Brushware Magazine: Inflation Busters: Protecting Profits as Costs Rise
"Proactively managing cash flow is critical right now," says Lisa Anderson, president of LMA Consulting Group, Claremont, Calif. This can be done by running periodic forecasts.
"Proactively managing cash flow is critical right now," says Lisa Anderson, president of LMA Consulting Group, Claremont, Calif. This can be done by running periodic forecasts.
Lisa Anderson, manufacturing and supply chain expert and president of LMA Consulting Group discusses practical insights on how to unlock operating capital and fuel growth.
Lisa Anderson, manufacturing and supply chain expert and president of LMA Consulting Group states there are operational and supply chain priorities required to be ready to absorb additional sales". One of the most important components is to have planning and scheduling processes required to be ready to absorb capabilities.
Manufacturing has struggled to produce what customers want on-time without spending a fortune and tying up excess cash unnecessarily in the wrong, "just-in-case" inventory. It is a tough environment spiraling out of control with supply chain chaos.
As executives continue to navigate these volatile economic conditions, the focus on inventory management increases. It is especially tough to determine what to do if you don't know if sales opportunities will dramatically increase as the competition falters and consumers drive demand or if sales will tank as recession fears increase and business optimism falters.
Manufacturers are experiencing continued inflationary pressures threatening customer service and profit margins with record-breaking price increases and lack of material availability. To add fuel to the fire, they are also starting to worry about preparing for a potential recession.
Lisa Anderson, a supply-chain management expert and the president of LMA Consulting Group, says if you’ve got the cash on hand now,"it’s not a bad idea to start your holiday shopping early this year."
Because we live in a global, supply chain disrupted world amidst record-breaking prices for food, commodities and oil (and all products dependent on these industries), not only are businesses looking to navigate inflationary pressures, but also deflationary pressures. Inflation can lead to deflation as consumers panic and demand softens.
According to the Wall Street Journal, consumer prices are the highest in 40 years. It certainly doesn’t seem to be letting up. In fact, with the Russia-Ukraine war, there will be continued inflationary pressures on products related to oil, gas, commodity, and food at a minimum.
Lisa Anderson, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expert and President of LMA Consulting Group, talks about the coming months and keeping an eye on cash balance."Proactively managing cashflow is critical right now".