L.L. Bean's smarter stocking strategy
The iconic retailer has revamped its inventory practices to support a multi-channel selling strategy. The result: less overstock of seasonal inventory, more of the products its customers buy all year long, and a reduction in warehousing costs.
Tap into the power of analytics
New ways of applying supply chain analytics can lead to dramatically higher levels of performance. Here's where to find the best opportunities.
A hard look at the soft side of performance
Supply chain scorecards typically focus on operational metrics. But if companies want to capture a true picture of supply chain success, they need to measure employees' interpersonal performance, too.
A commanding view
For companies that are struggling to get an end-to-end view of their global supply chains, taking command of multi-enterprise visibility issues in ways that combine real-time information, event processing, and advanced analytics may provide the answer.
wehkamp.nl takes it one day at a time
When the Dutch online retailer worked with a key supplier to switch from weekly to daily replenishment, inventory levels improved—as did sales, service, and working capital.
Seven signs your supply chain needs a redesign
Because supply chain redesigns are expensive and time-consuming, they often get deferred. But if your company shows any of these warning signs, then you probably can't afford to put it off any longer.
Are you a candidate for produce-to-demand?
Produce-to-demand manufacturing can help some consumer packaged goods companies reduce finished-goods inventory, improve order fill rates, and cut supply chain costs. Here’s how to know whether it’s right for you.
Consumer product fraud—how to stop it now
The melamine scare and similar incidents show that consumer goods remain vulnerable to tampering. Here are five strategies for detecting and deterring this type of fraud in your supply chain.
Turbocharge your high-tech supply chain
High-tech companies must deal with a high level of demand uncertainty, product obsolescence, and pricing pressures. By taking advantage of five "levers" they can overcome those challenges and cut total supply chain costs by as much as 40 percent.
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
The way forwardThe statistics and industry insights contained in the "State of Logistics Report" can help companies better prepare for the business demands that lie ahead.
Economic anemia will lead to innovation
Expect no letup in the relentless pressure on U.S. logistics managers to cut costs. To meet that challenge, they will have to regularly re-examine the makeup of their supply chain networks.
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Perspective
Power to the (supply chain) people
When the unexpected happens, let the managers on the frontlines make decisions to quickly address developing situations.
Forward ThinkingPower to the (supply chain) people
When the unexpected happens, let the managers on the frontlines make decisions to quickly address developing situations.
Demand forecasting top of mind for supply chain leaders
A new study highlights how semiconductor makers are trying to improve visibility of demand signals.
Forward Thinking
Customization to prompt changes in pharma supply chains
Four approaches to supply chain design will provide a source of market differentiation for pharmaceutical manufacturers, says a new report.
Forward Thinking
Rising supply chain costs will push up retail prices
Some manufacturers and importers plan to pass increases in logistics costs on to retailers and consumers, according to results of a recent survey.
Forward Thinking
Think "customer chain," not "supply chain"
Consultants Atlee Valentine Pope and George F. Brown Jr. say companies can grow by identifying where their customers find value in the "customer chain."
Forward Thinking
Mexico draws more production away from Asia, India
Manufacturers that want to move production closer to end users named Mexico as the top location for serving U.S. markets.
Forward Thinking
High-tech companies worry about supply chain risk
Most technology companies cited supply chain issues among their most worrisome risks.
Forward Thinking
Japan's problems affect global trade growth
Global trade was flat in Quarter 1 of 2011 due to belt-tightening by governments in the world's major economies and the effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
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Dialogue: A Conversation With a CSCMP Member
Help wanted: Must be multi-talented
Third-party logistics and technology companies are hiring supply chain professionals right now. If you want to get their attention, then you'll need to be familiar with a wide range of functions, says recruiter Don Jacobson.
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Open Enrollment
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