Plan Your Work; Work (and Measure) Your Plan
The art and science of implementing software packages to manage projects is maturing. As a result, in addition to “planning your work and working your plan,” you should be measuring progress against the plan....
Four Key Logistics Goals
For the supply chain to be effective in a multichannel operation, it is necessary for management to meet four goals: ...
POS Market Heats Up
The PC-based point-of-sale (POS) market in North America experienced a solid 5% increase in shipments in 2005, according to a new study from Franklin, TN-based IHL Consulting Group. ...
Demand Chain Optimization Whitepaper Pitfalls
Creating an efficient demand chain requires a combination of art and skill. Managing the demand chain—from manufacturers through wholesalers, distributors and retailers and onto consumers—is a daunting task, according to Atlanta-based supply chain based services provider Manhattan Associates. The numbers of SKUs, outlets, supply sources, seasons, and product characteristics are huge and because of the degree of complexity involved can be riddled with pitfalls. In its whitepaper, "Demand Chain Optimization – Pitfalls & Key Principles," Manhattan Associates identifies several potential problems. ...
Using Logistics to Win in a Multichannel World
Your boss walks into your office, shuts the door, and sits down. He looks worried and a little uneasy. “Our executive management committee just finished meeting with our board. It seems we need to tighten our logistics operations,” he announces, tilting back in his chair. “We know we definitely need to reduce costs, but without sacrificing our service. Your new job is to figure out how—where to direct our focus, which initiatives to dust off the shelves, what must be expanded, where the new efficiencies are. We, or rather you, need to overhaul the entire logistics function of this company.” He holds your gaze for a second, nods twice to be sure you understand, and leaves the door wide open....
NCOF Sneak Peak: Cutting Down on Warehouse Walk Time
It’s no secret that additional walk time can tire your pickers and erode warehouse productivity. But more to the point, added footsteps cost you money, says Sam Flanders, president of Durham, NH-based Warehouse Management Consultants. In fact, he'll be leading a session entitled "How to Cut Costs in Your DC Before You Spend a Fortune" at this year's National Conference on Operations & Fulfillment (NCOF), April 10-12 in Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL....
Capture Marketshare with Seamless Service
The American Customer Service Index recently released fourth quarter results. The good news is the index is at its highest overall level since 1995. Does this mean that the focus on customers is finally successful? Only if you think a score of 74 out of a possible 100 is acceptable. At best, it is a C grade; at worst, it is a C minus...
Show Me The Money!
One very fortunate director of operations out there is earning a quarter of a million dollars annually, but according to Crandall Associates, he or she is an anomaly. ...
Buy and Hope vs. Plan and Execute
Do any of these concerns sound familiar? “We are running out of space!” “My labor costs are out of control!” “We shipped another order wrong!” ...
Protective Packaging Primer
Your product is in Boise, but it needs to get to Orlando--quickly. Today will do, but yesterday would have been better. ...
Report: Two-Thirds Plan to Invest Heavily in Better Asset Management Solutions
A study by Boston-based research firm Aberdeen Group suggests that companies will be spending big bucks on protecting their logistics assets during the next 24 months. ...
NCOF Sneak Peak: Communicate to Boost Performance
NCOF Sneak Peak: Communicate to Boost Performance Endless talk about “communication” may be a mainstay of day-time talk shows and Dr. Phil, but companies that embrace improve their communication tactics can improve performance and efficiency, Nanuet, NY-based operations consultant George Mollo. In fact, he’ll be leading a session entitled “Breaking Down the Silos: Communicating Information to Achieve Better Results” at this year’s National Conference on Operations & Fulfillment (NCOF), April 10-12 in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL. ...
25 Ways to Lower Inventory Costs
Inventory policies drive two types of costs: operating expenses and working capital requirements. The latest "Logistics Cost and Service Report" by Establish/Herbert W. Davis and Co. indicates that while total logistics costs as a percent of sales are falling, and most individual companies have succeeded in reducing inventory levels; total logistics costs per hundredweight are increasing, as are inventory costs as a percent of total logistics cost....
Multiple Distribution Center Strategy
Most consumer catalogs operate out of a single distribution center. To control outbound shipping costs, their centers typically are located near the demographic center of the country....
When Is It Time to Automate?
Generally speaking, any time you make a manual process unnecessary—whether through software or equipment—you have implemented automation. Typically there are two drivers behind an automation project. Either you are looking to save ongoing costs through labor reduction, or you need to improve your customer service levels and requirements....
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