Too much inventory and losing it

Roger OakdenGlobal Logistics

How to lose a lot of money. Being strongly criticised in the media and a lower share price are often the consequences of holding too much or too little inventory. One of those occasions occurred this week, when a major retail chain reported a poor financial result. Commentators hinted that a monster $100m sale will be held soon – not to boost the … Read More

Again it is risk

Roger OakdenGlobal Logistics

Apparel manufacturing in Bangladesh. How are risks of doing business evaluated in your organisation – is it a once per year exercise, a response when things go wrong or a strategic responsibility? The recent collapse of a building outside Dhaka and the reported loss of 1,100 lives once again shines the spotlight on the procurement practices of retailers and whether … Read More

How to save nothing

Roger OakdenGlobal Logistics

After the cuts. Labour productivity is measured by increasing output without increasing labour or maintaining output with reduced labour. The second option means cutting the headcount, either done very quietly or with big announcements. In late 2011 a new State government was elected in Victoria, Australia. A part of its election policy was to ‘reduce waste’ in government services. If … Read More

Retail buying can be high cost

Roger OakdenGlobal Logistics

Grey imports. A business today is most likely to make its profits from how well it purchases goods and services, rather than its selling margins. This is especially true in retailing because competition keeps retail prices in check. It is retail buyers who purchase goods for resale through their employer’s physical and on-line outlets. All to often their measurement of … Read More

Is Africa on your logistics horizon?

Roger OakdenGlobal Logistics

Know your business opportunities.   Being a logistician is different from working in logistics. To be a logistician requires more than knowing how to do the planning and operational roles; you must know why they are done in your organisation – that is, the role they play in the  strategy of your business. The business strategy must not only manage … Read More