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Getting Supplier Relationship Management Right |
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The online shopper continues to become both more refined and more demanding. This discussion will take you through the services that have come to be expected and the value-adds that command a premium (as well as the ones that are a waste of time and space).
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Replenishment, Allocation and Inventory Management Practices |
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A growing number of retail and manufacturing companies are utilizing global 3PLs to provide services to support their supply chains. In addition, the number of points of origin continues to increase as the size and capability of global 3PLs expands. This session will highlight several critical factors which are important to the effective use of this growing service network, including the selection of carriers, C-TPAT certification requirements, accountability for performance goals and metrics and shifts in points of origin. After a review of the data and best practices from the Supply Chain Consortium database, session participants will discuss their insights in the area of global 3PLs.
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Network Design Has Also Gone Global |
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There was a time not too long ago when supply chain discussions about security centered on safeguarding cargo from damage, theft, and loss. Now nightmarish dimensions like drug smuggling, human trafficking, and international terrorism dominate the conversation. On this sixth anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington, we discuss the unprecedented levels of communication and transparency that are required to successfully conduct business safely and how your company can turn these requirements into a competitive advantage.
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Production Scheduling and Inventory Management in the Real World |
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Just about every forecast is wrong from the moment it is created until the time someone says, “I told you so.” Still, there are a number of tools, processes, and technologies that can help increase accuracy over a lengthier timeline and at a more granular level. But it’s what you do with the data that really matters, as participants will learn from this session.
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Vendor Performance Measurement - Metrics and Scorecards |
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The topic of inventory management is both broad and deep with respect to its impact on the effective operation of any supply chain. The interrelated and critical role that forecasting, inventory policy and demand planning has on costs and service levels cannot be taken for granted. Data and best practices discussed in this session will include safety stock and cycle stock at all levels and locations in the supply chain, stocking policies, SKU rationalization, overstock and replenishment and performance measurement. Inventory management is a new topic in the online survey, so we are expecting active interaction between session attendees on their application of best practices.
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Sales Forecast Accuracy - A Lot of Talk But is There Enough Action? |
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Demand planning systems are central to the proper movement of product throughout the supply chain. Integrated software tools manage forecasting, inventory management, replenishment, allocation, SKU discontinuation, product transfers and the sales and operations planning process. Effective demand planning tools are needed to drive improved financial performance and customer service. This session will review the technology aspects of demand planning to include communication methodologies, inventory visibility, planning collaboration and performance management. Session participants will provide insights into demand planning software applications which contribute to improved supply chain results.
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Back by Popular Demand |
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Network design and optimization has become an increasingly difficult area for most companies. As the cost of construction of new facilities continues to rise, and the impact of mergers and acquisitions grows, the number and cost of facilities and transportation costs are challenging at best. The cost of a poor supply chain network or a sub-optimal network can be huge, but so can the cost to change it. We will review the methodologies and best practices leading companies are using to tackle this difficult and costly issue. Session participants will contribute to the topic through their experiences with respect to network design.
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Reverse Logistics - Opportunity Area or Black Hole? |
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If you’re interested in getting more from your labor pool, then this is a session you won’t want to miss. The Distribution Operations Labor Management session will cover topics that are valued by any DC manager trying to reduce his or her labor costs. Labor recruitment and retention, work standards and incentives, standard operating procedures and employee training will be covered. After a review of the data and best practices from the Supply Chain Consortium database, we will have a roundtable discussion with session participants to discuss their labor management insights.
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Delivery Practices in a Direct-to-Consumer Environment |
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The Distribution Operations Performance Metric Monitoring session will address the use and benefits of benchmarking in DC operations. We will discuss best practices and Consortium results of benchmarks for operational productivity, inventory accuracy, and customer service. Topics include core metrics, getting value from performance metrics, setting goals, frequency and reporting systems. Session attendees will participate in discussions on their performance monitoring processes and share lessons learned in this important area of managing DC operations.
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Outsourcing Lessons Learned |
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This session will cover the use and benefits of Best Practices in DC operations for Order Picking. We will discuss various options for application of equipment, controls, pick methodology and the consortium results of the application of each. Further discussion will focus on the drivers for the consideration and selection of the best practice mix of equipment, systems, and pick methods to achieve desired performance metrics in productivity, accuracy, and throughput. Topics include core best practice methods, approach drivers, and balancing capital investment against labor and volume productivity.
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Inventory Accuracy Improvement Techniques |
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Quality systems and performance programs come and go, but the best practices that make up these programs continuously have a positive impact on business results. The object of this session is to present data collected through the online interview process concerning what programs manufacturers have implemented, how they are implemented, what facets are included, and their effectiveness. In addition, we will focus on the quality system best practices that are identified through the interview process and look for discussion and feedback from participants. The quality programs that companies use have changed names and evolved over time. But with each new evolution comes added value to improve the quality of the products produced while reducing costs and increasing the operating performance of products.
