Internal teams lack objectivity, sophistication, and multiple perspectives
The complexities of global supply chains require a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to ensure success.
Category: Supply Chain Management
Balancing Cost Reduction and Competitive Drivers: Avoiding Blinkered Vision
Organizations must balance cost reduction and competitive drivers to avoid blinkered vision. A myopic focus on cost cutting can lead to missed opportunities and lost competitive advantage.
When companies freeze transformative activity they signal panic
Modern business has always been a forward-looking endeavour, embraced by those that seek to innovate and expand their operations.
Clear responsibilities and ownership is required for making successful business transformations
In today’s changing global economy, successful business transformations require clear responsibilities and ownership.
Business Transformation as a leadership litmus test
Business transformation is one of the greatest tests that a leader can face.
Knowledge of the supply chain and its impact on business is critical to success
In today’s global economy, knowledge of supply chain and its impact on business is critical to success.
Common sense can suffice in many situations, butwould not be enough in near-distress situation
In today’s globalized world, supply chains that span across national and regional boundaries are becoming more commonplace.
Looking beyond internal boundaries
Global supply chains have become increasingly complex and interdependent in today’s business environment.
The financial component
In today’s global economy, the financial component of a successful supply chain is a critical part of any business.
The process and service component
Global supply chains are complex systems that require careful consideration and planning.
Maximizing Efficiency and Cost Savings with Results-Focused, Modularized Outsourcing (ROM)
Results-Focused, Modularized Outsourcing (ROM) is a powerful approach for maximizing efficiency and cost savings in business operations. By breaking down complex processes into modular components and outsourcing specific tasks to specialized providers, companies can achieve greater flexibility and scalability while reducing costs. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of ROM and provide strategies for implementing this approach in your business. With ROM, you can streamline your operations, reduce overhead expenses, and focus on core competencies, leading to improved profitability and long-term success.
Mastering Advanced Product Phasing (APP) to Sustain Market Leadership
Mastering Advanced Product Phasing (APP) is critical for businesses to sustain market leadership. By developing a deep understanding of customer needs and market trends, companies can effectively phase their product offerings and stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of APP and provide strategies for implementing this approach in your business. With APP, you can achieve greater customer satisfaction, drive revenue growth, and solidify your position as a market leader.
How can I fine tune my business model and the 5-STAR network continually as the circumstances change? What have other companies in my industry and region done as customer preferences evolve, newer suppliers become available, newer technologies come to the market and competitors change their strategies?
In the ever-changing business environment, companies are constantly having to adjust and fine tune their business models. This article will explore how companies can make sure their business model is up to date with customer preferences and industry trends, particularly relevant to those in the global supply chain. It will look at the 5-STAR network and discuss how other companies in similar industries have adapted to changing circumstances.
The informational component
In the modern economy, global supply chains have become an integral part of a company’s success.
The Power of Data: How it Unveils the Bigger Picture and Clears Up the Confusion
Power of data lies in its ability to unveil the bigger picture and clear up the confusion. Data-driven insights help make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and gain a competitive edge.
The strategic component and the overall vision
The global supply chain is an integral component of any successful business.
What does it take to transform successfully?
In today’s ever-changing global market, the ability to transform the supply chain is essential.
Two things will never change: the will to change and the fear of change
The will to change and the fear of change are two constants that have been in place since before the dawn of industry.
Magic happens when ‘The Flywheel Effect’ comes into play
The complex, global supply chain has evolved significantly in recent years. An integral part of its success is the Flywheel Effect.
B2B network helps smooth out the volatility
In the current global economy, the supply chain can be a volatile and unpredictable entity.
B2B network helps leverage your business infrastructure
The global supply chain is an integral part of many business infrastructure models.
How to Identify Supply Chain Bottlenecks in Your Organisation: A Practical Guide for Improved Efficiency
Learn how to identify supply chain bottlenecks and improve efficiency in your organisation with our practical guide. Optimise your operations today.
Speed and quality of new product development create vast difference in financial outcomes
The development of new products has become a major factor in the success of businesses today.
Revolutionizing Supply Chain: The Advancements and Differences of SCM 3.0
Revolutionizing Supply Chain: The Advancements and Differences of SCM 3.0″ explores the integration of advanced technologies in supply chain management, enabling optimization and data-driven decision-making.
