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
Segmentation for structuring supply chain relationships
Commercial relationships in supply chains. The essence of your Supply Network is to manage relationships between buyers and sellers in the core supply chains and to better understand the uncertainties associated with your extended supply chains. Within your core supply chains, the techniques and procedures of planning, buying, inventory storage and distribution are to achieve the expectations concerning ‘delivery in … Read More
Scenario Planning – a tool for responsive supply chains
Supply Chains will be changing. Over the past forty years, global sourcing, outsourcing and lean structures, overseen by IT networks have often improved efficiency and reduced costs, but they have also allowed the creation of extended (and potentially fragile) supply chains. This occurred on the assumption that the world had entered an era of stability and safety. But that scenario … Read More
Is a Global City automatically a Logistics Hub?
Importance of Global Cities. Does a global city automatically qualify as a Logistics Hub (and visa versa)? Due to their increasing influence on world trade, global cities must be on the list of topics that interest Logisticians. Saskia Sasson, a theorist on global cities, calls them “strategic sites than run the world – banks and markets that finance the global … Read More
Information needed when evaluating a Distribution Centre
Factors in a location decision. The criteria for selecting the site for a DC or warehouse have been established for many years. However, the changing structure of larger cities could provide an additional influence on the decisions to be made. It is therefore important to conduct appropriate research and analysis to avoid a less than desirable site and subsequent costly surprises. … Read More