Inventory Management Remains Core to Success
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 [...]
Key to Sales (and Career) Success
January 5, 2016 I was in a meeting with one of the members of the executive team of a new client who is responsible for the customer experience this morning, and I asked why their customers buy from them. He had a great answer and turned the question around [...]
Why Marketing Shouldn’t be Overlooked with SIOP
November 18, 2015 I've been partnering with clients to design and implement SIOP (sales, inventory and operations planning) programs the last several years as I've found them to be a GREAT way to achieve several results simultaneously: 1) Support growth 2) Improved service levels/ quicker turnaround of deliveries (shorter [...]
The Power of Caring & Hospice of the Valley
October 13, 2015 While I was giving my speech at the APICS International Conference, my Mom was calling my cell phone to tell me that she couldn't wake my Dad up that morning. He had a stroke in his sleep. Of course I flew out to AZ immediately. He [...]
Are You Ready for Q4?
It’s time to plan the rest of the year to ensure a smooth ending to 2015 and interrupted service to customers.The years seem to fly by faster and faster, don’t they? As we head into Q4, it is important to think about whether you are ready for calendar year-end [...]
Why Care About Systems Transactions?
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 [...]
SIOP/ Integrated Business Planning
Manufacturing and distributing product to meet customer demand can be like a puzzle unless you start using SIOP as a core process to run your business. SIOP (sales, inventory, & operations planning) taken to the best practice degree is often associated with integrated business planning. In some circles, they [...]
The Power of Customer Service & My Poor Car
August 14, 2015 As many of you know, I adore my car. I have had it since 2002 (after buying the exact same car as my year 2000 totaled car) with 255,000 miles! Unfortunately a few days after picking it up from my mechanic after we both were concerned [...]
Should We Always Aim to Reduce Inventory Levels?
Though reducing inventory is generally advisable special situations arise when stocking inventory makes good business sense. Certainly reducing inventory on hand is typically preferred as you can accelerate your cash flow. It is one of the key focus areas of my consulting practice. I have found that reducing inventory [...]