My last post “Supply Chain Confusion could kill your business“ generated several great comments from highly qualified professionals around the world, and in this post I want to explore the reasons for the confusion. Obviously, the confusion is debilitating, and unprofitable. I am sure readers will have their own experiences with the confusion in supply chain world,
About Mind The Gap Why do companies achieve far worse performance than what could be feasible with their superior hiring and training capabilities? It appears as if there are some invisible chains that are constantly pulling these companies back all the time. Something significant yet intangible is acting as a brake that inhibits the functionality
Ally In Supply Chain The digital revolution (aka tech revolution) has changed the way we live, work and play. The boom of software and IT solutions have caused disruption and realignment for businesses. When business intelligence is implemented and used effectively there is a real pay-off.
Supply Chain Optimisation / transformation. Optimisation has always been a hot topic for strategists and business transformations executives. Now, as the mantle for leading corporations is moving from strategists to the integrationists and supply chain leaders – optimisation is hotter than ever before.
Nobody sets out thinking, I have no purpose for bringing this technology into our company, but I will do this anyway (well a few rare
Industrial Age Tools Vs Information Age Weapons This is the part 2 of my earlier post What I Learnt Fighting Pirates (Not in the Caribbean)! (that post was getting too long, so I had to break it into two parts). I asked bosun to send a repelling party to cut the ladder and the scrambling rope, While
Ideas In Action A switched on team of senior management makes all the difference. No matter which part of the world, and how unfamiliar the concepts are – an interactive team will always find how to use ideas for their business. I recently had the pleasure of interacting with the chairman and top management team
Supply Chain Management Software, Executives, managers and businessmen encounter a multitude of problems while deciding, selecting, implementing and using supply chain management software. We have created a poll to stimulate discussion on the most common problems. Please participate in the poll and use comment section to share your experience. Here is the link to the
5-STAR Business Network I am always amused to see the starry eyed stories of success of the companies in the business press. Many of the stories do not go deep into the real reasons for that success or to trace how transitory it can be, if those reasons disappear.
About Industry in Supply Chain Dellify (verb) – the process of changing an industry model from high cost, low flexibility, make-to-stock model to a low cost, high flexibility make-to-order model. Before Michael Dell started his business from the college dorm, computer industry followed a very different model.
Old Business Models Are Getting Redundant When General Motors filed for Chapter XI protection in 2008, it also marked the closing of a type of business models in modern commerce. General Motors was seen as the paragon of modern American management theory as popularized by Peter Drucker in the middle of the twentieth century.
Facebook and NewsCorp On the face of it, the two companies could not be more widely apart. One is the paragon the new paradigm, while other is an old dying breed! I am, of course, talking about Facebook and NewsCorp. That is what all the pundits will tell you. They will also explain the logic of why News Corp bought MySpace in
You Will Never Believe This Bizarre Truth Of A Management Consultant. I was in a hard bind. I just came out of a meeting with a highly polished marketing professional, who was pitching to our company for outsourced marketing work. She had correctly diagnosed that similar to many small companies, ours did not have any
How Will Globalisation Be In The Future. No matter which country you look at today – you see big problems. Emerging problems are currently grappling with massive monetary expansionism triggered by a need to keep currency stability in face of periodic bouts of Quantitative Easings. For example see the article “Rajan Warns of Policy Breakdown as
CEO For Microsoft CEO FOR MICROSOFT. CEO Wires are abuzz with the talk about Satya Nadella – who seems to be the front runner for the job of Microsoft CEO. Many profiles have emerged online – e.g. see the article Satya Nadella: CEO For M The man who may soon become Microsoft CEO. Google’s Sunder
Troubles in big data are starting to emerge. Big Data in Supply Chain I have written about these earlier and warned the clients to first make sure their small data is working as intended before jumping into big data. If you cannot control your small data, your ERP system, your EIS or your cloud then
How Amazon Shipping Can Ease Your Pain After delivery drones, Amazon has created yet another news sensation! This time with predictive shipping and patenting it. In this article, Cathy Morrow Robertson describes Amazon’s latest leap: “Based on previous orders, product searches, wish lists, shopping cart contents and other online customer experiences,
Supply Chain Business 911 Although you keep looking for better ideas and new processes, your business keeps struggling to achieve the expected results? Here is some advice you could readily use when you need new ideas to improve your business. In this article, we will try to give you some guidance to help you with
Supply Chain Transparency. The global fast food franchise has recently released a video showing how McNuggets are made to curb rumours about nasty ingredients. In the clip, supply chain manager Nicoletta Stefou from McDonald’s Canada headquarters walks the audience through the process, with particular emphasis on how “pink goop” is never part of the production
A Valuable Lesson in Supply Chain There I was sitting across the desk from the legendary fleet commodore of my company. As a junior officer I could sense the power of the man who had led some of the most daring, and most successful sea voyages of his time.
SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 In the last entry, I have talked about the first two pillars underpinning Supply Chain 3.0. So, what are the other three key cornerstones? Transaction Optimisation Profitability (TOP) measures the ability to simultaneously minimize the costs, and maximize the revenues on each transaction that a company enters into. Consider this – there are companies today that
Learn More Supply Chain 3.0 In the previous blog entry of this series, I have outlined a customer centric business model, which is also captured in my book The 5-Star Business Network. Now let us delve into the evolution of supply chain models, or how Supply Chain 3.0 came about. In the old model of supply chains, businesses used to relate to each other in
Miles Of Amazon Complexity Network Rivers become amazingly complex in their last few miles. If you have not yet done that try and navigate the Amazon delta from the sea up to the river – it is an enlightening experience. As a former ship’s master, I have had the privilege of navigating up a number
Following two benefits outlined in the previous entry, in this last entry of the blog series, let us go over the remaining benefits of Supply Chain 3.0. By Definition, Supply Chain 3.0 Improves Your Cash Position Recall from the previous blog series that “The second measure of interest to us is in Supply Chain 3.0
Trust & Care – Two Hallmarks Of Supply Chain Segmentation Supply Chain Segmentation Drives Today’s Digital Marketing – This is how I explained the situation to a group of a senior executives of the company I was consulting to recently. The profitability was falling, and customers were abandoning the company (I cannot go into too
The Miracle Of Supply Chain Is The New Electricity. Recently I did a small but quite interesting thought experiment with one of my sons. We
Ten Various Ways To Do The Rat Race. After a while, the rat race tires you out. Even if you are winning the race, you
About Supply Chain Job This blog post is relatively small and simple. Yet, as you will see, it is of immense use to anyone in
When I explain to people that supply chain 3.0 is real, in general, I get three type of responses. 3 Things You Need To Know
About Limitations on Supply Chain This picture prompted me to write the blog post. Like many other people, I am a great admirer of Steve
It appears a bit extreme now – but it was very common at time when I was a navigating cadet. Learn More Strategy Is An
Supply Chain Problem Maturity Differs At Each Stage There is a common assumption that every company’s supply chain should be similar, if not the same.
