Issue Archives: Quarter 4 2008
How rapid manufacturing could transform supply chains
Rapid, or direct digital, manufacturing will move companies to adopt a globally distributed supply chain that supports economic, low-volume production.
A model of independence
After Carestream Health was sold to a new owner, the medical imaging company had to design its own, stand-alone distribution network. Modeling software helped supply chain managers make the right decisions.
Infrastructure investment: The supply chain connection
Government decision makers rarely consider the impact of infrastructure investments on supply chains. But they should: Failing to do so will stifle a nation's economic competitiveness.
Why LSPs don't leverage innovations
Logistics service providers (LSPs) often struggle to extend customized solutions created for specific customers to a broader customer base. What they need is a new model for managing the innovation process.
Desert Reform
To combat a growing insurgency in Iraq, the U.S. military adopted a nontraditional tactic: rebuilding the country's supply chains.
Which customers are most profitable?
Do you know what individual customers contribute to earnings per share? Here's how to determine the impact of each customer or customer segment on your company's profitability.
Columns
Afterword
A threat to globalization?
It is not pessimism to assume that in a highly complex supply chain, something will go wrong somewhere at some time and that preparation for such an eventuality is essential.
Career Ladder
Get some career insurance
Just as the best time to buy life insurance is before you die, the best time to get career insurance is before you lose your job.
Direct Connection
A gathering of global leaders
Nearly 3,000 supply chain management and logistics professionals from more than 40 countries gathered in Denver, Colorado, USA recently to attend CSCMP's Annual Global Conference 2008.
Monetary Matters
Tough times for international trade
As the global economy continues to slow, supply chain managers should be prepared to see international trade growth take a hit.
Perspective
Use the downturn to prepare for the upturn
The global economic downturn is providing a temporary reprieve from high energy prices and an opportunity to plan for the future.
Supply Chain Executive Insight E-Newsletter
Each month the Supply Chain Executive Insight e-newsletter will include brief articles about developments that are often overlooked by other supply chain publications. We will present you with summaries of the latest research as well as new ideas on how to make your supply chain operations more effective. And we'll offer commentary that sheds light on what's happening in supply chains today.Sign up now!
Free Articles From The Current Issue
Glimmers of hopeLogistics costs plunged dramatically last year as the economy contracted. Preliminary data for 2010 show that a recovery is under way, but shippers still face a host of challenges.
Don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet
Despite the recovery, companies are likely to pressure supply chain managers to cut costs even further.
A bright future... together
We must move beyond the typical approach of "state the problem and talk about the frustrations."
Most Read Articles
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Perspective
The brass ring beckons
The results of a recent study about career paths could encourage supply chain professionals to set their sights on achieving an executive position.
Forward ThinkingThe brass ring beckons
The results of a recent study about career paths could encourage supply chain professionals to set their sights on achieving an executive position.
Higher oil prices call for flexible supply chains
As companies wrestle with rising energy costs, says MIT Professor David Simchi-Levi, they need to need to know their "tipping point"—the level at which higher prices will necessitate changes in their supply chain strategy.
Forward Thinking
Look to lean in bad times
Bad economic times should require more companies to incorporate lean principles into their supply chains to gain additional flexibility, says Gartner Research Vice President Dan Miklovic.
Forward Thinking
Should the CIO "own" the supply chain?
Merck CIO J. Chris Scalet says he knows of at least 25 CIOs of major companies who have taken on expanded roles in process management in their companies.
Forward Thinking
Manufacturing practices differ widely in North America
A recent survey by the Manufacturing Performance Institute and Industry Week found that when it comes to supply chain integration, Mexican plants are ahead of their counterparts in the United States and Canada.
Forward Thinking
Four with the power to transform
These four IT trends identified by Gartner could have important implications for supply chain information management.
Forward Thinking
Survival of the leanest
Companies need to speed up their adoption of "lean" practices in order to survive the global economic downturn, said one of the founders of the lean movement, Daniel T. Jones.
Forward Thinking
Wood or plastic? That is the pallet question
For years debate has raged in the pallet industry about which type of platform is better for the environment—wood or plastic.
Forward Thinking
Job hunters rely on referrals
Most job hunters, including those in the supply chain field, use personal connections or referrals to find work, according to a recent survey by executive recruiters TopGrading Solutions Inc.
Forward Thinking
Efficiency gains offset by rising fuel prices
The total cost of logistics remained about the same this year as last, as gains made from reduced inventory, costs savings, and greater efficiencies in the warehouse were negated by increases in fuel costs, according to supply chain consulting firm Establish Inc.
Departments
Dialogue: A Conversation With a CSCMP MemberLean leadership
NutriSystem is experiencing phenomenal growth. Customer-focused, "lean" supply chain management is fundamental to the company's success, says Chief Supply Chain Officer Lou Arace.
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment
Upcoming professional education programs around the world
CSCMP Notebook
CSCMP Notebook
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