How the carbon intensity of paper became the latest challenge in greening our supply chain
The Guardian, January 25, 2010
Supply chain management was never easy at the best of times, but embedding sustainability into global decision-making has made it fiendishly difficult. It's similar to an onion; Every time you peel one layer off, there is another to deal with, and often a few tears shed along the way.
Enterprise Resource Planning – What is it?
Payroll, January 23, 2010
The original use of this term referred to the planning within a large organisation to use its wide resources. Today, however, the term can relate to any company and the use of this planning is very comprehensive. A company’s software system will need to provide the organisation with functionality for at least two systems for it to be considered ERP.
The Need For Reverse Supply Chain Management
Creative Headline, January 23, 2010
Why has reverse supply chain management become so important nowadays? The main reason why companies have started to give importance to reverse supply chain is because it reduces the operating costs if it reuses its products or components.
Analysis: Working together to manage supply chain disruption
Procurement Leaders, January 20, 2010
The recent extremes in weather have been providing some text book examples of disruption to the procurement process, and the value of truly understanding the risks that can impact your supply chain.
Transportation Needs to Be Integrated Within a Supply Chain
IndustryWeek, January 20, 2010
Transportation is central to any manufacturer's supply chain processes, and yet very few companies have effectively integrated the transportation function into their operations, observes Robert Handfield, professor of supply chain management with North Carolina State University.
A New Year of Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities
ThomasNet News, January 19, 2010
A volatile economy will make risk management more of a permanent factor for supply chain managers, and, moving forward, the usual approach to possible disruptions simply won't do. The recession has technically ended, according to experts. Yet many of the same challenges remain for organizations across industries.
Aid workers could face logistical problems in Haiti
National Post, January 14, 2010
As hundreds of aid workers poured into the island of Hispaniola from around the world on Thursday, disaster relief experts said their greatest challenge would prove to be co-ordinating their efforts to overcome the logistical nightmare that Haiti has become.
More Evidence of Supply Chain’s Value- ConAgra Foods
Supply Chain Matters, January 14, 2010
Bob Ferrari discusses how ConAgra's supply chain activity is a rather typical scenario of supply chain teams being called on to deliver significant cost-cutting initiatives for the needs of the overall business, especially through these extraordinary times of economic downturn.
Building a Supply Chain Organization from the Ground Up
Supply & Demand Chain, January 7, 2010
Commercial Metals Company started with a clean slate in creating a shared supply chain group, but in less than a year it already saw tens of millions of dollars of cost savings.
Supply Chain Visibility Drives Excellence
CNNMoney.com, January 7, 2010
The recession and credit crisis has thrust supply chain visibility -- and the need to gain greater visibility and control over inventory and landed costs within the global supply chain -- to the top of the corporate agenda, according to "Supply Chain Visibility Excellence: Reduce Pipeline Inventory and Landed Cost," the latest landmark research study by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company.
Supply Chain Management in the Cloud
Supply Chain Management Review, January 5, 2010
Most of us have heard of the term "Cloud Computing" before, but what does it really mean? Here, Attorneys Richard Raysman and Edward A. Pisacreta, from the law firm Holland and Knight LLP, discuss the technical and legal issues involved.
Wal-Mart Squeezes Costs from Supply Chain
The Journal of Commerce, January 5, 2010
Wal-Mart Stores plans to squeeze billions of dollars out of its supply chain this year by purchasing more goods direct from manufacturers, cutting out third-party suppliers. The world's largest retailer buys less than 20 percent of its goods directly from manufacturers. It wants to increase that share to 80 percent.
Global supply chain management trends promote visibility, flexibility
searchmanufacturingerp.com, December 30, 2009
Already struggling to keep systems integrated and up to date, manufacturers are facing new pressures on their supply chain management (SCM) operations resulting from globalization and the recession.
Study: Leaders have better talent management skills
Supply Chain Management Review, December 22, 2009
Talent Management is the key to higher earnings, a more efficient company, and a smoother-running supply chain, according to research by the advisory firm The Hackett Group. The results show that companies with "mature talent management capabilities" have 18 percent higher earnings than typical Global 1,000 companies, along with "significantly" higher net profit margins and higher returns on equity and assets.
Barriers on Main Street
The Globe and Mail, December 18, 2009
'Buy American" policies are lamentably alive and well, and somewhat strengthened, in a new $154-billion (U.S.) stimulus bill that was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The White House should press for the relevant clauses to be removed, so that it is not passed with this protectionist element by the Senate next year. Canada needs to lobby harder.
Federal procurement watchdog questions ‘standing offers’
Ottawa Citizen, December 16, 2009
Public Works and Government Services used standing offers to hand out $1.5 billion in contracts without “reliable data” to monitor if they are awarded fairly, misused or even abused, says Canada’s procurement ombudsman.
