Actions to limit variability Increasing numbers of stock keeping units (SKUs), extended and variable lead times and shorter planning horizons are challenges for planners. Variability was discussed in the previous blogpost, identifying (at the end) actions that could be taken to limit variability. One action is to manage the allocation of finite capacity within a business. An approach to increasing … Read More
Variability in supply chains adds to uncertainty
Variability in processes Variability is always present as a natural part of any process and describes the random disruptions that may occur as a process or event is undertaken. In supply chains, Variability is the term associated with the difference between actual and planned lead times, which are not static. Variability exists at all tiers of a supply chain: supply … Read More
Product Platforms to simplify planning of supply chains
From Supply Network Design Map to Platforms The less complicated it is to plan your supply chains, the more likely there will be believable plans and achievable outcomes. But the scope of international trade and the reach of organisations into countries for sales and supply means that complexity in planning is not only present, but can easily increase. In the … Read More
Making the connections in supply chains more effective
Improving flows through supply chains The goal for professionals is to make Supply Chains more effective. However, the more typical focus for many years has been on making the functional silos within supply chains more efficient. That is improving the transactional processes within their silos. The silo approach emphasises the implementation of three-letter acronym applications such as CRM, SRM, APS, … Read More
How digital should be your supply chain skills?
Skilled or knowledgeable The previous blogpost discussed the appropriate opportunity to invest in ‘new’ technologies for supply chains. But what skills are needed to buy, implement and use the technologies? A recent paper titled 21st Century Procurement Skills strongly emphases digital skills, but is this the correct approach? The author identifies the core skill required as “Solid, explicit digital knowledge…”. … Read More