There Are Five Key Cornerstones Of Success In Building And Harnessing Effective Global Business Networks The 5-STAR Business Network So what are these 5 key
About 5-Star Business Network Extract from the book “The 5-Star Business Network”, written by Vivek Sood “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” Alphonse
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need
About Supply Chain Business Imagine if you were a small sized furniture seller, and suddenly your suppliers refused to supply furniture to you because they
Fire-Aim-Ready Innovation (FAR) This article is an extract from The Five Star Business Network, written by Vivek Sood “It’s really hard to design products by
About Supply Chain Company I was shocked when I heard of the bankruptcy of Hostess Brands Inc. The $2.5 billion maker of Twinkies and Wonder
How Will Asian Banker Summit 2015 Be In The Future On 14 – 16 April 2015 in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong,
Organizational Silos in Supply Chain Organizational silos are based on the division of labor, on organizing the labor in such a way that each individual
Strategic Thinking On Centralization The chief mate was on the forecastle with the bosun and 3 sailors preparing to anchor the ship. Master was on
About Business Transformations Industry I was reminded of this story because I was talking about it in a workshop on business transformation last week. I
Business Transformations Of Supply Chain Global shipping is a very cut-throat business where you can make a lot of money just by buying and selling
Supply chain data First let me start with a story. I have some personal experience in 1990 with this ancient mariners’ rhyme:. The Rime of
Information Of Business Networks The simplest definition of business is to sell or buy the goods or services. Though, It may define the trading style
About Globalization In Action Boasting exponential growth since its inception in 2012, Jumia became the first e-commerce site to bring the coveted Play Station 4
Nokia’s Supply Chain Business Virtually all its shareholders gave their approval, and with a stroke of pen the Finnish firm that once dominated the global
The Mysteries Of Supply Chains I have been asked this question a lot on Quora, as well in my board and other speeches. A lot
The Biggest Mistake in Business Transformations In this article I want to focus on the second biggest mistake companies make during business transformations. In case
Business Transformations Process If I have seen it once, I have seen it a hundred times. A new person is brought in with a clear
Integrated supply chain management – ISN’T IT TIME TO LOOK AT YOUR COMPANY’S NETWORK AND SUPPLY CHAIN WITH A NEW EYE TO TAKE IT FROM
Evolution Of Supply Chain Management Supply chain network Management Strategy and Capabilities evolved from primitive to esoteric in the four decades since the mid-1970. In
The 5-STAR Business Network – Make Your Business Network Great In his book The 5-STAR Business Network (http://bit.ly/5-STARBN), Vivek Sood mentions the concept of synchronicity,
Amazon’s Threat to Australian Retailer – Some points missing Yesterday (on 2nd November 2017) I happened to briefly glance at the Australian Financial Review –
Leading Executives Are Continually On A Lookout To Improve Supply Chain In Their Company Most CEOs and CXOs think about how to improve supply chain.
Why Trust In Supply Chain Is Important? Recently, the value of trust in supply chain was brought home to me in a graphic manner. An
Ways to Improve your supply chain The meeting room was as sparsely appointed as most meeting rooms used for supplier meetings these days. There were
The Global Economy Mr Trump I have nothing against you President Trump. I have nothing for you either. But, when I heard of the directive
Supply Chain And Logistics Recently, obstetrician Dr Liu Hongmei hit global headlines when she disclosed the story of a young couple who came to her
The new Apple watch (series 4) was just released yesterday, and I was reminded of my previous blog I wrote a few years ago when
The Modern Rules Of Guide To Supply Chain. It Is Ironic That Though The CFOs Are At The Absolute Center Of The Universe Within Their
If you are in Australia, it is more than likely that you already know this saga. If you are not in Australia, or do not
The Leadership Of Digital Supply Chains Boards always ask the hardest questions. That is why these gentlemen (and ladies) get to be on the boards.
Common Between Enron And Bitcoin I was at a Melbourne Cup luncheon yesterday, and someone asked me why I do not write about Bitcoin. On
Supply Chain Success “What is success? How do you define it in your current role?” It was a simple question. I asked this question of
EMPLOYMENT IN SUPPLY CHAIN OVER 50 TL/DR Abstract Many highly qualified and experience professionals find it difficult to gain meaningful employment over the age of
Bad Management Consultants Although I am writing this blog post to note down my precise thoughts just for a handful of people, it might be
Biggest Bang On Supply Chain There were only 24 hours left. Tomorrow the board would pull the plug on the project which had continued for
BIG Breakthrough Supply Chain Results Start of the year is always a memorable occasion – full of joy and hope. It is also the time
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Management Consultants Without Spending A Bundle On Them? Yes, everybody – from Steve Jobs (when he was
I need to tell a true story which is about 16 years old. Jon had just left the secure world of a senior role in
About Supply Chain Security I know that Supply Chain Security is not the top of mind of anyone. Least of all for people who are
About Supply Chain Strategy This is a million dollar question for most companies – start-ups or conglomerates. A lot of time and money is wasted
How Will Learn About Supply Chain Security Be In The Future. Here is a story of the fire than tipped the balance within an industry.
