Most Active Articles 2009-11-25T11:49:39.395-05:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:supply-chain-management Mark Smith msmith670 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10287311014036037525-33d8732327abc8535ebebd027b975ee3 2009-11-24T15:17:36.199-05:00

Off-sourcing in itself is not a new phenomenon. It is estimated that more than 3/4 of American corporations are engaged in international sourcing. However, the changes in the last couple of years warrant that the decisions for off-sourcing be re-evaluated. The changes in cost of fuel, regulatory environment, and the recession are several reasons driving such evaluation. To evaluate the off-sourcing decisions made in the last few years, it is imperative to understand the drivers, considerations, and the effects of off-sourcing on the supply chain. We cover these aspects as follows.

Off-sourcing in itself is not a new phenomenon. It is estimated that more than 3/4 of American corporations are engaged in international sourcing. However, the changes in the last couple of years warrant that the decisions for off-sourcing be re-evaluated. The changes in cost of fuel, regulatory environment, and the recession are several reasons driving such evaluation. To evaluate the off-sourcing decisions made in the last few years, it is imperative to understand the drivers, considerations, and the effects of off-sourcing on the supply chain. We cover these aspects as follows. http://www.supplychainmusings.com/2009/11/off-sourcing-is-it-for-you.html Vivek Sehgal vsehgal866 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10739793974301415515-77db4387903f7e690d5ba929f9c4f015 2009-11-24T09:18:00.003-05:00

VIVEK SEHGAL explains why companies should implement demand planning solutions that allow creation of a single forecast that can effectively drive organizational processes. If you had to pick a single process that has the largest impact on the...

VIVEK SEHGAL explains why companies should implement demand planning solutions that allow creation of a single forecast that can effectively drive organizational processes. If you had to pick a single process that has the largest impact on the... http://www.logasiamag.com/article-1529-demandplanning-LogisticsAsia.html Vivek Sehgal vsehgal866 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17744116299016732131-6208795359bdc183f07c4999d99f2604 2009-11-23T16:37:55.368-05:00

As retailers move through their business life-cycles, from growth to maturity, their capabilities need to change as well. Early years mark exciting product assortments, differentiation, and innovative niches driving the top-line. Business grows, expands, store-counts go up, and the competition in the segment heats up. As the competition catches up and the business-segment matures, the top-line growth plateaus. To sustain the business, the focus must change from top-line to the bottom-line. For the retailer, this means new skills must be learnt, new functional capabilities must be built, new competitive advantages must be created or else the business must perish.

As retailers move through their business life-cycles, from growth to maturity, their capabilities need to change as well. Early years mark exciting product assortments, differentiation, and innovative niches driving the top-line. Business grows, expands, store-counts go up, and the competition in the segment heats up. As the competition catches up and the business-segment matures, the top-line growth plateaus. To sustain the business, the focus must change from top-line to the bottom-line. For the retailer, this means new skills must be learnt, new functional capabilities must be built, new competitive advantages must be created or else the business must perish. http://www.supplychainmusings.com/2009/09/what-is-your-play.html Vivek Sehgal vsehgal866 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14023884245359117379-4405134ffc4353fd96c84026f99557a9 2009-11-20T10:40:47.530-05:00

Warehouses are one of the most labor intensive nodes in a supply chains. While there have been major innovations towards increasing warehouse productivity through process and mechanical automation, they still constitute a substantial part of the supply chain costs. Warehouses typically measure their effectiveness through various metrics that can be grouped in one of the following categories.

Warehouses are one of the most labor intensive nodes in a supply chains. While there have been major innovations towards increasing warehouse productivity through process and mechanical automation, they still constitute a substantial part of the supply chain costs. Warehouses typically measure their effectiveness through various metrics that can be grouped in one of the following categories. http://www.supplychainmusings.com/2009/11/measuring-warehouse-efficiencies.html Vivek Sehgal vsehgal866 19 19 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14011073417391528715-95c18bc87afce140e3bb30e01273de0f 2009-11-19T17:01:08.720-05:00

Commentary on the holiday seasonal projections for retailers.

Commentary on the holiday seasonal projections for retailers. http://www.supplychainmusings.com/2009/11/if-nrf-is-right-not-much-holiday-cheer.html Vivek Sehgal vsehgal866 6 6 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5913828347065620125-025e86435a20abf2c39fcecc147cceb9 2009-11-20T12:54:52.678-05:00

What can inventory optimization actually do for you? How about financing more than half of your working capital? Here is a simple exercise using the financial data easily available through the corporate annual reports. I selected the two largest retailers in the world and went through their annual reports from FY2000 through FY2006, comparing the cost of inventory and the amount of working capital. The results, though hypothetical, are eye popping.