Unlocking Maximum Profitability: The Power of Collaborative Supply Chain Management
Collaborative supply chain management can enhance profitability and optimise operations. Learn how collaboration among partners can unlock maximum profitability in this blog.
Measure customer fill rates accurately, and look for persistently low fill rates
Accurately measuring customer fill rates is an essential part of managing global supply chains.
Listen to your losses – they speak for themselves
The global supply chain is a complex system that requires constant and careful monitoring in order to remain successful.
The birth of Supply Chain Management
The emergence of global supply chains has revolutionized the way businesses operate.
Excessive division of labor can create bureaucracies with deeply entrenched silos mentality
The global supply chain has become increasingly complex in recent years. As organizations strive to cut costs and stay competitive, the excessive division of labor can create bureaucracies with deeply entrenched silos mentality. This can lead to a lack of collaboration amongst departments, an increased risk of errors, and significant waste. The consequences of these silos can filter down through the entire organization, impacting its ability to succeed in the global marketplace.
When you are so close to the business, the real problem is often difficult to discern
The global supply chain is a complex system of interconnected parts and processes which, when combined, provide the platform for large scale international commerce. As businesses become ever more integrated across borders, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify underlying issues as they can be masked by the larger scale activities. When you are so close to the business, the real problem is often difficult to discern.
Embracing Collaborative Advantage: The New Game-Changer for Business Success
In today’s global economy, the ability to leverage collaborative advantage has become an increasingly important factor in business success. By taking a collaborative approach to managing their global supply chain, businesses can unlock a new level of profitability and sustainability that rivals the traditional methods of growth. With the right strategy and tools, companies can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction — all while remaining competitive. Embracing collaboration can be a game-changer for any business if done correctly.
In the old model of supply chains, businesses used to relate to each other in a very linear manner
In today’s modern business landscape, companies are increasingly relying on complex global supply chains. In the old model of supply chains, businesses used to interact with each other in a very linear manner. This model was highly efficient in its day, but it was ultimately limited by factors such as time and geographical constraints. With the development of digital technologies, companies have been able to create more sophisticated supply chain models that are better adapted to the ever-changing global economy.
Navigating the Opportunities and Threats of Globalization: A Strategic Approach for Businesses
Globalization has presented businesses with both opportunities and threats, yet many organizations struggle to develop an effective strategy.
Unlocking Business Success: Why Knowing Your Customers Better Than Themselves is the Key
In today’s globalized economy, understanding and mastering the intricacies of the supply chain is a key factor in unlocking business success. Knowing your customers better than they know themselves is an invaluable asset that can give a company the competitive edge it needs to remain successful. To truly understand customers and their needs, it is important to gain insights into their preferences, habits, and desires.
As human consciousness evolves beyond mammalian realms, clarity of purpose
becomes more important than a clear line of hierarchy
The global supply chain is a vast and complex system, but its ultimate purpose is to provide for the needs of people around the world. As humans continue to evolve in terms of consciousness, clarity of purpose has become increasingly important. This is especially true when it comes to managing a global supply chain. Hierarchy and organizational structures are still important, but they must be put into perspective with a clear understanding of the ultimate goal – satisfying customer needs on a global scale.
Accelerating Progress: The Evolution of Technology in the 21st Century
The 21st century has brought about a paradigm shift in the way we live, work and interact with one another.
Money power is being replaced by network power
The digital age is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, and networks are becoming increasingly powerful. The global supply chain is no exception: money power is being replaced by network power. In this article, we will explore how network power is changing the way companies create and manage their global supply chains. We will look at how a new type of ‘network intelligence’ is allowing companies to take advantage of greater efficiency, flexibility and scalability.
New business models are needed
In an increasingly globalized business environment, it is essential for companies to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to their supply chain models. With a shift towards digital transformation and the integration of new technologies into existing systems, many companies are finding that traditional supply chain models are no longer sufficient to keep up with the changing world. This article will explore why new business models are needed in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace, particularly as it relates to the evolving global supply chain.
Old business models from academia create a false sense of knowledge and superiority
The global supply chain has been significantly impacted by the drag of Wall Street and other similar financial institutions.
The drag of Wall Street and other similar institutions
The global supply chain has been significantly impacted by the drag of Wall Street and other similar financial institutions. For decades, these institutions have been viewed as pillars of the global economy, setting standards for investments and influencing business decisions. But in recent years, the rise in corporate greed, unethical practices and a disregard for accountability have put pressure on businesses to rethink their reliance on such institutions.
