factor when considering which supplier to select. While price is an important determining factor, other dimensions such as quality, lead time and payment terms must not be overlooked. Here is a comprehensive list of criteria that may be used to make the best decision.
Quite often, organizations use price as the determining factor when considering which supplier to select. While price is an important determining factor, other dimensions such as quality, lead time and payment terms must not be overlooked. Here is a comprehensive list of criteria that may be used to make the best decision.
Logistics / SCM Associations
Here is a list of professional associations that exist in the US and Canada. Join one to keep up-to-date with leading edge Logistics / SCM technology solutions and approaches. They also offer plant tours, product demonstrations and industry forums to educate both new practitioners as well as highly seasoned executives.
Here is a list of professional associations that exist in the US and Canada. Join one to keep up-to-date with leading edge Logistics / SCM technology solutions and approaches. They also offer plant tours, product demonstrations and industry forums to educate both new practitioners as well as highly seasoned executives.
Cross Dock
Cross Dock is a process where goods are received at a warehouse or Distribution Center and it flows in & out of the facility without being held in inventory.
Cross Dock is a process where goods are received at a warehouse or Distribution Center and it flows in & out of the facility without being held in inventory.
Warehouse Management System
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software package that adds value to warehouse operations so they may be more efficiently and effectively executed.
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software package that adds value to warehouse operations so they may be more efficiently and effectively executed.
Purchasing: Centralized?
Should you consider centralizing or decentralizing your operational activities? The answer lies in understanding the costs and benefits of both options in terms if the impact to purchase cost and customer service. Find out what criteria should be evaluated to make an informed decision.
Should you consider centralizing or decentralizing your operational activities? The answer lies in understanding the costs and benefits of both options in terms if the impact to purchase cost and customer service. Find out what criteria should be evaluated to make an informed decision.
Safety Stock
Description of Safety Stock.
Description of Safety Stock.
Cycle Stock
Definition of Cycle Stock.
Definition of Cycle Stock.
Performance Measurement System
Implementing a work performance measurement system can seem like a daunting task, especially if there has never been a system in place in the past. Some of the benefits are: Increased productivity and accuracy; Lower turnover; Better labor planning & scheduling; and decreased cycle time. Learn the steps to implement a successful work performance measurement system.
Implementing a work performance measurement system can seem like a daunting task, especially if there has never been a system in place in the past. Some of the benefits are: Increased productivity and accuracy; Lower turnover; Better labor planning & scheduling; and decreased cycle time. Learn the steps to implement a successful work performance measurement system.
cpfr
Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR)
Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR)
Stock Keeping Unit
A Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a number assigned to an item that describes its unique characteristics.
A Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a number assigned to an item that describes its unique characteristics.
4 Competitive Trends in SCM
Globalization, price deflation, supply chain competitiveness and customer service are the most prominent trends in the supply chain industry in the 21st century. Dynamic markets, characterized by turbulence from changing consumer demands, lower costs and reduced margins means organizations must re-engineer their processes to remain competitive.
Globalization, price deflation, supply chain competitiveness and customer service are the most prominent trends in the supply chain industry in the 21st century. Dynamic markets, characterized by turbulence from changing consumer demands, lower costs and reduced margins means organizations must re-engineer their processes to remain competitive.
Create an Agile Supply Chain
Agility deals with how responsive supply chains are to changing customer demands. The North American automotive industry is a prime example of how to synchronize the arrival of parts just-in-time basis to meet production requirements. Implement these three initiatives to create an agile supply chain.
Agility deals with how responsive supply chains are to changing customer demands. The North American automotive industry is a prime example of how to synchronize the arrival of parts just-in-time basis to meet production requirements. Implement these three initiatives to create an agile supply chain.
Warehouse Coaching for Success
Coaching your warehouse employees to improve performance is a process that requires constant attention. Supervisors and other warehouse management must be visible in the warehouse in order to communicate expectations effectively. Only when these expectations are reinforced on a daily basis will increased productivity performance be sustainable.
Coaching your warehouse employees to improve performance is a process that requires constant attention. Supervisors and other warehouse management must be visible in the warehouse in order to communicate expectations effectively. Only when these expectations are reinforced on a daily basis will increased productivity performance be sustainable.
Risk Management Strategy
Implement a risk management strategy to minimize potential disruptions in your supply chain.
Implement a risk management strategy to minimize potential disruptions in your supply chain.
4 Reverse Logistics Options
Reverse Logistics is the process of handling products. Some of the more typical reasons for returns are: product recalls, customer returns, damages and overstock. The Distribution Center sorts through items to decide the most economical course of action, which includes: refurbishment, recycling, return to stock or disposal. Here are some options on how to manage this process effectively.
Reverse Logistics is the process of handling products. Some of the more typical reasons for returns are: product recalls, customer returns, damages and overstock. The Distribution Center sorts through items to decide the most economical course of action, which includes: refurbishment, recycling, return to stock or disposal. Here are some options on how to manage this process effectively.