What can inventory optimization actually do for you? How about financing more than half of your working capital? Here is a simple exercise using the financial data easily available through the corporate annual reports. I selected the two largest retailers in the world and went through their annual reports from FY2000 through FY2006, comparing the cost of inventory and the amount of working capital. The results, though hypothetical, are eye popping. http://www.supplychainmusings.com/2009/05/need-working-capital-try-inventory.html Vivek Sehgal vsehgal866 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10932315040100580591-f28249553c5c535bca1a8298bd2555e0 2009-11-19T23:06:56.700-05:00

The recent Wall Street Journal CEO Council notes that executives feel that the recovery in the U.S. is predicated in growth of jobs, particularly in small and mid-sized businesses. The financial headlines of late indicate a different set of priorities. Which is it?

The recent Wall Street Journal CEO Council notes that executives feel that the recovery in the U.S. is predicated in growth of jobs, particularly in small and mid-sized businesses. The financial headlines of late indicate a different set of priorities. Which is it? http://www.theferrarigroup.com/blog1/?p=1377 Bob Ferrari bferrari988 6 6 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1060056615552226213-bd271916be6d55f84a672414479b59a0 2009-11-18T14:06:12.868-05:00

Fashion boutiques are works of art. Each is an extension of the style and fashion sense of the owner. Consumers seek out boutiques they identify with, and often become devout followers. Boutiques are an essential element of the fashion industry,...

Fashion boutiques are works of art. Each is an extension of the style and fashion sense of the owner. Consumers seek out boutiques they identify with, and often become devout followers. Boutiques are an essential element of the fashion industry,... http://xaxii.com/blog/-/blogs/fashion-boutiques-a-glimpse-into-the-business-model Mani Agrawal magrawal825 11 11 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10930876168275050936-e4cf817948092f10ea7c152833b9e6ea 2009-11-03T16:03:03.630-05:00

An solid example of how supply chain transformation can add to bottom-line value can be found in the recent financial results from The Hershey Company. Supply chain efforts do matter and deliver value.

An solid example of how supply chain transformation can add to bottom-line value can be found in the recent financial results from The Hershey Company. Supply chain efforts do matter and deliver value. http://www.theferrarigroup.com/blog1/?p=1310 Bob Ferrari bferrari988 63 63 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10931595604242016284-4dd5290de13b068ee86eae2ce961ce7b 2009-11-13T14:39:45.404-05:00

Century Supply Chain blog peaked my interest to a rather interesting Business Week article, What’s Holding Back Tech, penned by Steve Hamm.. The article points out the need for more rapid planning processes and scenario based planning capabilities.

Century Supply Chain blog peaked my interest to a rather interesting Business Week article, What’s Holding Back Tech, penned by Steve Hamm.. The article points out the need for more rapid planning processes and scenario based planning capabilities. http://www.theferrarigroup.com/blog1/?p=1347 Bob Ferrari bferrari988 12 12 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5032586372355969991-77b100da128659ede05c23967acacff1 2009-10-23T18:24:13.479-04:00

Much has been written and discussed concerning the current unavailability of adequate doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Let's explore the problems from the perspective of value-chain scope, complexity, and technology needs.

Much has been written and discussed concerning the current unavailability of adequate doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Let's explore the problems from the perspective of value-chain scope, complexity, and technology needs. http://www.theferrarigroup.com/blog1/?p=1267 Bob Ferrari bferrari988 29 29 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:958354327339062348-751d744e07a4c78a795c21b4ecaa177f 2009-10-30T09:15:09.276-04:00

Traditional fashion industry supply chain is notoriously complex and volatile. Need less to say it is mired with inefficiencies resulting in excessive cost and obsolescence. Some of the main reason for this inefficiency are High demand volatility,...

Traditional fashion industry supply chain is notoriously complex and volatile. Need less to say it is mired with inefficiencies resulting in excessive cost and obsolescence. Some of the main reason for this inefficiency are High demand volatility,... http://xaxii.com/blog/-/blogs/creating-a-frictionless-fashion-industry-supply-chain Mani Agrawal magrawal825 11 11 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17008012291313358577-f98a3b6a699365adba81edc37ef22d80 2009-11-04T10:09:03.052-05:00

Cortera, a community-driven business information company, announced the publication of its October 2009 Supply Chain Index (SCI) report, a monthly index of accounts receivable (A/R) activities covering manufacturers, distributors & wholesalers, retailers, services, and transportation companies. Measuring payment activities of approximately 350,000 businesses, the October SCI indicated the slowing of payments and related cash flow throughout the overall supply chain, reversing four consecutive months of improving conditions. While the exact cause of the shift remains in question, it could represent an early arrival of a similar seasonal pattern seen over the past couple of years (2007 and 2008), as manufacturers, suppliers and retailers take on additional trade credit related debt in advance of the critical holiday shopping season. Overall, the index remains 40 percent higher than pre-recession levels.