Inventory Benchmarking: Leveraging Proprietary Benchmarks to Optimize Your Inventory Management Strategy
In today’s competitive business landscape, businesses must be strategic in how they manage their global supply chain. Inventory management is a key component of successful supply chain operations and requires frequent analysis to ensure optimization. Inventory benchmarking is an effective tool for understanding the state of an organization’s inventory management strategy and identifying areas for improvement. By leveraging proprietary benchmarks tailored to the specific needs of individual organizations, businesses can gain invaluable insights into their inventory processes and optimize them accordingly.
Optimizing Global Manufacturing Footprint: A Comprehensive Approach to Production, Logistics, Distribution, and Supply Chain Management
This book provides a comprehensive approach to optimizing the global supply chain, from production and logistics to distribution and supply. It covers the latest best practices in global manufacturing footprint optimization and offers practical advice for improving operations.
Modularisation in Supply Chains – Why is it Attractive?
Supply chain management is a critical component of any business operation and the concept of modularisation has become increasingly popular in recent years. Modularisation in supply chains can help to reduce costs, improve efficiency and allow companies to remain competitive.The field of international goods transportation has witnessed several great advances over the last 100 years.
Supply Chain Leadership in Tough Time
Supply Chain Leadership In Tough Times The current business climate is challenging for many organizations, and the demand for creative and effective supply chain leadership
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION IS NOT EASY-globalscgroup
Executives face a constant challenge – how to transform their business rapidly to meet the changing market conditions. But business transformation is not easy.
Euro Supply Chain: The End Or A New Beginning?
Supply chain management has become an important factor in the success or failure of many businesses. The euro is a major player in the world’s supply chain, providing a single currency that facilitates international trade between European nations.
What Is Supply Chain and the role of it?
Supply chain is an essential part of the business and logistics operations of almost any company, from small businesses to large multi-national corporations.
Sustainable Packaging Industry And The History of It
The History of Sustainable Packaging Industry. It packs a lot in a small space, efficiently uses the minimum amount of resources, it’s not a product
PC Supply Chain Industry in the US
Five fundamental questions that every environmentally pro-active CEO needs to ask about their Supply Chains?
Vivek Sood and Tony Fedorowicz
Challenging Leadership Principles Of Supply Chain Group
By Stuart Emmett Understand Leadership Principles of Supply Chain Before You Regret. This article puts over what I see as essential leadership principles. They are taken
Cost Management Tips In Supply Chain By Doug Hudgeon
By Doug Hudgeon The Weekend Cost Management Tips In Supply Chain On the weekends, I’ll give a short cost management tips without web or book
A Re-Thinking Supply Chains Approach By stuart Emmett
How To Get People To Like Re-Thinking Supply Chains A Look At Rethinking Supply Chains By Stuart Emmett Stuart Emmett co-operated with our very own Vivek
Doug Hudgeon – The Cost Reduction Tip: Simplify Your Supply Chain
Doug Hudgeon is one of the leading experts on cost reduction and supply chain management. With years of experience in the field, he has a wealth of knowledge that can help companies reign in their costs and become more efficient.
How To Prepare Simple, Effective Cost Management Reports (Part 1)
By Doug Hudgeon The Cost Reduction Tip EFFECTIVE COST MANAGEMENT REPORTS PREPARATION. Effective management accounts are critical to a cost reduction initiative. Without it, your
Green Supply Chain Carbon Management
Green Supply Chain Carbon Management With emerging regulations on coal emissions, all organizations will be probably affected by Green Supply Chain Carbon Management. Therefore organizations
Life Cycle Management
Life Cycle Management (LCM) is an integrated approach to managing the total life cycle of products and services for sustainable consumption and production. LCM takes
Better Life Cycle Engineering On Supply Chain
Life Cycle Engineering On Supply Chain Advancement in technology and the abundance of raw material has resulted in the increased consumption of products and services
Why Are Software Development Estimates Regularly Off By a Factor 2-3 Times?
About More Software Development Estimates Reblogged from Startup Answers: (written by Michael Wolfe) Map Let’s take a hike on the coast from San Francisco to
The Most Powerful Lessons Of The History In Global Supply Chain
The study of history is filled with valuable lessons that can provide us with insight into how to shape the future. From ancient civilizations to the modern world, the most powerful lessons of history can be used to inform decisions about our current societies and potential outcomes for years to come.