B2B E-Commerce Case Studies
Here are two case studies that deal with the implementation of B2B e-commerce functionality that provides organizations with e-collaboration and e-business services to better manage their supply chain.
Here are two case studies that deal with the implementation of B2B e-commerce functionality that provides organizations with e-collaboration and e-business services to better manage their supply chain.
Outsourcing Logistics
Depending on the size and scope of your business, you may want to consider outsourcing your logistics operations. For small companies, couriers offer small business services at reduced rates. For larger organizations, third party logistics providers (3PL’s) offer long-term contractual relationships.
Depending on the size and scope of your business, you may want to consider outsourcing your logistics operations. For small companies, couriers offer small business services at reduced rates. For larger organizations, third party logistics providers (3PL’s) offer long-term contractual relationships.
4 Reasons to Outsource
The outsourcing revolution has begun. Long gone are the days since Henry Ford pioneered the vertically integrated organization and convinced everyone that it was the best model to strive for. The new competitive weapon for leading organizations now is to stick with what they do best – and leave everything else to someone else.
The outsourcing revolution has begun. Long gone are the days since Henry Ford pioneered the vertically integrated organization and convinced everyone that it was the best model to strive for. The new competitive weapon for leading organizations now is to stick with what they do best – and leave everything else to someone else.
Purchasing Case Studies
A list of case studies that address issues such as strategic sourcing, e-procurement and best practices for purchasing.
A list of case studies that address issues such as strategic sourcing, e-procurement and best practices for purchasing.
Racking 101
Selecting the right storage module for your product can make a difference with space requirements and the productivity of your operations. Find out how to determine which type of racking system is the best choice based on your storage needs.
Selecting the right storage module for your product can make a difference with space requirements and the productivity of your operations. Find out how to determine which type of racking system is the best choice based on your storage needs.
Steps to Warehouse Automation
Automating warehouse operations requires careful planning to be successful. It’s a bit like renovating in your existing home while you are living in it; Contractors will be milling about, new problems such as old wiring or poor piping will be discovered behind walls, and cost overruns are likely. Add the stress from family members about project completion and it is easy to see that this scenario can turn into a nightmare.
Automating warehouse operations requires careful planning to be successful. It’s a bit like renovating in your existing home while you are living in it; Contractors will be milling about, new problems such as old wiring or poor piping will be discovered behind walls, and cost overruns are likely. Add the stress from family members about project completion and it is easy to see that this scenario can turn into a nightmare.
Mapping Your Supply Chain Risk
Supply chains are becoming more and more vulnerable. The reason? Globalization as trade barriers are removed among countries, the trend towards outsourcing non-core operations, the reduction of the number of suppliers in an effort to drive more cost efficiencies and centralized distribution practices. It is becoming more and more crucial to map your supply chain risk profile to mitigate future risks.
Supply chains are becoming more and more vulnerable. The reason? Globalization as trade barriers are removed among countries, the trend towards outsourcing non-core operations, the reduction of the number of suppliers in an effort to drive more cost efficiencies and centralized distribution practices. It is becoming more and more crucial to map your supply chain risk profile to mitigate future risks.
Software Selection Guide
With thousands of software programs to choose from, how do you go about searching for the best one to meet your needs? This can be a daunting task, as we have all heard horror stories of software implementations go awry – and don’t want to be in the same boat. By following the software selection process outlined below you will build confidence to select the right software for you.
With thousands of software programs to choose from, how do you go about searching for the best one to meet your needs? This can be a daunting task, as we have all heard horror stories of software implementations go awry – and don’t want to be in the same boat. By following the software selection process outlined below you will build confidence to select the right software for you.
Strategic Network Factors
When designing a logistics network, strategic factors such as speed to market, infrastructure and network size are pivotal to determining a network that will deliver the intended level of customer service. Managing the trade-offs among these levers properly is the key to getting it right.
When designing a logistics network, strategic factors such as speed to market, infrastructure and network size are pivotal to determining a network that will deliver the intended level of customer service. Managing the trade-offs among these levers properly is the key to getting it right.
Logistics Software Suppliers
Here is a list of some of the main players in the logistics network design software market. These tools will help optimize your supply chain network as well as evaluate other 'what-if' scenarios to determine the least total logistics costs while maintaining customer service levels.
Here is a list of some of the main players in the logistics network design software market. These tools will help optimize your supply chain network as well as evaluate other 'what-if' scenarios to determine the least total logistics costs while maintaining customer service levels.
Logistics / SCM Resources
Here are a number of resources and publications for Logistics / Supply Chain Management.
Here are a number of resources and publications for Logistics / Supply Chain Management.
APICS
APICS The Association for Operations Management offers training, certification and resources for operations management, production, inventory, supply chain, purchasing and logistics. It also organizes an annual conference where industry professionals network and share best practices.
APICS The Association for Operations Management offers training, certification and resources for operations management, production, inventory, supply chain, purchasing and logistics. It also organizes an annual conference where industry professionals network and share best practices.