Canada scrambles to fight wider 'Buy American' provisions
Canada.com, December 16, 2009
Canadian businesses were scrambling Wednesday to fight new "Buy American" provisions included in a $154-billion job-creation bill set for passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.
THE STATE OF THE RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN
Results and Findings of the 2009 Study
Retail Industry Leaders Association
RILA and Auburn University’s annual study on the State of the Retail Supply Chain brings together the country’s leading retailers to delve into the year’s current trends, leading practices and key issues that will have the greatest impact on strategy and planning for retail supply chain executives now and in the near future.
Kelly Aviation Center earns global supply-chain standard
San Antonio Business Journal, December 14, 2009
Kelly Aviation Center LP earned the new AS9110 international aerospace certification that should allow the company to compete for more work in the global commercial aircraft engine market.
How to Best Describe Demand Signal Repositories
Logistics Viewpoint, December 14, 2009
For most companies, the most important demand signal they sense (i.e., demand data they consume) is point-of-sale (POS) data. Almost all consumer goods supply chains make use of demand signals; unfortunately, most of them use shipments from their distribution centers (DCs) to retailer DCs as their demand signal. We’ve known for years that using shipment data for your demand forecasts leads to the bullwhip effect.
ACE - Supply Chain a Concern as Businesses Underestimate Risk
Businesswire, December 14, 2009
While businesses claim supply-chain risks merit a high priority at board level, many still underestimate the potential impact of these risks and face a challenge in terms of expertise in this critical area of risk management, according to a new study.
Hamilton: goods movement hub?
The Hamilton Spectator, December 9, 2009
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics and private industry players, has struck an advisory committee charged with setting up an independent body to market the region as a gateway.
SAP wants to transform its ERP image
itbusiness.ca, December 9, 2009
doesn't want to be known as solely an enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology vendor anymore. Its broadened focus is on helping organizations create a flexible network of on-demand tools and connected business processes in a world that has proven itself highly connected, said a company exec.
Williams-Sonoma Says Supply Chain Efforts Drive Profit
The Journal of Commerce, December 7, 2009
Retailer Williams-Sonoma says improved supply chain management, including cuts in transportation costs, were a major reason the company swung to a profit in its recent fiscal third quarter despite slipping store sales.
Procurement outsourcing market full of hype: Ovum
Computerworld HK, December 3, 2009
"The procurement outsourcing market has been described as being on the verge of major expansion a number of times in recent years, yet the promised boom has yet to happen," said Ed Thomas, analyst at Ovum and author of this report. "However, there remains a great deal of room for growth in the market and Ovum expects it to increase in size at a steady, if unspectacular, rate over the next five years."
The supply chain gremlin that stole Christmas?
The 21st century supply chain, November 30, 2009
Every indication is that the ratio of on-line to in-store sales will continue to increase so I predict that companies like Amazon that have both a strong on-line presence and great expertise in supply chain management will continue to grow at the expense of both the consumer electronics manufacturers and the in-store retailers.
Dell finds gold in parts returns
DC Velocity, November 23, 2009
When Dell decided to enter the retail channel it found it's traditional system for dealing with returns was no longer viable. Dell reorganized it's channel and in the process created a new profit source for itself.
Visibility called key to managing complex supply chains
DC Velocity, November 23, 2009
As supply chains become increasingly complicated, trading partners seek end-to-end visibility to provide the confidence they need to make collaboration work.
Don't Fear The Pirates
Forbes, November 18, 2009
Despite it's high profile, In a survey on supply chain risk released in September, piracy and its impact on supply chain security ranked last on a list of perceived risks facing global companies, with only 2% of respondents citing it as the ultimate concern.
Safety: Swine flu awareness for supply chain managers
Modern Materials Handling, November 17, 2009
Supply chain managers need to examine what other effects a pandemic may have on key parts of a company’s flow of inventory, goods and raw materials. With a little advanced planning supply chain managers will have a better chance of weathering the current pandemic, and can head off disruptions from future pandemics.
Coca-Cola Canada launches innovative "PlantBottle(TM)"
CNW Telbec, November 16, 2009
Coca-Cola Canada (Ltd.) announced today that the innovative PlantBottle packaging will be featured throughout the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, joining other select markets in the initial global launch of this partially plant-based PET plastic. The "PlantBottle" package will be the primary beverage product package used during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
National Product Recall Program Launched
Gifts & Tablewares, November 3, 2009
GS1 Canada, as part of a coalition of leading Canadian industry associations representing over 65,000 manufacturers, distributors and retailers, today launched a national product recall program that will enhance consumer safety and reduce the administrative burden for business.
Indigo Books & Music Offers Environmental Insight on Thousands of Titles
Stockhouse, November 9, 2009
Canada's largest bookseller is the first book retailer to require their suppliers to report on the environmental qualities of the paper their books are published on. Consumers will be able to see which books contain environmental papers using Indigo's website and in-store kiosks.
