Innovation in Supply Chain

I think that Supply Chain is one of the most innovative industry around, for which they don’t get much credit. Great Supply Chain professionals are those that can take a process to a next level by introducing new concepts and taking things a step further than their competition. The following article focus on collaboration between innovation and pricing. In this article they seem to be wide apart. Not sure if this is applicable for the Supply Chain Industry. What do you think?

http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2014/04/09/collaboration-between-innovation-and-pricing-teams-survey-results/

Using plastic pallets in your Supply Chain

Plastic pallets are getting more and more interest in the Supply Chain. And they should….. Plastic pallets are cleaner; they don’t collect as many dirt as wooden pallets. Wood is an excellent material for all kind of non-wanted invisible microorganisms to find their home. Furthermore leave wooden pallets a lot of wood waste behind in any warehouse and can be a health hurdle due to the many nails.

Unfortunately due to their much higher price are many companies still reluctant to change.  It could be argued that for some industries cleaner and more expensive pallets are not adding direct value. In industries like the Food and Pharmaceutical should it be more encouraged. Clean and sterile environments are a must in these industries and plastic pallets could add value to maintain this.

In enclosed article are some of the advantages of plastics pallets highlighted: http://cerasis.com/2013/07/30/plastic-pallets/

Supply Chain in a crisis situation

The enclosed link shows how the US government is struggling to receive bids for crisis Supply Chain solutions in a situation that Alaska is hit with a natural disaster like an earthquake. Not sure if a bidding structure will help the US government to receive the answers they are looking for. They might be better of to let professionals set up crisis scenarios that help to understand better what can be done beforehand and during the crisis situation. Or maybe initiate a contest that stimulates Supply Chain experts from all over the world to share their ideas.

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20131211/food-security-issues-looming-alaska-tries-again-emergency-food-caches#!

Supply Chain Segmentation

Some would argue that standardization throughout the whole Supply Chain will eliminate waste and brings cost savings. Others will argue that cost savings can better be found in segmentation of the Supply Chain in order to satisfy customer needs better. Which approach is best depends on the diversity of your customers. Nevertheless can’t anybody disagree with listening to the customer and make an effort of understanding their needs. Underneath link shows a simple and clear reasoning why segmentation of your Supply Chain could help achieving better results. I agree that it can actually reduce complexity, as forcing all customers to need the same can be a costly mission on itself.

http://www.supplychain247.com/article/6_reasons_to_consider_supply_chain_segmentation#!

Amazon is world’s second innovative company of 2013

FastCompany published an excellent list of the most innovative companies of 2013. On number 2 we can find Amazon due to their incredible fast processing and delivery abilities.

Congratulations Amazon and please keep amazing us!

http://www.fastcompany.com/section/most-innovative-companies-2013

Supply Chain in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This post does not entail a specific company but an industry: The Pharmaceutical Industry. Pharmaceuticals are rarely praised for their Supply Chain practices and the article ‘What ails the pharmaceutical supply chain’ is not that positive either. The article does point out that comparing companies on their Supply Chain practices can be difficult. Companies differ in structure and comparing distributors with manufacturing facilities might be a large stretch.

Nevertheless is there an opportunity for the Pharmaceutical industry to stand out more in their Supply Chain practices.

The article: http://blog.kinaxis.com/2013/07/what-ails-the-pharmaceutical-supply-chain/