Logistics Information Systems
With the advent of greater computing power that is becoming more and more cost effective, logistical information systems have been flourishing. But the question remains: how much information technology is enough? IT systems can be broken down into four areas: Transaction systems; management control systems; decision analysis systems; and strategic planning systems. Each area contributes to an organization’s competitive advantage.
With the advent of greater computing power that is becoming more and more cost effective, logistical information systems have been flourishing. But the question remains: how much information technology is enough? IT systems can be broken down into four areas: Transaction systems; management control systems; decision analysis systems; and strategic planning systems. Each area contributes to an organization’s competitive advantage.
Choose the Right Lift Truck
Not sure what type of lift truck you need to your operation? Here are some of the more popular vehicles and factors to take into consideration to ensure the right equipment is selected for your needs.
Not sure what type of lift truck you need to your operation? Here are some of the more popular vehicles and factors to take into consideration to ensure the right equipment is selected for your needs.
Logistics / Supply Chain - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Logistics / Supply Chain guide site.
An index of HowTos for the Logistics / Supply Chain guide site.
Retail-Ready Initiatives
Retail-ready processes enable your operation to ensure that products are placed in the selling space for your customers in the fastest possible time. This means products are available when needed, improving customer service and increasing sales due to less stock-outs.
Retail-ready processes enable your operation to ensure that products are placed in the selling space for your customers in the fastest possible time. This means products are available when needed, improving customer service and increasing sales due to less stock-outs.
RFID Applications
The use of both active and passive RFID tags is increasing visibility in the supply chain across many different industries. Find out what applications have been successfully implemented.
The use of both active and passive RFID tags is increasing visibility in the supply chain across many different industries. Find out what applications have been successfully implemented.
Track Poductivity Using T&A
How well does your Distribution Center track its productivity? If you do not have a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and are tracking productivity manually or on spreadsheets, consider modifying your existing Time and Attendance System (T&A) to deliver productivity reporting.
How well does your Distribution Center track its productivity? If you do not have a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and are tracking productivity manually or on spreadsheets, consider modifying your existing Time and Attendance System (T&A) to deliver productivity reporting.
Time and Attendance System
A Time and Attendance (TA) system is a software package that tracks employee hours and how they are utilized in a warehouse operation.
A Time and Attendance (TA) system is a software package that tracks employee hours and how they are utilized in a warehouse operation.
IWLA
The IWLA is an organization whose exclusive members are in the 3rd party logistics business. It offers its members opportunities to increase profits and reduce costs with its product and service offerings.
The IWLA is an organization whose exclusive members are in the 3rd party logistics business. It offers its members opportunities to increase profits and reduce costs with its product and service offerings.
SCL
SCL is an organization that provides networking, educational and training opportunities in Logistics / Supply Chain Management for its members. It coordinates industry tours, roundtable discussions and is involved with government studies in the Logistics / SCM area.
SCL is an organization that provides networking, educational and training opportunities in Logistics / Supply Chain Management for its members. It coordinates industry tours, roundtable discussions and is involved with government studies in the Logistics / SCM area.
The Logistics Institute
The Logistics Institute is an organization that provides certification to logistics professionals through its P. Log. (Professional Logistician) designation. It also hosts training programs to educate its members on an on-going basis.
The Logistics Institute is an organization that provides certification to logistics professionals through its P. Log. (Professional Logistician) designation. It also hosts training programs to educate its members on an on-going basis.
Bold
Jim Tompkins draws parallels between leadership and supply chain management.
Jim Tompkins draws parallels between leadership and supply chain management.
WERC
WERC is primarily focused on the warehouse management function within Logistics / Supply Chain Management. It offers its members opportunities to share practical best practices and innovations.
WERC is primarily focused on the warehouse management function within Logistics / Supply Chain Management. It offers its members opportunities to share practical best practices and innovations.
Logistics / Supply Chain - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Logistics / Supply Chain guide site.
An index of Profiles for the Logistics / Supply Chain guide site.
Leadership in Supply Chains
Jim Tompkins draws parallels between leadership and supply chain management.
Jim Tompkins draws parallels between leadership and supply chain management.
CSCMP
This organization is based in the US and its purpose is to promote a better understanding of the supply chain function. It offers networking and educational opportunities for its members in North America, Europe and Asia. This organization is very education-focused and discourages suppliers from marketing their products during events.
This organization is based in the US and its purpose is to promote a better understanding of the supply chain function. It offers networking and educational opportunities for its members in North America, Europe and Asia. This organization is very education-focused and discourages suppliers from marketing their products during events.
Product Registries
Product registries enable the efficient transfer of data among supply chain partners. Technologies such as bar-coding and RFID which are used in conjunction with the registries provide seamless information transferability. The benefits are reduced errors and increased product availability.
Product registries enable the efficient transfer of data among supply chain partners. Technologies such as bar-coding and RFID which are used in conjunction with the registries provide seamless information transferability. The benefits are reduced errors and increased product availability.
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