Threat of ‘stranded assets’ You are a busy supply chain professional. Should future developments in supply chains be based on the scenario that has existed for your time working in the field? But, scenarios can change, caused by market forces, technology developments or government action. When unplanned change occurs, logistics assets built for one mode of moving goods can be … Read More
Transport costs do not reduce because delivery is ‘free’
Transport is not free We know there is ‘no such thing as a free lunch’ – somewhere, someone has to pay. And so it is with transport. The term ‘free delivery’ has entered the language of logistics, so that even industrial and retail shippers expect a continuing reduction in freight costs, irrespective of the situation. Costs are incurred in the … Read More
Supply Chain professionals and their ‘key shape’ style
Supply Chain function performance is not enough A Supply Network is a complex, non-linear and adaptable system. The core supply chains within a network can be managed – from tier 1 suppliers to tier 1 customers. Beyond that, the extended supply chains of a network can only be understood, based on the emerging responses to events. Therefore, for an organisation … Read More
Water – supply chains using more but less available
Water in supply chains Water is not a resource in which Logisticians typically concern themselves; but should they? Changes in climate and weather activity are likely to affect supply chains – less water available for much of the time; then too much water, in the form of floods. Water has not received the publicity of climate change, yet is a … Read More
Is there a real shortage of talent for supply chains?
Supply Chain talent skills and availability Recently, there have been articles concerning the available talent for supply chains – both the desired skills and decreasing availability of people with the skill set for particular roles. But this is not new; the situation has existed for some years and is likely to continue, because little has changed. For example, in November … Read More