5 Star Business Network Successfully Deployed IT Project
In the ever-changing world of technology, relevancy is key. Today, PC sales are on a steady decline as more and more businesses are turning to cloud-computing solutions.
When Supply Chain Confusion Can Kill Business
In the business world, supply chain confusion can be a major problem. It is important to understand how it can affect the operations of a company and how it can even lead to business failure.
Tinderization Of Human Courtship on Supply Chain What It Means?
About Human Courtship on Supply Chain I vaguely recall reading a research paper on human courtship by a US professor, where he hypothesised a 13 stage courtship process starting with eye-lock to for-ever-after. He had studied several human societies – ranging from primitive isolated tribes to modern urban tribes and concluded that the process was
Coming Re-Alignment Of The Natural Gas Supply Chains On A Global Scale
The Natural Gas Supply Chains Coming Re-Alignment Of The Natural Gas Supply Chains On A Global Scale, And Its Impact On Downstream Petro-Chemical Manufacturing Traditionally, the natural gas market in Europe was served by Russia, while Asia got most of its natural gas from the Middle East. That is why prices of natural gas in
5 Strategies That Will Save Your Supply Chain Company
Strategies of Supply Chain Company For every business or economic activity, there is a time when it falls behind its competitors. No matter whether the situation comes to you at the initial stages or you are facing a sudden challenge right after touching the tip of popularity, you surely have to find out the way
Best Ways Business Networks Can Help Rescue Companies By Anais Lelong
About Business Networks Global Business Networks are essential in nowadays’ business world, we have no choice but to accept this fact. In effect, no business can survive now without building a proper business network beforehand. This is the first reality anyone has to understand before starting his business. This is the root of all the
Confronting Business How To Adapt Your Business Network Properly
About Confronting Business Business networks have changed through the ages and they have become greater and greater, reaching a worldwide scale. Nowadays, companies have to learn how to manage the business networks’ changes and its expansion over the world. However, somehow, our current business networks are not new at all and have already existed in
New Trends For Management Implied By The Complexity Increase
Trends For Management Implied We have no choice but to accept that complexity is omnipresent in every organisation today. Complexity took a very important place in organisation because it is bigger than it used to be one century ago. For this reason, managers and executives have to learn how to run their business while managing
From Free Markets To Free Supply Chain Networks And Beyond
Supply Chain Networks Business The story started in the 19th century with the beginning of free markets. The world of free markets is the world where business exchanges started to expand to global organizations and relationships. Many exchanges were now possible thanks to the free markets. The allocation of resources is determined by supply and
Business Networks Or Social Networks – Which Is Better ?
Learn All About Business Networks Or Social Networks LinkedIn is a business network that allows you to socialise. Facebook is a social network that is trying to commercialise. Both are digital networks that allow you to do certain things and not do other things. Besides these, there are real world business networks made up of
Business Relationships : What You Should Know About Them
About Business Relationships Although you may be good at building and maintaining relationships in your life, it can be very different when it comes to business. In effect, relationships between business partners are very specific relationships. As most relationships, they are based on a contract. The contract is the cornerstone of any relationship (personal or
Global Business Networks
Global Business Networks China, the giant economy has dominated the news agenda recently just like their dominance in the manufacturing arena. Several proposed reforms have caught more attention than others, such as the relaxation of the one-child policy, now that China’s population is aging. However, business reforms carry tremendous implications that are likely to affect
Demand In Supply Chain Business in Global SC Group
Demand In Supply Chain Business Taipei-based Foxconn Technology Group, whose biggest client is Apple, is to invest $US40 million in the United States to boost its high-end production chain. The move, welcomed by the US government, is part of the growing trend to seek a non-China outsourcing location. The world’s biggest contract electronics manufacturer will
Why Supply Chain Models Have To Change For The Better
The Story Of Supply Chain Models In his book The 5-STAR Business Network (http://bit.ly/5-STARBN), Vivek Sood exposes the results of his researches on the organizational structure of companies. Companies used to follow the model of a traditional organization structure as in the following figure: However, the global business world has changed and this structure is no longer
Complexity Management
Although this title can seem a little absurd, this article aims at understanding better the principles of complexity management. In effect, complexity is a large concept, which usually seems unmanageable for most managers. Let us start with the pillars of complexity management for businesses. Strategy Alignment with Complexity Management Most projects fail because this condition
Amazon’s Drones – How Useful in Supply Chain Business?
