Everyone is talking about the backlog of ships at the ports and when it will be resolved, but is that the right question? NO! Of course we will eventually resolve the current backlog; however, there are continual disruptions in the extended supply chain, and so who knows what disruption will be next. [...]
Since 2020 was certainly a year of exceptions, when I started thinking about publishing a predictions report for 2021, I thought it was better to evolve it to what would be most meaningful to clients and colleagues for the year ahead. Thus, we repositioned to focus on key lessons [...]
The more technology we use, the more we need a high level of engagement with people. As John Naisbitt, the preeminent social forecaster of our time and the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Megatrends, said, "High tech. High touch." He was absolutely correct. The more [...]
As we see which companies emerge stronger from COVID, it is becoming apparent that those with a resilient supply chain and strong supply chain partnerships thrive while the rest are coming out in a weakened state. Of course, the situation has not stayed the same - those constantly changing [...]
There is massive congestion at the L.A. and Long Beach ports. The latest figures from the Journal of Commerce shows 63 container ships in the harbor (34 awaiting berths and 29 at the berths). Terminals are full and dwell times have doubled. The situation isn't good, and manufacturers, distributors [...]
In thinking about the surge to local for an interview for an SAP Insights article "For Resilient Supply Chains, Think Local", there is no doubt the pandemic has pushed manufacturers to re-think their extended supply chains. When they suddenly couldn't support key customer needs, manufacturers [...]
Changes in supply chain are happening faster than imaginable! Are you keeping up with these changes? In addition to keeping up with what's noteworthy in supply chain, the most successful executives are taking a step back to make sure their employees have a solid foundation in supply chain [...]
As I wrote in this month's Brushware magazine (page 20), manufacturing is trending to digital. We were already on this path the last few years, and it accelerated 5 fold during COVID. According to the Hackett Group, 77% of companies have strengthened their commitments to digital transformation [...]
Although much is in doubt as we go into 2021, there is one area that is certain. Manufacturing, supply chain and technology will be prominent, essential and progressive. According to Bloomberg, an Institute for Supply Management gauge of factory activity unexpectedly increased to 60.7 from 57.5. To support vaccine [...]
Although I meant this phrase in reference to 2020, there is no doubt 2021 will also be a pivotal year for manufacturing and supply chain. The pandemic created significant disruption yet it also created VAST opportunities for those already prepared and/or resilient and innovative. Customers [...]
