Since the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act passed in July, 2010, procurement professionals have thought more than ever about the various metals within their supply chains, particularly if those metals may contain conflict minerals. The conflict minerals law added to the Dodd-Frank Act could have a widespread effect on supply chains in…
The best procurement experts are continuously seeking out the most cost-effective procurement sources. Even when the supply chain runs seamlessly and achieves best costs, there are always alternatives that could offer better benefits to your overall operations and profits. If It’s Not Broke… Why would you actively search for new vendors and suppliers when there’s…
Quality control standards have evolved to fit different production methods since the Middle Ages but it wasn’t until shortly after the Industrial Revolution that quality inspections and specialized departments for quality control came into being. Quality assurance as it is known today was first introduced in Japan in the mid 1940s. Q.A. found its place…
Whether you have 20 years of procurement experience or you’re new on the supply chain scene, negotiating contracts with suppliers is often intimidating and stressful. Procurement professionals aren’t always trained in the art of negotiation, although the salespeople they’re working with are usually very well-trained. These easy steps will give you the edge you need…
When operational dysfunctions occur, the source of the problem is usually linked to the supply chain. Effective supply chain systems integrate seamlessly into a company’s operations and need a great deal of teamwork for success. A dysfunctional supply chain can drag a business under very quickly. Here are some of the most common signs to…
Supply chain experts and business analysts use many different models to forecast supply and demand. When it comes to forecast accuracy, no single technique gets it right every time, but the tips below can help you improve your projections.
Effective supply chain management is the best way to cut costs and increase profits, but there are some issues that do more harm than good if they’re not handled correctly.
We’ve all heard news reports about companies shutting down their US factories and moving those jobs overseas, causing hundreds and thousands of Americans to become unemployed. How could outsourcing possibly be good for the local economy when it immediately results in lost jobs?
Effective supply chain management is the backbone of a business but for many companies, it is also a challenge. A typical supply chain involves several entities – buyers, suppliers, distributors, and in the end, customers. Developing long-term relationships at each of these levels is the key to success.
Supply chain management is often taken for granted in the business world. Regardless of industry, the supply chain is the backbone of any company. It begins with procuring the materials or services needed to create the end product and continues until the finished goods are in the customer’s hands. This process typically involves a range…