Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) offer numerous benefits to businesses operating in California, especially in light of the current tariff rates of 30% on imports from China and 10% on imports from other countries. These zones are designated areas where goods can be imported, stored, and manufactured without being subject to customs duties until they enter the U.S. market.
VMI (vendor managed inventory) is the process where the supplier manages the customer's inventory so that the customer has the "right" item in the "right" place at the "right" time to ensure high service levels, efficient and productive operations, and the least amount of inventory tied up unnecessarily. The best VMI programs ensure that the end-to-end supply chain gains with both the supplier and the customer achieving improved results or benefits.
As revenues remain volatile, disruptions plague supply chains, and interest rates remain high, executives' ability to build revenue, margin and working capital predictability and improvement takes on an elevated importance.
If you follow the stock market, you might think the economy is strong. As consumers, we are frustrated with the price of everyday supplies such as food, gas, and housing.
Simple metrics drive results. Whether a food and beverage manufacturer or an aerospace distributor, measuring the "right" metrics will focus attention on key issues and drive results.
Lisa Anderson was interviewed on the Lou Desmond radio show to talk supply chain. John Tulac, international business attorney, hosted the show to talk the status of the supply chain and what opportunities will emerge.
Inventory accuracy is foundational to success. Most clients aren't concerned about inventory, and they shouldn't be if they can count on what their system says.
The best companies focus on production scheduling. Even though Production Schedulers aren't typically highly paid positions, the function will make or break your ability to serve customers, improve operational performance and accelerate cash flow. Thus, it should be a key priority if you want to achieve profitable growth.
If you want to serve your key customers successfully (with high on-time-in-full (OTIF), short lead times, and proactive service) so that you can take advantage of the opportunities coming down the pike while addressing the hard realities of the current business environment (potential recessions, high interest rates, and less access to capital), you MUST balance sales, operations and inventory.
In this episode, and the next, of Interlinks we talk to Lisa Anderson and Diane Garcia of LMA Consulting Group in Los Angeles, California who are co-authors of a new book titled SIOP – Creating Predictable Revenue and EBITDA Growth.
