May 12, 2016 I presented on "Inventory Accuracy Remains Core to Success" at ASQ (American Society of Quality) Palomar tonight, and we had great questions and discussions on why inventory is important for success. In essence, it boils down to 3 C's - cost, cash and customer service. What [...]
Use a combination approach to inventory management planning to promote growth, increase profits, free up cash flow and improve operational efficiency. I've incorporated three planning method options into a presentation on inventory management best practices. I've been receiving more and more requests for this topic as executives experience the [...]
Inventory management may be a less exciting supply chain topic but it is the linchpin in a manufacturing or distribution business. No matter how many engaging conversations I have with clients, contacts and trade groups about emerging supply chain trends, the less exciting topic of inventory management often-times can [...]
You can’t expect manufacturing or distribution success without securing base fundamentals such as inventory management. I received a note recently from one of my newsletter subscribers asking if inventory management is dead. He stated that he didn’t think there was a single session on inventory management at APICS 2015 [...]
As customers continue to demand shorter lead times, it becomes imperative for manufacturers and distributors to become more responsive and improve order fulfillment cycle time. I've been working on my book The Amazon Effect lately, and it brings to mind the critical importance of responsiveness. There is no doubt [...]
Collaboration during the planning process is instrumental in creating an effective end-to-end supply chain where everyone gets what they need when they need it. My most successful clients consider collaborative planning a no-brainer. In its simplest form, collaborative planning is partnering with your customers, suppliers and other supply [...]
Systems transactions are often treated as an afterthought but are critical to building a stable foundation for your business. As mundane as system transactions seem, I continually find that whether or not they are deemed a priority can make the difference between a successful operation or not. The bottom [...]
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) offers companies a chance to partner with customers to better manage inventory and costs. Once the partnership proves fruitful, expanded business opportunities occur. I recently participated as a panelist with Michael DeCata, CEO of Lawson Products, for Industrial Distribution magazine's VMI (vendor managed inventory) webinar. [...]
Several of my clients are in the aerospace industry. In that industry, supply chain readiness audits are commonplace. These are especially prevalent today as growth in that market is substantial. Companies must be prepared for significant growth to support the doubling of the world's fleet in the next 20 [...]
