Popularized in the late 80s, Strategic Sourcing is one the most sure-fire ways of rapidly reducing costs across targeted procurement spend categories. Beyond mere cost reduction, strategic sourcing emphasizes building strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, optimizing the Total Cost of Ownership, and ensuring Supply Chain Resilience. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements […]
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KPI Management: Supply Chain Optimization KPIs
Supply Chain Optimization focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Supply Chain from end to end. It involves strategic planning, implementation of best practices, and the use of technology to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve service levels. In today’s global and competitive market environment, optimizing the Supply Chain is essential for organizations […]
KPI Management: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) KPIs
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) has emerged as a strategic discipline that transcends traditional procurement practices by focusing on developing mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers. In an increasingly interconnected and volatile business environment, the ability to collaborate closely with key suppliers can be a significant competitive advantage. SRM involves deepening the relationships with critical suppliers to […]
KPI Management: Procurement KPIs
Procurement, a critical function within the supply chain, encompasses the strategic approach to sourcing and purchasing goods and services that are essential for an organization’s operations. In today’s competitive business environment, effective Procurement Strategies are not just about cost savings. They also focus on enhancing value, optimizing supplier performance, and mitigating risks. Procurement plays a […]
KPI Management: Inventory Management
Inventory Management is a critical component of supply chain efficiency, directly impacting an organization’s ability to meet customer demand, manage costs, and navigate market volatility. Effective Inventory Management ensures that the right amount of stock is available at the right time and place, minimizing excess inventory while avoiding stockouts. As businesses strive to optimize their […]
KPI Management: Logistics and Transportation KPIs
In today’s interconnected global economy, Logistics and Transportation serve as the backbone of efficient supply chains and effective market reach. Logistics and Transportation encompasses the strategic planning, execution, and management of moving goods from origin to destination as efficiently as possible. With the rise of e-commerce, just-in-time manufacturing, and global sourcing, Logistics and Transportation have […]
KPI Management: Supply Chain Resilience KPIs
In an era characterized by unprecedented disruptions, from global pandemics to trade tensions and, most recently, rebel attacks in the Red Sea, the concept of Supply Chain Resilience has emerged as a critical focal point for organizations worldwide. This strategic imperative goes beyond traditional risk management to encompass the ability of supply chains to anticipate, […]
KPI Management: Supply Chain Digitization KPIs
As the Digital Age is accelerating global commerce, Supply Chain Digitization stands as a transformative force, reshaping how organizations manage and optimize their supply chains. This critical functional group involves the integration of digital technologies into all aspects of supply chain operations, from procurement to distribution. By leveraging digital tools, organizations can achieve unprecedented levels […]
Wind Down Planning
Business “Wind Down” refers to the process of deliberately and systematically closing or reducing the operations of an organization. A business Wind Down can be due to various reasons—bankruptcy, strategic realignment, mergers and acquisitions, or retirement of the owner. Its importance lies in mitigating negative impacts, fulfilling legal obligations, and upholding customer relationships and company […]
The Kraljic Matrix
The procurement function in most organizations deserves more attention than it gets. Most executives associated with procurement lack the competencies and perspectives required to identify gaps and effectively manage the function. This paucity of attention and capabilities is a certain path to extinction in this age of abrupt supply and demand shifts, intense competition, material […]
Eliminate Non-Value Added Activities in Your Organization
Recession or boom, companies need to sharpen their competitive edge by applying Lean Management principles to Cost Reduction—that is, the elimination of non-value-added activities or waste in the value stream processes. Be Lean In the Lean Management philosophy, all activities in an organization are grouped into two categories: value-added (VA) activities, and non-value-added (NVA) activities. […]
14 Principles of Lean Toyota Production System (TPS)
Editor’s Note: Charles Intrieri is a consultant with over 25 years of experience in Operational Excellence, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Metrics-driven Management. He has made available a number of reports and tools related to these areas on Flevy, which can be viewed here. * * * * Lean Management (also known as Lean Manufacturing and […]