‘Normal’ trade and supply chains Due to the pandemic and the inability of businesses engaged in supply chains to quickly respond, international trade has been disrupted. The expectation is that trade flows will return to ‘normal’ by the end of 2021 (but it may take until mid-2022). However, will ‘normal’ continue to be the same? Currently, about 70 percent of … Read More
Logisticians able to think ahead about supply chain risk
Logisticians have a dual role. First, to effectively and efficiently provide availability of items for customers. Second is to think ahead about the potential disruptions to the organisation’s supply chains and how to mitigate the risks. With the second objective, Logisticians are dealing with unknowns, which are difficult to evaluate, both in supply chains and the wider environment. Complex Adaptive … Read More
Using Cloud technology for Supply Chain applications
Selecting the type of Cloud application Cloud computing is a valid technology approach for transmitting data and information through supply chains, but do not commence the discussion from the view of cost savings. Instead, evaluate the risk factors for your organisation to enable identification of the total cost. Software as a Service (SaaS) is a favoured business model among application … Read More
An old approach is now a new supply chain practice
New in supply chains Ideas and concepts in business, like fashions, have their moment in the sun, then fade as something new appears. But is the ‘new’ just the old with a new name? It can be that concepts once again become popular due to circumstances that are favourable at the time – the stars are aligned. Currently we are … Read More
Capacity within your Supply Chains is an input to S&OP
Capacity in supply chains Like many aspects of supply chains, capacity should not be considered on its own, but within the three elements that provide Availability for a business – capacity, lead times and inventory. A business will recognize the attributes of each element and be comfortable with independent actions inside the organisations that are done to ‘help’ the business: … Read More