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DC Automation - How Much is Justified? |
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Manufacturing facility design concepts and layouts have morphed over time as thinking on the approaches used to run manufacturing operations have changed. No longer is the “bigger and more automated the better” seen as the gold star for facility design. Today’s designs focus on minimal travel distances, streamlined flow and small lot sizes. This session will review the best practices used by Consortium manufacturing companies to gain the most efficiency out of current facilities and in the design of new operations. We will emphasize the emerging trends in facility planning as an integral part of operational philosophies. Participants will be encouraged to compare their own facility design and layout approaches to those of fellow members.
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Global Manufacturing Trends |
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Recent merger and acquisition activity, capacity developments and service offering improvements in the ground transportation marketplace have created opportunities to reassess strategies. This session will cover best practices and industry trends related to parcel, LTL, TL, intermodal and rail freight. Discussion points will include carrier relationship management, mode selection, carrier selection, leveraging carrier technology, performance management and more.
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| 7 |
Back by Popular Demand |
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Given the complexities and dynamic nature of today’s transportation environment, many companies have opted to outsource part or all of their transportation management activities. This session will cover the pro’s and cons of outsourcing transportation services as well as best practices in selecting, contracting with and managing relationships with 3rd party transportation services providers. Discussion points will include benefits and risks of outsourcing transportation, successful approaches to establishing a 3rd party partnership, leveraging technology, the range of 3rd party transportation services available and more.
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Transportation Technology Applications - State of the Art |
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Technologies for linking supply chain partners have evolved significantly beyond electronic commerce and electronic data interchange (EDI). Pressure to increase visibility, reduce inventory levels, drive down costs, and improve customer service have caused supply chains to embrace a variety of new technologies. This session will examine the various technologies Consortium participants employ to improve the flow of information and help automate processes with trading partners. It will review participants’ decision making processes and implementation strategies and compare techniques and objectives against best practices. Session attendees will participate in discussions on their experiences linking supply chain partners.
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Supply Chain Technology Investment Trends |
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The results of the Peak and Temporary Labor Hot Topic survey indicate that different companies in different industries and market segments are searching for ways to improve strategies for handling peak period volume and managing temporary employees. There is clear evidence of a need for a structured temporary employee program in order to optimize the contribution of temporary employees to an organization. This session will provide a deeper understanding of retail/wholesale and consumer products companies’ peak volumes and identify the most successful best practices used today to handle peak demands. Topics include:
- Markets and recruiting techniques used by companies to source temporary labor
- Compensation and benefits provided to temporary employees
- Training requirements
- Recruiting lead times for temporary staffing
- Strategies for providing management for temporary employees
- Issues and difficulties to overcome with temporary labor
- Peak and temporary labor strategies needed to meet next years peak period
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Security Impacts on Port Capabilities |
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Technology spending can make the difference between success and failure for supply chain operations. Organizations are faced with a wide choice of systems and solutions promising various returns on investments. This session will examine how and where to make technology investments. It will review what drives these investments across different industry and operation types, comparing practices, results and motives against best practices. Technology investment best practices will also be shared by session attendees.
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Technology and Security - What's Working and What's Not? |
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The supply/demand pendulum for transportation capacity has been tilted in the carrier’s favor for several years in almost every mode. The results of the Consortium’s second quarter Hot Topic suggest that, at least temporarily, a more healthy balance has been restored. Is your firm prepared to take advantage of the opportunity?
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Product Environmental Issues |
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Bar codes remain the cornerstone of automatic identification within the supply chain. But new technologies such as RFID and voice recognition have emerged from leading edge to mainstream solutions. This session will examine the auto-ID technologies Consortium participants use and how they employ them within their operations. It will discuss the decision making processes and motives that drive organizations to use auto-id. It will also review the changing face of auto-ID and picking technologies within the warehouse and compare participants’ approaches and results to best practices.
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Operations Environmental Lesson from the Leaders |
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The topic of how to organize to most effectively conduct benchmarking and best practices has been the subject of considerable debate. As a provider of benchmarking services, we have been exposed to a variety of different philosophies. While there are no “one size fits all” methods, we have learned a great deal about what appears to work and what is not likely to work. This session is about sharing those views and perspectives and getting feedback from session participants. An informal survey will be taken as part of the discussion and the results communicated to all Executive Seminar attendees.
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Back by Popular Demand |
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RFID is soooooo yesterday. This session targets the issues, processes, and technologies that everyone will be talking about in the coming months.
Potential “Next Big Thing” topics:
Top 10 Supply Chain Trends (Industry Week; June 2007, p. 57)
- Global supply chain priorities will ensure product/process agility, global visibility and cost effectiveness.
- Expect continued supply chain globalization and lower-cost sourcing, but strategies will shift toward nearshoring and differentiation.
