IT needs of different groups Supply Chain professionals must be aware of current and new technologies that can improve the movement and storage of goods, but also be aware of the realities concerning adoption and implementation. Each group in a supply chain (shippers, LSPs and product sellers) has a role in many supply chains, but their technology needs will differ, … Read More
Reducing Power and Dependency in Supply Chains Cloud
Risks when relying on the Cloud Data and information have value, so organisations need to ideally own, manage and control their supply chain data and information. But this can be a challenge in a Cloud based IT world. The continual message about ‘partners’ and ‘partnerships’ in business can hide the fact that suppliers are in business to make a profit. … Read More
Logistics analysis: total cost of holding inventory
Lowest Total Cost of Inventory Calculating the cost of holding inventory is typically not available in supply chain applications. But this is one of the required inputs for establishing and maintaining an Inventory Policy. Approaches to determining the amount of inventory needed to satisfy customer expectations range from a ‘rule of thumb’ approach such as ‘order X weeks of stock … Read More
Container ports congestion and delays in supply chains
Visibility by Logistics Service Providers The wish for visibility through supply chains has risen in surveys over the past twelve months. However, the current congestion and delays at some ports illustrate that whenever the movement of items is controlled by Logistics Services Providers (LSPs), there is a limited range of options for the shipper. Even if you are aware or … Read More
Visibility through Supply Chains is more than IT
What is Visibility? Visibility has been a supply chain buzzword over the past twelve months. The better a Logistician can view what is happening through their supply chains, then responses when activities go ‘off plan’ should improve. But what does visibility mean for Logisticians? There are two aspects; one is to ‘see’ the physical movement and storage of goods and … Read More