The Reason Why Everyone Loves Supply Chain Security. People often wonder where the best opportunities for start-ups are. Supply Chain Security space is getting a
Spent More Deposit with Supply Chain Company Someone asked me this question on a popular social platform. The subtext was this: What kind of discount
Unique Supply Chain Challenges One of the common problems cited by the boards and senior management is that the consultants they hire do not understand
Startup Struggles with Supply Chain Business TL/DR Abstract Many startups make it to the end, and meet the dreams of their founders. Many other founder
Freight Costs in Supply Chain Freight costs reduction is almost always the last frontier in the cost reduction landscape. At the board level, most companies
Startling Statistics Consultants Supply Chain I came across startling statistics which prompted a new line of thinking that I wanted to share – hence this
The Trouble for companies in Securing the supply chain Let me tell a story. This is a very entertaining story, but that is not the
It is a legitimate question on supply chain security – How important is continuity of supply to you? How far would you go? Would you
Rein In Logistics Suppliers No other industry, barring IT, treats its buyers with as much disdain and contempt at the logistics industry. To make it
The Supply Chain Technology For Their Competence Impressive things are difficult to forget. And, sometimes difficult to describe in a manner which does full justice
Very few companies seem to have enough warehousing space. Almost 80% of the companies I have interacted with as part of my projects (and that
EXECUTION IN SUPPLY CHAIN BUSINESS I was talking to the three senior executives of a fairly large business. They were very happy with the business
Amazon Supply Chain Is So Famous If you asked an Uber driver in Sydney today what is the greatest strength of Amazon – they will
I was recently asked this question on the popular Q & A forum QUORA. Sometimes, when the question is really good, I take my time
I was asked another very interesting question on Quora by a reader Benjamin Myer. I think the question merited some discussion and attention. Below Is
A Tale Of Two Companies Supply Chain Governance Both Nokia and Ericsson had experienced business disruption to an equal extent. The two stalwarts in the
Why is Supply Chain Governance Difficult & Missteps Most boards first hear of any of their company’s supply chain missteps only just before they are
How to cope with Supply Chain Disruptions Resulting From Covid-19 I was prompted to write this blog post because of emails on LinkedIn like this
HIGH DEMAND FOR SUPPLY CHAIN EXPERTS Abstract of Supply Chain Experts Almost every supply chain needs to be restructured in the wake of COVID-19 and
Supply chain managers’ salary is the subject of intense speculation for the last decade or so. Human Resources (HR) Managers have often asked us about
How Effective Supply Chain Leaders Can Ease Your Pain. This blogpost is likely to be controversial because it will likely make almost every reader unhappy
Why Finding The Right Management Consultants Is Difficult If you have watched the globally famous TV show, Who wants to be a millionaire? you will
Supply Chain Business Transformations Violinists have a different skill set and profile than the violin makers. Sports equipment makers have a different profile than the
If you have been a senior executive in the corporate circles for just a few years, you already know the truth about this great fight
There are two reasons why this is not going to be a BIG headline in the mainstream press for at least three months yet (but,
Flaw In Most S&OP Meetings in Supply Chain Business The biggest and most common flaw is that S&OP meetings are oriented in the past. This
Business Transformation Is Different Than Change Management Almost everybody who has anything to do with creating any change inside a company calls himself or herself
What Is Sales And Operations Planning (S & OP), And What Is Its Significance In Supply Chain Operation Management? In any company sales department or
7 Reasons Why You Are A Rookie In Supply Chain Management. A lot has changed over the last 21 years since we started Global Supply
Learn More About Supply Chain Management We get many emails from younger generation asking what kind of certificates in SCM are widely accepted. The intention
Confusing State Of Supply Chain (SCM) If you are confused about the SCM, you are not alone. Thousands of people around this world express frustration.