Supply Chain Business Amazon is known for its bold moves, innovation and customer centric thinking. Just yesterday it released a video of drone delivery of customer purchases from its warehouse and fulfilment centre which became the talk of the town. Regulatory and technological issues apart, I will only take a supply chain perspective in this
Supply Chain Business Too Complex? Is Increasing Products, Customers?
Different Products on Supply Chain Business Every company wants to improve its results, and to do so, they can use very different ways. The most common ways they use to achieve this goal are whether improvement of the quality or the reduction of their costs. How do they do? What methods do they use?
Social Media Marketing : 5 Must Know Things
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING. Although social medias are obviously helpful tools of communication for your business, there are some things you should know before initiating any strategy. In fact, you cannot implement an appropriate social media strategy if you do not know the bases and the common traps. Then, this article aims at underlining a few
How To Easily Manage Complexity While Expanding Your Business
Complexity While Expanding Your Business We have to admit that the world has become more and more complex over the past centuries, and it is even truer for the past decades! We are interested in business and it is not less obvious about it. Interaction and interconnectivity between people are a proof of this increasing
How Easily Maximise Efficiency And Effectiveness Outsourcing Business
Learn More Effectiveness Outsourcing Business In his book The 5-STAR Business Network (http://bit.ly/5-STARBN), Vivek Sood talks about prophecies coming from an article written in the Harvard Business Review in 1999. Efficiency And Effectiveness Outsourcing Business Although this article was written almost 15 years ago, the authors, John Hagel III and Marc Singer, were very forward thinking about companies.
5-STAR Business Network Apple’s Foreplay In-Car Lures Powerful Partners
About 5-STAR Business Network Owners of cars made by a range of manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will be able to voice-command their vehicles using iOS devices this year. Apple will unveil CarPlay, the integrated infotainment system, at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show, which takes place from Mar 6 to 16, 2014. The
20 Questions for Business Strategy To Ask Yourself
We have compiled a list of 20 criteria you should consider before adding a 5-Star Business Network to your business strategy as well as how to evaluate your business network. 20 Questions for Business Strategy
ALIBABA’S COMING IPO MEANS TIME TO PROTECT, EBAY AND AMAZON BEWARE
About E-Bay And Amazon Beware of Alibaba’s coming IPO The world’s biggest e-commerce company is set to go public in the world’s biggest retail market, the latter is true at least for now. Alibaba announced its decision to “commence the process of an initial public offering in the United States” on Sunday.
Australia Leads The Way To Globalisation With Triple FTA
About Australia Leads The Way To Globalisation Australia is talking with ministers from Japan, Korea and China to finalise Free Trade Agreements with the trio ahead of Tony Abbott‘s visit to Asia in April. On Wednesday, Japan’s Farm Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Australia’s Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb failed to reach a consensus on tariff elimination. However, they confirmed negotiations would still be underway to
There Is Only One Key To Success in Supply Chain
Business books, blogs and literature are full of secrets of success. A recent experience taught me that it need not be too complex. Why Do I Call It The Only One Key To Success in Supply Chain? Hopefully, that will be clear in the next 5-10 minutes it takes to read about this incident.
HOW SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 CAN LEAD TO TANGIBLE BUSINESS BENEFITS (Part 2 Of 6)
I have set the scene in the first entry of this blog series. Things are changing, moving, and old business models are not working anymore. That is why I proposed even a new organisational model in my book The 5-STAR Business Network from which some of the following excerpts are taken with modifications. SUPPLY CHAIN
HOW SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 CAN LEAD TO TANGIBLE BUSINESS BENEFITS (Part 5 Of 6)
As you can see, supply chain 3.0 is for everyone, small and big companies. Now let me demonstrate the concrete benefits of having supply chain 3.0 and I promise these are not dull or irrelevant stories. Supply Chain 3.0 Helps Leverage Your Business Infrastructure Over the past several decades, both the global economy as well
What Business Executives Can Learn From The Story Of Brazil’s
Business Executives of Brazil’s Soccer In the early 90s, more than two decades since its last World Cup championship title, Brazil hungered for the trophy more than any other country on earth. Yet the scars from its 1950 campaign were still not totally erased. Dubbed as the saddest day in Brazilian soccer history, July 16
Business Model Transformation: Lessons From Soccer And Hockey – Part 2
Business Model Transformation In the previous blog in this series I wrote about the Brazilian soccer teams transformation from an individualistic style of play to a network style game. In early 90s, more than two decades since the last World Cup championship title and Brazil faced an interesting juxtaposition – continue with what led to
Barnes And Nobles – Another Nail In The Publishing Business Industry?
