Goals, objectives, and performance measures

Article | March 3, 2020

Procurement professionals are now playing an increasingly strategic role within their organizations. Procurement of raw materials and components that go into the manufacturing process is essential to ensure final product quality and strong financial performance. As supply chains become more dynamic, companies must pay closer attention to supply and supplier management. Why? Because events like trade wars, natural disasters, and supplier events, such as unexpected plant shutdowns like we are seeing with the Coronavirus outbreak, can disrupt a company’s production.

Article | March 3, 2020

One reason I find discussions about "the blockchain" and how it might affect collecting information for supply chain traceability projects fascinating is because opinions about the role it will play are pretty polarized. You either believe a decentralized ledger or database such as blockchain can simplify data verification or you think the current state of pilot-itis is an annoying distraction keeping companies from improving systems already in place. "Let’s get on with it," I can hear many of you declare in frustration.

Article | March 3, 2020

The complex, hyper-connected nature of global supply chains makes them extremely vulnerable to a range of risk factors. In 2019, corporations experienced new levels of volatility in commodity and energy pricing, interest and exchange rates, and general international trading conditions. In 2020, things are likely to remain rocky. Research shows that many businesses, despite being forewarned about these risks, are still tending to be reactive rather than proactive in their approach.

Article | March 3, 2020

Control over the end-to-end supply chain lies in careful planning of both inbound and outbound activities, and without doubt, disasters and emergencies will eventually arise. The responsiveness of the supply chain depends on the ability of shippers to rapidly increase shipment volume to meet demand, as well as the ability of carriers to heed those demands. Moreover, sharing the right information in shipping urgency, including whether it is a true emergency shipping need, can literally be the difference between life and death, especially in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. So, let’s look at emergency shipping amid uncertainty and how a data driven TMS (transportation management system) can help.