Cortera, a community-driven business information company, announced the publication of its October 2009 Supply Chain Index (SCI) report, a monthly index of accounts receivable (A/R) activities covering manufacturers, distributors & wholesalers, retailers, services, and transportation companies. Measuring payment activities of approximately 350,000 businesses, the October SCI indicated the slowing of payments and related cash flow throughout the overall supply chain, reversing four consecutive months of improving conditions. While the exact cause of the shift remains in question, it could represent an early arrival of a similar seasonal pattern seen over the past couple of years (2007 and 2008), as manufacturers, suppliers and retailers take on additional trade credit related debt in advance of the critical holiday shopping season. Overall, the index remains 40 percent higher than pre-recession levels. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS114347+03-Nov-2009+BW20091103 Alex Coté acot608 5 5 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:18376883010418479172-d999fe6b83d294e3d842bbeb5e52b517 2009-10-01T13:58:30.585-04:00

Developing accurate forecasts is never easy. The current economic environment makes it even more challenging and many businesses have a bias to over forecast. At the same time, businesses need the most accurate volume forecast possible to enable...

Developing accurate forecasts is never easy. The current economic environment makes it even more challenging and many businesses have a bias to over forecast. At the same time, businesses need the most accurate volume forecast possible to enable... http://www.demand-planning.com/?p=322 Constance Korol ckorol314 23 22 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5957354767924654889-bd29e13f9d456acc3a185671a1a63784 2009-03-24T10:45:09.988-04:00

Jessie Scanlon penned a rather interesting Business Week article which many supply chain professionals associated with the Detroit Big Three automakers should read. There is a challenge of what can Detroit learn from the Tata Nano. I also pose some open questions for thought and commentary.

Jessie Scanlon penned a rather interesting Business Week article which many supply chain professionals associated with the Detroit Big Three automakers should read. There is a challenge of what can Detroit learn from the Tata Nano. I also pose some open questions for thought and commentary. http://www.theferrarigroup.com/blog1/?p=534 Bob Ferrari bferrari988 139 135 2 2 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2517186940139845112-cc83f67b1aafa797ab0ec8bbf57bf30c 2009-11-01T21:10:27.440-05:00

In this article, I try to touch upon some of the key challenges that face the Buyer during a typical RFP undertaking, and how best to handle these challenges. Although the focus of this article is on the Buyer, which is in this case, a typical global organization that is sourcing travel commodities such as hotel room nights or air contracts, the key challenges could be applicable to other types of commodities or services being sourced by organizations of any type or size.

In this article, I try to touch upon some of the key challenges that face the Buyer during a typical RFP undertaking, and how best to handle these challenges. Although the focus of this article is on the Buyer, which is in this case, a typical global organization that is sourcing travel commodities such as hotel room nights or air contracts, the key challenges could be applicable to other types of commodities or services being sourced by organizations of any type or size. http://notesofbusinesstravelconsultant.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-to-handle-key-challenges-that-face.html Bill Moussli bmoussli822 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7294319442377171760-5936712c2691f283d691740b262ba851 2009-04-09T10:47:40.478-04:00

Central to the way that companies produce things is the way that they manage their supply chains—the collection and distribution of all the inputs to the production process.

Central to the way that companies produce things is the way that they manage their supply chains—the collection and distribution of all the inputs to the production process. http://www.economist.com/business/management/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13432670 Leslie MacCallum lmaccallum946 100 98 1 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5203454671257269555-b2559726e59d322a3447296f520662ee 2009-10-24T10:58:01.122-04:00

Independent manufacturers are the hands that bring to realization the dreams of designers. They bring alive the latest dress from a designer, develop a new fabric, or give shape to the latest shoes which are adorned by millions. Their relentless...

Independent manufacturers are the hands that bring to realization the dreams of designers. They bring alive the latest dress from a designer, develop a new fabric, or give shape to the latest shoes which are adorned by millions. Their relentless... http://xaxii.com/blog/-/blogs/empowering-independent-manufacturers-around-the-world Mani Agrawal magrawal825 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17580081402257592271-ff18ac0166bc8cb068358db630508381 2009-09-29T12:08:28.649-04:00

This week has brought continued news of positive momentum in the area of green and sustainability efforts across high tech related supply chains, Congratulations to Apple and TSMC.