- China will continue to overheat, and manufacturing and supply chain activity will become more risk-averse focused.
- China will shift its label from “made in China” to “designed and made in China,” setting the stage for heightened innovation and global competition.
- Supply chain technology markets will show continued growth, and vendor consolidation will continue.
- Major supply chain disruptions will continue to occur in 2007.
- Manufacturing in North America is in a very uncertain state.
- Transportation will become the Achilles heel for global supply chains.
- Extending lean / 6s upstream in the value chain will continue.
- Business process outsourcing for supply chains will be concentrated in the indirect procurement and transportation areas.
Defining Technology Trends (Inbound Logistics; April 2007, p.31)
- RFID: Putting IT to Work
- Multi-Enterprise Visibility Systems: Learning to Share
- People-Enabling Software: Tapping into People Power
- Execution-Driven Planning Solutions: Where Planning and Execution Meet
- Human Supply Chain Technology: The Human Touch
Strategic Risk Management: Transitioning from Risk Taker to Risk Shaper
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Transportation Provider Selection Today |
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This session will focus on how to access and use the Consortium's online tools, with an emphasis on the new Strategic Assessment Dashboard. Explanations will be provided on why the most sophisticated system features behave the way they do. The agenda is flexible and will be tailored to the needs of each group of attendees.
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Parcel Rate Discounts and Accessorial Charge: Control the Mayhem |
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This session will focus on how to access and use the Consortium's online tools, with an emphasis on the new Strategic Assessment Dashboard. Explanations will be provided on why the most sophisticated system features behave the way they do. The agenda is flexible and will be tailored to the needs of each group of attendees.
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Domestic Port Shift Forecasts |
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Turning information into competitive advantage is the ultimate goal of the Strategic Assessment Dashboard. This session will illustrate the steps for using the Dashboard to create a supply chain strategy with actual capability scores, percentile rankings and online interview responses from a volunteer company. Session attendees will participate in identifying performance gaps, tactic improvements and goals consistent with enterprise objectives. The identity of the volunteer company will be kept confidential.
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What Everyone Needs to Know About Customs and Trade Management |
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Rail and Intermodal Considerations |
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Turning information into competitive advantage is the ultimate goal of the Strategic Assessment Dashboard. This session will illustrate the steps for using the Dashboard to create a supply chain strategy with actual capability scores, percentile rankings and online interview responses from a volunteer company. Session attendees will participate in identifying performance gaps, tactic improvements and goals consistent with enterprise objectives. The identity of the volunteer company will be kept confidential.
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Port Infrastructure Improvement Needs |
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Turning information into competitive advantage is the ultimate goal of the Strategic Assessment Dashboard. This session will illustrate the steps for using the Dashboard to create a supply chain strategy with actual capability scores, percentile rankings and online interview responses from a volunteer company. Session attendees will participate in identifying performance gaps, tactic improvements and goals consistent with enterprise objectives. The identity of the volunteer company will be kept confidential.
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| 7 |
Back by Popular Demand |
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Global Sourcing Practices |
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This session will focus on how to access and use the Consortium's online tools, with an emphasis on the new Strategic Assessment Dashboard. Explanations will be provided on why the most sophisticated system features behave the way they do. The agenda is flexible and will be tailored to the needs of each group of attendees.
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Ocean Transportation Practices |
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This session will focus on how to access and use the Consortium's online tools, with an emphasis on the new Strategic Assessment Dashboard. Explanations will be provided on why the most sophisticated system features behave the way they do. The agenda is flexible and will be tailored to the needs of each group of attendees.
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WMS Technology Application Practices |
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Turning information into competitive advantage is the ultimate goal of the Strategic Assessment Dashboard. This session will illustrate the steps for using the Dashboard to create a supply chain strategy with actual capability scores, percentile rankings and online interview responses from a volunteer company. Session attendees will participate in identifying performance gaps, tactic improvements and goals consistent with enterprise objectives. The identity of the volunteer company will be kept confidential.
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Domestic and International Port Selection Practices |
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Air and Cargo Freight Practices |
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Turning information into competitive advantage is the ultimate goal of the Strategic Assessment Dashboard. This session will illustrate the steps for using the Dashboard to create a supply chain strategy with actual capability scores, percentile rankings and online interview responses from a volunteer company. Session attendees will participate in identifying performance gaps, tactic improvements and goals consistent with enterprise objectives. The identity of the volunteer company will be kept confidential.
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Product and Shipment Visibility Practices |
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Turning information into competitive advantage is the ultimate goal of the Strategic Assessment Dashboard. This session will illustrate the steps for using the Dashboard to create a supply chain strategy with actual capability scores, percentile rankings and online interview responses from a volunteer company. Session attendees will participate in identifying performance gaps, tactic improvements and goals consistent with enterprise objectives. The identity of the volunteer company will be kept confidential.
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Material Handling - DC and Manufacturing Practices |
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