Supply Chain Training Level We often get this question for two reasons: 1. People are trying to peg where our company’s training offering is focused
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT. Training has become the norm for a variety of reasons. But before we go into those, let me first state that on-the-job
Considerations In Route Optimisation Since times immemorable route optimisation has been taught as one of the starting tricks in operations research and associated subjects in
SUPPLY CHAIN SPIRALING. There may be savings opportunities by consolidation of multiple shipments with same origin and destination into a single shipment. On a broader
About Supply Chain Spiraling Expectations from Supply Chain personnel have never been higher, and the reality of global supply chains has never been direr in
Multimodal Shipments A Big Deal Rarely does an international shipment use a single mode of transportation. It is common to combine multiple modes – such
Supply Chain Control The most difficult part of supply chain management is checking up on adherence to the supply chain plans. It does not matter
Transportation optimisation is an important part of a good transportation management system (TMS). Here’s What No One Tells You About Transportation Optimisation. When assessing transportation
All You Need To Know About Transportation Management System. Many companies make do with Excel spreadsheets, paper invoices and back of the envelop calculations for
Do Not Waste Your Money On Transportation Management System (TMS) Unless You Do This First Online Resources Facebook Twitter Linkedin Youtube Do Not Waste Your
The purpose of this blog post is simple. I Will Explain Some Of The Most Popular Algorithms, Methods And Heuristics Of Transportation Optimization Here are
TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. If you already have experience with TMS and other assorted SCM systems this blogpost is not for you. But a lot of
Unique Competitive Advantage In Supply Chain Supply chain software companies are not the only ones who encourage the thinking that somehow getting a bunch of
Supply Chain Group Without Corresponding Skills As the concept of supply chain management became increasingly popular in the mid 2000’s or so, many companies renamed
Supply Chain Management The most fundamental requirement is that the decision makers have a good understanding of supply chain management itself. The key reason that
About More Supply Chain Results. Like everyone else supply chain professionals also want to do a great job. They also want to be recognised for
Digital Supply Chain Twins There is a lot of talk about digital supply chain twin. A digital twin is meant to be a digital representation
About Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Supply Chain The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in the breakdown of supply chains globally, the economic impact of which will
The World Of Supply Chain Is Experiencing Its Own Digital Divide On one hand we have several large global corporations shipping hundreds of thousands of
Information Technology Tools We are asked this question in a number of workshops and public forums. That is not surprising – after all the question
About Fundamental Foundation In a quotation famously and perhaps apocryphally attributed to Intel Corporation founder Andy Grove, he said: “For one brief moment the demand
Supply Chain Management Planning And Execution Needs Decision Making For a human to be switched on 24/7 and make real time decisions as soon as
S&OP brings together two disparate but essential mechanisms to look at an even bigger picture. On One Hand, Demand Management Is The Art Of Maximising
Almost all the current applications of AI in SCM are in the following three areas: Supply Chain Management Automation: after automation of the factories now
Digital supply chain twin and Augmented reality (AR) are the current experimental models that are under development for aiding the supply chain management using artificial
The Overwhelming Container In Supply Chain Freight Rates It is a scary trend – and one index after another is confirming it. Container freight rates
Each Silo Measures The Success Of The S&OP Process Differently Sales might believe it is successful if it manages to “hoodwink” the production to produce
In the supply chain, the commodity and services generally flow downstream from the origin to customer point of consumption. There is also a backward flow
It won’t be an overstatement anymore to say that among the top three things on every CEO’s and boards’ mind is this question – what
The Tariffs in Supply Chain Business Why We Are Qualified To Write This Article? Over the last three decades we have led and worked on
Are Good Business Transformation People Worth Their Weight In Gold? Online Resources Facebook Twitter Linkedin Youtube Are Good Business Transformation People Worth Their Weight In