Business Industry Network As predicted in my book 5-STAR Business Networks when a product category, its current form, reaches the end of its life-cycle, the supply chain interaction between the supply chain partners becomes rather unpleasant and coercive. The reason is clear enough. Long standing supply chain relationships are tested as a result of falling
HOW SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 CAN LEAD TO TANGIBLE BUSINESS BENEFITS (Part 4 Of 6)
SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 I hope by now you have grasped the business model in which Supply Chain 3.0 resides. Before we examine all the concrete benefits of Supply Chain 3.0, let us briefly differentiate it from its predecessors. Table 1 sets out to do that: Table 1 – Supply Chain Metaphors Supply Chain 0.0 Supply
Is There A Lesson For Business Networks In Brazil’s 7-1 Defeat To Germany?
Not too long ago I wrote a blog series on the transformation of Brazil’s soccer playing model from an individualistic style to a Business networks-oriented style. In the early 90s, more than two decades since the last World Cup championship title and Brazil faced an interesting juxtaposition – continue with what led to past triumphs
Helping To Keep Sports Barrier-Free in Global SC Group
Everything You Need To Know About Helping To Keep Sports Barrier-Free If there is one thing that could unite the spirits of mankind, amid all the chaos and turmoil in the world, it is sport. Whenever there is a large-scale sporting event, such as the World Cup or the Olympics, people gather, share and watch
Art Of Harmonious Rebalancing The Supply Chain Company
The Art Of Harmonious Rebalancing The Supply Chain Company Many years ago, I was engaged in a strategic transformation project in a mid-size airline. For some curious reasons the airline was of critical importance to the national economy and occupied a very high position in the national political totem pole.
No Matter Which Way You Look At It – The New Amazon Smartphone Is A Dud
Why is the new Amazon Smartphone Is A Dud ? As a strategy – it is doing what Apple did with iTunes more than a decade ago – build a walled garden for your customers to play within. The strategy rests on two assumptions – first, that the customers will not find a jailbreak, and
Importance of KPI in Supply Chain- Try these tricks!
Importance of KPI In Supply Chain Network I came across the following picture on the blog of Thaku Huni and the thought struck me about a situation I encounter quite frequently: Importance of KPI In Supply Chain If you asked any objective person about the KPIs of the group of six men above – most
How Google Is Looking To Change The Corporate World In 2015, Again
The Corporate World In 2015 Changing Business Models – Push television/video to YouTube: Videos ad revenues from YouTube in the US would hit $1.13 billion by the end of 2014. In 2015, Google is making a huge change in the way it has been promoting YouTube: they are going to put significantly higher focus on
The Transformation – Business Networks Of Supply chain
Business Networks of supply chain There I was – stranded at the Heathrow Airport again – and cursing myself for trusting British Airways and Heathrow once more. However, when it comes to its alliance partners, Qantas leaves a lot to be desired. Every time I fly out of Australia to Europe, I face a choice – whether
HAPPY NEW YEAR – 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR – 2015 As the clock strikes midnight it’s time to bid farewell to 2014 and welcome the current era! This is an
Which Business Models Are Now Obsolete in Global SC Group?
Most effective business leaders relish the challenge of answering questions such as the following: Which Business Models are Now Obsolete? Business Models Has The Answer To Everything. 1. Why did Apple sue Samsung while it continues to buy critical parts for its winning products from Samsung?
The 5-STAR Business Network Interview- TRANSCRIPT
Topic: The 5-STAR Business Network Interview Interviewer: Ric Bratton of This Week In America Interviewee: Vivek Sood of Global Supply Chain Group (author of The 5-STAR Business Networks) Here is the entire transcript of the interview: 5 STAR Business Ric Bratton: Welcome back everybody!
The Right Way To Improve Your Supply Chain?
Supply Chain Management (SCM) Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an essential element of operational efficiency. SCM is critical to business operations, therefore it is clearly important for a company to know, understand and master the supply chain. Supply chain’s evolution can be break down into three generations.
