We had an APICS student case study competition last weekend in San Diego. It was the best turnout yet – 12 teams, both undergrad and grad teams. The students were quite impressive in reviewing and resolving the case study. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo won 1st place for the undergrad teams and Thunderbird won 1st place for the grad teams – congrats!

As we discussed this weekend, there is no doubt those companies who focus on supply chain will have the opportunity to leapfrog the competition. Supply chain addresses the keys to success in today’s new normal business environment. The new normal can be characterized as follows: 1) Cash is king. 2) Service is paramount. 3) Execution is everything.

To succeed in the new normal, supply chain can be your strategic advantage. There are many ways to address all 3 keys of the new normal through supply chain innovations. A few strategies to accelerate cash flow include: 1) Innovative inventory management. 2) Implementing innovative transportation strategies. 3) Collaborative supply chain innovation. To read more about these strategies, read my article – click here.