Sales margins under pressure. Retail shopping power is now said to lay with the consumer using their mobile phone. However, it is the retailer and on-line merchant that dictate the channels available and the price per channel. Will the full cost of Internet shopping be charged to consumers? Studies have estimated the total cost of the ‘consumer click and retailer … Read More
Supply Chain risks you do not know about, but should
A recent event and risk. Its not the risks that you know about that are a challenge, but those you do not know. This situation came to the fore recently with regard to Australia’s smallest State, the island of Tasmania. With a small population and little industry, the State is reliant on imports from the mainland to stock the shops. … Read More
Consumer-centric networks – the next supply chains
A new ‘buzz’. Over the last eighteen months, the term ‘consumer-centric network’ has been used by some commentators and consultancies. So, what is new, because whenever there is competition for sales of an item or service, the customers’ needs should be taken into account. The explanation is that in current value and supply chains, the consumer is positioned at the … Read More
Where will future logistics hubs become established?
What makes a Logistics Hub? To have a city known as a ‘logistics hub’ is a goal that many politicians strive for. They believe it will bring wealth to the city and its region; but through the centuries, logistics hubs (even without that name) have risen and disappeared, so how do you know where future hubs will be? In late … Read More
Your supply chain strategy needs a logistics plan
Logistics plan elements. To develop your supply chain strategy, three strategic plans are required; one each for Procurement, Conversion and Logistics. Using the business model from my previous blog the Logistics strategic plan can be considered within five elements shown in the diagram: Customer service – the appropriate level of service for customers, by product group or segment, considering: order fulfilment … Read More