A buy local campaign comes to Kitchener
570 News, October 20, 2009
The "Say Bye to Buy Local" campaign is spearheaded by CUPE Ontario and the Council of Canadians. They want our governments to do more in the face of the 'Buy American' local procurement controversy.
Ontario government needs channel support to go green
ITBusiness.ca, October 19, 2009
The Ontario government has bold plans for it strategic greening agenda, bold green plans which will put the use of information technology by the public sector from and centre in both current use and future procurement.
Risk check: How healthy are your key contractors?
The Globe and Mail, October 19, 2009
In this environment of continued uncertainty, prudent managers should monitor the health of their key contractors and suppliers. There are 4 risk factors that managers need to examine when makng their assessment.
EU trade talks stuck on butter
The Globe and Mail, October 19, 2009
Negotiators are holding the first of five planned rounds of intensive talks to negotiate major transatlantic treaty between Canada and the 27-nation bloc. But dairy farmers in central Canada are pushing hard for protection of the government-subsidy program known as supply management.
Make the bidding fair
The Guelph Mercury, October 15, 2009
A report by Canada's Procurement Ombudsmen, that focused on Health Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, National Defence and Fisheries and Oceans determined that it was easy for bureaucrats to skew the process and select companies, which government officials preferred.
A Green Supply Chain Starts in China
Reuters, October 15, 2009
For companies with global operations or supply chains, the biggest practical wins are likely to be found in improving energy efficiency of owned and supplier facilities overseas, where they have the ability to multiply impacts across tens, hundreds, or even thousands of sites through relatively simple central coordination.
Marks and Spencer benefits from improved supply chain management
Procurement Leaders, October 6, 2009
Marks and Spencer has attributed "continuing improvement in performance" to better stock control, sourcing and supply chain management.
Canadian government purchasing system terminated
ITBusiness.ca, October 6, 2009
The Government of Canada Marketplace (GoCM), a $47.73 million end-to-end government-wide online goods and services procurement system, was designed to save the government $127 million. But because of high costs and complexity, the project has been quietly shelved by the government.
Learning to get along with your competitors: Value-chain model seen as collaborative model
Winnipeg Free Press, October 5, 2009
When a couple of dairy farmers near Winkler approached a creamery in the area a couple of years ago about processing organic milk, it was presented as a win-win scenario. But unlike other situations where all the planets need to be properly aligned for everyone to come out ahead, this one was designed to work only if each party benefited.
Canadian executives show dramatic shift in outlook
Report on Business, October 4, 2009
The latest C-Suite survey of Canadian corporate executives, which was conducted in mid-September, shows a dramatic shift in attitudes in the past seven months. In the February survey almost 90 per cent of those polled thought the economy would shrink in the coming 12 months. That has almost completely reversed, with 85 per cent now saying growth will occur in the next year.
The Short Tail: Near-Sourcing Trends Create New Winners and Losers in the Supply Chain
Supply Chain Management Review, October 1, 2009
The move toward “near-sourcing” is underway. Car manufacturer Tesla Motors just canceled plans to manufacture its 1,000 pound batteries in Thailand as previously planned. By manufacturing them closer to Tesla’s home base in California, it will decrease the shipping distance of each battery approximately 5,000 miles. Other major manufacturers are following suit.
Purchasing Management - The Driving Force to Maximizing Success during Tough Economic Times.
4 Hoteliers, September 19, 2009
Understanding SCM is basic to understanding the necessary purchasing culture required to leverage the ability to maximize profitable growth. It begins with understanding your markets, your customer base and the future of the industry.
New Aberdeen Report Identifies Improving Visibility as the Top Action Item Within Multi-Enterprise Supply Chains
Sys-Con Media, September 14, 2009
The Aberdeen report has released its August 2009 Benchmark report entitled "Multi-Enterprise Manufacturing: The Role of Visibility and Collaboration in Driving Responsiveness," which looks at the emphasis companies are placing on increasing network-wide supply chain responsiveness.
Pharmaceutical Companies Struggle to Improve Supply Chain to Battle Counterfeits
Industry Week, September 14, 2009
Although reducing the risk of counterfeit drugs and contaminated medications are among the top concerns of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries today, a new study by IBM says that than 50% of executives polled say their companies fail to respond quickly enough to pandemics and other emergencies because of lapses in their supply chain.
Canada purchasing index rises for 3rd month in row
Reuters, September 8, 2009
Purchasing by Canadian businesses expanded for a third straight month in August, and at a faster pace than had been expected, according to a report released on Friday that suggests the economy may have started to rebound.
ERP systems prove their worth in financial crisis
Computerworld, August 31, 2009
Companies need to pay more attention, not less, to using cross-functional collaboration to get a better view of demand variability, he says. "IT is needed to get these operational and system silos connected," he says. "IT, supply chain, sales – you name it – they all have a common enemy. They have to join together and work to get rid of these silos.
