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…
What started as a small online bookstore in 1995 is now the world’s largest online retailer with a better selection than most brick-and-mortar department stores. The internet giant continues to grow and expand, now offering commercial materials for various industries through AmazonSupply. Amazon has gained a strategic position in the global supply chain and continues…
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…
Supply chain disruptions are inevitable. What’s important is how a company faces these obstacles and what actions they take to overcome them. “Building Resilience in Supply Chains” was the focus of this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting on January 24th. The report addresses common uncontrollable risks of global supply chains and outlines ways to…
According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, global supply chain barriers found in administrative policies and government infrastructure have a greater impact on trade than tariffs and taxes. The research includes 18 case studies in various industries around the world and outlines several ways countries can work together to boost global GDP.
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…
According to the latest Carbon Disclosure Project Report, 70% of global corporations and suppliers believe that climate change could significantly impact their revenues in the near future. Extreme weather conditions are the biggest concern, already affecting nearly a third of the organizations included in the report.
Award-winning U.S. procurement firm, GEP recently released their Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Outlook trend report for 2013. The report outlines eight key trends that will impact procurement strategies this year, along with a market outlook of eight major sectors.
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…
On January 9, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced in a press release that increased demand for air cargo could mean a brighter future for the air freight industry. Air freight volumes seen a 1.6% increase over the previous year in November, 2012. At the same time, the wait time for Apple’s iPhone 5…