This week has brought continued news of positive momentum in the area of green and sustainability efforts across high tech related supply chains, Congratulations to Apple and TSMC. http://www.theferrarigroup.com/blog1/?p=1179 Bob Ferrari bferrari988 14 14 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5031147500669813103-d366f4e6dbcceadfce8a4c83a2b63439 2009-10-06T20:44:16.866-04:00

Over these past two weeks I've had the opportunity to participate in two supply chain risk management forums. An overall umbrella of risk management strategies for the most part, remains stovepiped.

Over these past two weeks I've had the opportunity to participate in two supply chain risk management forums. An overall umbrella of risk management strategies for the most part, remains stovepiped. http://www.theferrarigroup.com/blog1/?p=1209 Bob Ferrari bferrari988 5 5 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:179394527074017061-1015ed1ced2161d4c3ad028833b4b069 2009-10-05T22:56:56.809-04:00

As everything around us is changing, the role of procurement in modern organizations is evolving and changing as well. The catalyst for that change is the introduction of Sarbanes-Oxley a few years ago, which requires corporate officers to be responsible and accountable for establishing adequate internal control structures and procedures for financial reporting. Naturally, the procurement role and the decision-making process for allocating public companies funds have become more visible and tangible. Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/y9lymqx

As everything around us is changing, the role of procurement in modern organizations is evolving and changing as well. The catalyst for that change is the introduction of Sarbanes-Oxley a few years ago, which requires corporate officers to be responsible and accountable for establishing adequate internal control structures and procedures for financial reporting. Naturally, the procurement role and the decision-making process for allocating public companies funds have become more visible and tangible. Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/y9lymqx http://notesofbusinesstravelconsultant.blogspot.com/2009/10/evolving-role-of-procurement-in-modern.html Bill Moussli bmoussli822 5 5 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:924415221121833690-c0405e5b0b73871717e55befe2601f2f 2009-03-26T06:04:43.867-04:00

Making an investment in the transformation of your supply chain is critical to ensure the profitability and growth of your company - especially during a downturn. Technology and streamlined processes...

Making an investment in the transformation of your supply chain is critical to ensure the profitability and growth of your company - especially during a downturn. Technology and streamlined processes... http://www.infosys.com/supply-chain/beat-recession-by-supplychain.asp Anil Venkat avenkat051 38 38 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13370384843344114919-c136ba61a5c650d3136aef8b0f51939e 2009-10-01T13:10:02.707-04:00

Research shows that buyers spend a full 40 percent of their time on shortages: a mere 1 percent of their annual spend. Why? Largely because of the need to watch their grey market suppliers like a hawk. Too often, a grey market supplier, either broker or independent distributor, will claim to be able to fill a buyer’s shortage, but may not always have the correct date code, lot code or even the correct manufacturer. Most independents will have policies in place to prevent this type of blatant misrepresentation, but when the salesperson on the phone stands to make a substantial personal profit from a transaction, it can be awfully difficult — if not impossible — to enforce those policies. Tip #4 is all about when and how information is delivered.

Research shows that buyers spend a full 40 percent of their time on shortages: a mere 1 percent of their annual spend. Why? Largely because of the need to watch their grey market suppliers like a hawk. Too often, a grey market supplier, either broker or independent distributor, will claim to be able to fill a buyer’s shortage, but may not always have the correct date code, lot code or even the correct manufacturer. Most independents will have policies in place to prevent this type of blatant misrepresentation, but when the salesperson on the phone stands to make a substantial personal profit from a transaction, it can be awfully difficult — if not impossible — to enforce those policies. Tip #4 is all about when and how information is delivered. http://blog.verical.com/2009/09/component-buyer-tip-4-evaluating.html John P. Brown jbrown819 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:11894412779451112307-61d5114d01084df3b0b7a30241253197 2009-07-27T09:50:29.609-04:00

I came across this article in cio.com. It outlines Wal-Mart’s plans to implement a “major sustainability initiative” across its supply base.

I came across this article in cio.com. It outlines Wal-Mart’s plans to implement a “major sustainability initiative” across its supply base. http://blog.kinaxis.com/2009/07/demand-for-green-is-comingare-you-ready/ Lori Smith lsmith053 8 5 2 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12729112303831389766-8065e8b04bac8eb175f9f357e83be8a0 2009-04-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

...i have ordered 10 pairs nike shoes from the website.and i received my shoes 7days later i am so happy to the products i order,because the shoes...

...i have ordered 10 pairs nike shoes from the website.and i received my shoes 7days later i am so happy to the products i order,because the shoes... http://www.linkedin.com/answers/business-operations/supply-chain-management/OPS_SCH/465523-45337736 31 31 0 0