Supply Chain Optimization

In your position as Supply Chain leader, the quality of the relationship among your team members is perhaps one of your biggest areas of focus. A unified, communicative team produces the best results, but it’s not always easy to develop. People simply have different beliefs, backgrounds and social skills, all of which can prove challenging in your quest for an effective work flow. Try these effective strategies to bolster good...

I once mapped out multiple severe bottlenecks and mind-boggling money wasting processes throughout the entire procurement organization in a pharmaceutical company.  The Procurement manager became so upset over our discoveries, he shut done the whole project out of embarrassment and fright of losing his job. That is just one example. The issue at heart is that you don’t need fancy consultants or individuals that believe they have all...

Without a doubt Kaizen. Kaizen When I was at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Canada more than 14 years ago, our VP of Operations brought in Japanese Kaizen experts that had worked at Toyota in Japan. With the multiple and continuous improvements that this method brought, we gained enormous efficiencies in the supply chain and in some cases reduced engine lead times from 24 to 4 months. That VP, Louis Chenevert went on to become Chairman...

The 2013 Logistics and Supply Chain Management event in Las Vegas gave me a chance to present as well as connect with a number of outstanding people and organizations. Here are the major tips from the week which pertain to our business the most. Presentations regarding master data governance (including CIF – APO core interface) with or without APO were the most popular. Before launching sophisticated tools like APO, make sure you are...

Ever wonder how Apple uses SAP? Apple uses SAP to manage its huge volume of orders in iTunes. I’m also a huge fan of Apple’s supply chain as its one of the best in the world. I bought the book that Tim Cook handed to his work colleagues “Competing Against Time: How Time-Based Competition is Reshaping Global Markets” It’s about using your supply chain as a strategic weapon in business. Interesting indeed!...

Companies can potentially bleed staggering amounts of money implementing SAP APO (Advanced Planning Optimizer), with a mediocre results that requires extensive re-engineering.  Here are the top five steps required to create a company – wide – lean – mean – APO machine. 1. Get the best of the best to consult and guide you. You will fail or create a nightmare APO design if you do not do your homework and hire the very best...