Tighten your belt and sharpen your pencil
Advanced Manufacturing Magazine
Manufacturers struggling to maintain profits with slumping demand should get a firmer grip on their spending, says software industry expert John Hughes. Is your company doing spend analytics? If not, it's in danger of not fully realizing the benefits of its strategic cost management initiatives.
Supply Chain Management Amid Dim Economic Conditions
Industry Week, Aug. 14, 2009
In todays economic reality companies are facing greater volatility coupled with a need to be more responsive. Read how Hubbell Lighting Inc. was able to manage it's risks while allowing front line staff to respond more quickly to unplanned events in it's supply chain.
6 steps for optimizing the IC supply chain
EE Times,
August 11, 2009
What does it take to deliver a superior customer service? The truly successful semiconductor companies are able to leverage their supply chain in delivering a superior customer service experience. Here are six suggestions for semiconductor companies that are looking to improve their demand and supply management processes during the current market downturn.
Mastering value management
The National Post, August 4, 2009
Jim Matthews, president of Leasebusters, outlines the importance of staying on top of the business's value chain, understanding where value comes from, how much it costs and ensuring you are pulling as much value out of operations at all times.
Supply chain management: Going beyond Reliability Excellence
Reliable Plant, August 2009
The pressure to reduce delivery lead times is more intense than ever as businesses try to reduce their inventories while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
Supply Chain Lacks Tools to Measure Sustainability
Matter Network, July 26, 2009
A new report suggest that while many businesses realize the importance of greater transparency and sustainibilty into their supply chain, few have actually implemented the necessary changes.
Walmart’s ‘Win-Play-Show’ Assortment Strategy
Logistics Viewpoint, July 23, 2009
Win-Play-Show is a merchandising strategy that has beneficial synergies with logistics. This program has led to a reduction in the number of SKUs available in stores, something the folks in logistics always appreciate.
Chamber Releases Report on the Canada-U.S. Border - Finding the Balance: Shared Border of the Future
Canada Newswire, July 21, 2009
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with 47 business association from both sides of the border, have issued a report with recommendations to reduce border costs in the short term, while increasing security at the border and competitiveness of all industries.
Five Keys to Supply Chain Success in India
Industry Week, July 20, 2009
As India's economy continues to expand global manufacturers are adjusting their supply chain operations by focusing on balancing costs and services. Here are 5 strategies for managing demand in India's emerging market.
Initial Thoughts on Walmart’s Sustainable Product Index
Logistics Viewpoints, July 16, 2009
As part of its drive towards achieving its 'green' objectives, Walmart has outlined its plan to work with various stakeholders to develop global sustainability standards and metrics.
Feds invest in supply chain companies
The Mississauga News, July 16, 2009
The federal government has announced support for the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council to create a program that encourages companies to recruit close to 50 skilled workers.
Financial failure number one risk for global supply chains: Aon
Canadian Underwriter, July 2, 2009
According to a recent poll financial failure is the greatest risk facing global supply chain. The importance of SCM has increased markedly with companies taking on a more hands-on and proactive approach to managing their risks.
Supply chain key as cash remains tight for 82% of companies: Ernst & Young survey
Canada Newswire, June 29, 2009
Findings and advice based on Ernst & Young’s Opportunities in adversity – Accelerating the change survey.
The AMR Research Supply Chain Top 25 for 2009
AMR Research, May 28, 2009
This annual Supply Chain Top 25 identifies those Fortune Global 500 companies that have best demonstrated leadership in applying ‘demand driven’ principle to drive business results.
Maximizing supply chain efficiency
The Vancouver Sun, May 25, 2009
This article is part of Business Solutions, from the National Post. It answers the question of how to become more efficient, with advice from the Rotman School of Management and Ernst & Young LLP.
Eight Steps to a Greener Supply Chain
World Trade 100, March 31, 2008
Want to introduce green initives into your supply chain. Read 8 steps that your company can do to to become more sustainable while increasing their bottom line.
A Google Approach to Supply Chain Management
Logistics Viewpoints, February 19, 2009
If Google was in charge of your supply chain, what would it look like? What would an “open source” supply chain look like, one that fosters greater collaboration and sharing of resources and ideas between suppliers, customers, logistics service providers, and even competitors? How would you design your supply chain if you had to take your products back at the end of their useful life?
Performance-based Outsourcing in Logistics
Logistics Viewpoints, February 19, 2009
One of the interesting things about “paying for performance, not activities” is that if a PBL contract is structured and executed correctly, revenues may actually decrease for a service provider, but their profits will go up. And clients will achieve better or the same level of service, but at a lower cost. So, why isn’t PBL more common in contract logistics?
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