Key Themes From The Asian Bankers Summit of Supply Chain
THE ASIAN BANKERS SUMMIT OF SUPPLY CHAIN Despite a high level of participation, and over 1,000 attendees, the mood was rather sombre. I enjoyed the frank and realistic discussions and tried to attend as many sessions as my limited schedule permitted. I am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) for the last 14 years, and attend
How To Increase Your Professional Income In Supply Chain?
Many professionals in the business world wonder how to increase income, at least every few weeks.How To Increase Your Professional Income. Want To Legitimately Increase Income in Supply Chain? No doubt, in the long run, you get paid for your results. Results are derived from two critical factors – skills and dedication.
Who Is To Blame For The PC Sales Debacle?
The results are in, and for PC sales they are neither good nor bad – but ugly! The pundits are out to find a scapegoat – and the most convenient scapegoat at the moment is Microsoft. The PC sales Debacle. For example see this report in today’s Wall Street Journal – which hails Microsoft’s mea culpa.
Uses And Misuses Of Benchmarks In Supply Chain Management
There Are Lies, Damned Lies And Statistics. Benjamin Disraeli Benchmarks In Supply Chain Management. Benchmarks are a peculiarly virulent form of statistics which can be used to make a positive change, or misused to make a dodgy sale. On one hand a benchmark, such as a world record in 100m race, can motivate an athlete
Why Successful Business Networking Are Important?
Extract from the book “The 5-Star Business Network”, written by Vivek Sood Why Successful Business Networking Are Important? 5 Star Business Networks There was a time, not more than a few decades ago, if you were General Motors you would attempt to own every part of your business. The assembly lines, the parts manufacturing plants,
Implementation of Green supply chain : Procurement
Green Supply Chain: Procurement Procurement also known as purchasing is “Securing supplies, materials, and services of the right quality in the right quantity at the right time from the right place (source) at the right cost price”. So the procurement in traditional supply chain could procure you the best possible cost to meet the needs
5 Things To Know About Traditional Green Supply Chain
Traditional Green Supply Chain In a traditional supply chain, the flow of materials and information is linear and from one end to other. There is a limited collaboration and visibility. Each supply chain partner has limited information regarding, for example the carbon footprint and Green House Gas emission of the other partners.
Benefits Of Green Supply Chain
Following are some of the key benefits of Green supply chains: Positive Impact On Financial Performance Despite ample evidence to the contrary, there persists a myth that going green costs additional expense. Some of the factors responsible for persistence of this myth are inertia, the lack of a systematic approach and an unwillingness to engage
Drivers Of Green Supply Chain
There are five type of environmental stakeholders group who drive green initiatives within an organization: 5 Drivers Of Green Supply Chains Management That Will Actually Make Your Life Better 1. Regulatory stakeholders, who either set regulations or have the ability to convince governments to set standards 2.
Why Corporate Social Responsibility Matters and What is GSCM
Why Corporate Social Responsibility Matters ? One of the best definitions of Corporate Social Responsibility is perhaps provided by Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s The Benchmark Foundation. It states: “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the decision-making and implementation process that guides all company activities in the protection and promotion of international human rights, labor and environmental standards
Seasons Greetings To All Our Clients And Supporters in Supply Chain
Seasons Greetings to all our Clients and Supporters
The Effects Of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
The Effects Of Enterprise Resource Planning To combat the symptoms of departmental silos many organizations implement a very rigid Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This helps run their internal processes and coordinates inter-departmental communication. By their nature, these systems are very formulaic and prescriptive with a one-size fits all approach to planning.
Departmental Silos: The Achilles Heel Of Your Supply Chain Company
Supply Chain Company Businesses are gradually being chained by a number of forces so ubiquitous and accepted by all of us, that we fail to notice their impact on businesses, economies, and people. Today, most organizations become veritable bureaucracies as they grow bigger.
A Revamped Business Model: The Introduction Of Customer Centric
Learn All About Revamped Business Model New challenges need new responses. The common organizational model looks like the generic drainpipe structure, meeting the mammalian need for an ordered hierarchy and flow of power within a business. Most companies have evolved in the last 2 decades and their functioning has become almost entirely customer centric.
