SIOP Metrics: 5 Key Baseline Measurements
Of all the overlapping metrics available to executives the best ones enhance SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning), also known as S&OP, and offer the most vital information for running a business.
New Orleans State of Mind
Published October 17, 2014 I arrived in New Orleans to speak at APICS 2014 on empowering and engaging employees, and so I'm in the New Orleans state of mind. Certainly, as my bio confirms, one of my favorite spots anywhere is Cafe du Monde. Where else do you have [...]
Master Scheduling Strategies to Add Value
A master schedule is an integral part of your production plan and communications to your team to centralize focus.
Manufacturing Wages are Going UP!
Published October 10, 2014 I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal about the fast rise of manufacturing wages in some areas. The largest increase has been in Texas at 25%; however, wages are beginning to rise across the board. According to my skills gap research study, [...]
The Amazon Effect: Critical Importance of Customer Service
Customer service is no longer just a department. A thriving business will pay full attention to all customer points of contact and ensure positive experiences. Companies that create loyal fans of customers thrive and leave the rest in the dust! This has never been truer than it is in [...]
New York Pace is Becoming Commonplace
Published October 3, 2014 I happen to be in New York City for a seminar, and I noticed the change of pace in the city. In essence, everyone speeds up.... and there are MANY, MANY people everywhere. New York is known for having a quick pace; however, I see [...]
Why Upgrade Your ERP System?
With improvements in the economy and increasing customer expectations this may be the right time to upgrade your ERP system software. I've been talking with an increasing number of manufacturers and distributors who are beginning to think about upgrading technology and specifically their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. Selecting [...]
A Planning Mindset
Planning is essential for business management, but by really embracing it and getting into a planning mindset you can figure out innovative, improved strategies across all segments of your company. Developing a planning mindset can be invaluable to not only planners but also to any supply chain management employee/ [...]
What You Can Learn from an Organizing Guru
Being organized doesn’t necessarily mean having a neat and tidy desk. In terms of supply chain management it means categorizing your tasks to easily determine their order of importance in the larger scheme of things. My 5th grade teacher (who was also involved in politics) told my Mom that [...]
Do Not Ignore Your Stars
Identify and focus on how to nurture your higher performing employees to net a better return on your human capital investment. Since the beginning of 2014, the job market has been robust and employers are struggling to find high-skilled, qualified candidates for key positions. I've talked frequently about this [...]