Pioneer work in supply networks. The concepts and rules by which Logistics functions within organisations are much like a wheel. At the hub are the foundations by which the discipline and associated IT applications work and at the rim of the wheel are ‘new’ discoveries. These are often adaptations of established concepts, typically with a different name. One of those … Read More
Logistics and Sales together for commercial advantage
Buyer power tested in court. Business relationships are not about ‘partnership’ but about exercising power to gain commercial advantage. This has again been shown in a current court case in Australia, where a major retailer is charged with ‘unconscionable conduct’. That conduct was to ‘ask’ tier B suppliers to provide cash (up to $1.4m each, with four days to pay), … Read More
Flexibility in Logistics needs control of customer orders
Placing the order decoupling point. Being flexible and agile does not mean ‘free for all’. There must be control at that point which separates satisfying customer orders from planning operations. This is where customer orders are accepted and reserved; final product specifications are defined and the last point from which inventory is released. The objective is to provide flexibility for … Read More
Blockchain technologies could change your supply chains
Blockchains as a disruptor. Start-up businesses become disruptors when entrepreneurs can see a business opportunity caused by failings in the current business model or complexity that can be reduced; but it requires availability of suitable technologies . This could happen to financing within supply chains, through the adoption of Blockchain technology. A recent report by Bloomberg describes a trial that is … Read More
Implementing the best Warehouse Management System
Structure of a WMS. Should the Warehouse Management System (WMS) module be a ‘reasonable or acceptable’ fit within your ‘integrated’ ERP system or an application that meets your business and operational requirements, but is interfaced to the ERP system? This is the question raised in my last blog, Interfacing or integrating supply chain IT applications, concerning software application used in … Read More