Airlines Are Adjusting Their 5-STAR Business Networks To The New Economic Reality
5-STAR Business Networks As the economic centre of the world moves more and more towards its more populous nations in Asia, a number of businesses are realising that they must adjust their business models, as well as their 5-STAR Business Networks to this new reality. Take the example of airlines industry.
Are You Making What You Are Worth
One of my posts on LinkedIn sparked a lot of interest and a healthy debate. I am not sure about the reason for interest but seems like people agree with the above statement, as well as its reverse: The person who does less than s/he is paid for, will soon be paid less that s/he
The Universe Of Workology : 2 Best Things Will Take You A Long Way
The Universe Of Workology I cannot claim to know everything in the universe of workology. But after starting work at the age of 17 and worked almost continuously (barring a few short breaks for full time studies), for the last 34 years I do have a perspective.
Supply Chain Confusion : 11 Causes With Best Solutions
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,
Mind The Gap
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 Or A Disruption? What Is The Tech Revolution ?
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 : Why Business Transformations Fail ?
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.
Industrial Age Tools Vs Information Age Weapons
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
Supply Chain Management Software And Systems – Biggest Problems No.1 Poll
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 – A Company Is Known By The Company It Keeps
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.
Business Models – New Unique Perspective 101
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.
Why This Management Consultant Needs Your Advice On Outsourced Marketing?
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
Globalisation – Big Solution That We Need For Today’s Big Problems
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 – Why Satya Nadella Is A Good Choice ?
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
Big Data in Supply Chain – No. 1 Issue With It
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
Amazon Shipping Items Before You Order It: Creepy Or Savvy?
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: Five Tips For Better Results By Anais Lelong
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
McDonald’s Myth-Buster Video Goes Viral – Rise Of Social Engagement Using Supply Chain Transparency
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
SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 IS REAL, AND HERE NOW (Part 3 Of 3)
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
HOW SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 CAN LEAD TO TANGIBLE BUSINESS BENEFITS (Part 3 Of 6)
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
THE LAST MILES OF AMAZON COMPLEXITY NETWORK
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
How SUPPLY CHAIN 3.0 Can Lead To Tangible Business Benefits (Part 6 Of 6)
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
Supply Chain Segmentation – The Next Step in Delivering What you Promise in Digital Marketing
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
Supply Chain Is The New Electricity – You Cannot Run Business Without It
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
Find Your Way OUT Of The Rat Race
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
How To Find A Supply Chain Job
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
Strategy Is An Easy Game – Especially For The Good Yachtsmen And Navigators
It appears a bit extreme now – but it was very common at time when I was a navigating cadet. Learn More Strategy Is An
Why Every Start-Up Always Has A Supply Chain Problem?
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.
Five Key Cornerstones Of The 5-STAR Business Network
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
Why Business Networks Are Important?
“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
What Did Ikea Do When Suppliers Blockaded Its Supply Chain Business
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
If Your Supply Chain Company Form Following Its Function?
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
Asian Banker Summit 2015 – Connecting Finance With Supply Chains
How Will Asian Banker Summit 2015 Be In The Future On 14 – 16 April 2015 in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong,
Dropping An Anchor – Strategic Thinking On Centralization Vs Decentralisation
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
What I Learnt About Business Transformations Industry -Fighting Pirates (Not In The Caribbean) – Part 1
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 -Big & Real Picture
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
The Mysteries Of Supply Chains
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 1st Biggest Mistake in Business Transformations Process
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
The Newest Way To Make Your Business Network Great
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,
Some Ways to Improve Your Supply Chain- 1 point everyone misses
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
Consequences Of Confusing Between Supply Chain And Logistics Can Be Painful
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
Truth About Supply Chain Security
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
How Supply Chain Strategy Resolves “The Innovators’ Conundrum”?
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
Every Industry Encounters Its Unique Supply Chain Challenges – What Are Yours?
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
The Difficult Choice – How To Make Sure You Get The Best Consultants Supply Chain For Your Project
Startling Statistics Consultants Supply Chain I came across startling statistics which prompted a new line of thinking that I wanted to share – hence this
How To Cope With Supply Chain Disruptions Resulting From COVID-19 Crisis?
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
Finance, Sales, HR, Supply Chain – Where Do Most Effective Business Transformation Leaders Come From?
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
Transportation Management System (TMS) – Critical Functionality Of Good TMS 101
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
What Happens When You Rename Your Logistics Department As The Supply Chain Group Without Corresponding Skills Upgrade?
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