Supply Chain Myths | Procurement Insights

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Kraft Buys Into the Mirage of Vendor Rationalization (REVISITED)

September 9, 2009

How does a vendor rationalization strategy still make sense in a post-pandemic world?

On-Demand Broadcast of “Intersecting Ideals: Why GM’s Supply Chain is in a State of Ruin” Now Available

August 11, 2009

In what was a fast-paced, insightful discussion with industry expert Bill Michels, we get to the heart of the issues behind the precipitous collapse of the GM domestic supply chain – and the North American auto industry in general. Several of the key points that were discussed include the fact that margin sustainability from the […]

Six Sigma Relevancy Question and Corresponding White Paper Continues to Stimulate “Active” Debate

February 11, 2009

In my previous post, I talked about the potential impact that a particular article or paper might have in terms of stimulating readership discussion. It seems that the subject of Six Sigma, Lean and similar-type program effectiveness is a hot button. Perhaps it is a result of the tough economic times, which can cause […]

To Whom Should Demand Planning Role Report: The Sales or Marketing Organization (And Why)? (A PI Q&A)

July 18, 2008

Network Member Question: We recently had a Supply Chain group meeting that was attended by Supply Managers from various companies. There was a hot debate and each one had a justification for their respective positions. Looking for an expert opinion. Ashish Mendiratta, Director Supply Chain, Philips Electronics India Ltd, India My Answer: Your question would […]

Dangerous Supply Chain Myths (Part 5) Revisited

July 3, 2008

Walk softly and carry a big stick! This saying comes to mind simply because the growing talent vacuum combined with ineffective succession planning and the generally low confidence executives have in purchasing professionals means that there is a significant problem that has gradually (almost silently) crept onto most organizational radar screens. Since posting Part 5 […]

Dangerous Supply Chain Myths (Part 4) Revisited

June 25, 2008

Like the old real estate adage of location, location, location – communication, communication, communication is the key element to a successful supply practice. Unfortunately, ineffective methods of communication between important stakeholders continues to plague most organizational supply chain initiatives. This point was driven home by the results of a 2007 Aberdeen study involving Chief Financial […]

Dangerous Supply Chain Myths (Part 3) Revisited

June 23, 2008

As I have repeatedly stated with previous anniversary posts, time is ultimately the greatest sifter of fact from fiction, reality from opinion, clarity from confusion. However for the majority of purchasing professionals, the soundness of identifying Multiple Supply Chain Networks as one of the seven critical supply strategies is generally dismissed in a sea of […]

Dangerous Supply Chain Myths (Part 2) Revisited

June 19, 2008

In the year since this segment was first published, I have written a number of follow-up articles that have focused on testing the metal if you will of my position that the majority of supplier development and management programs are inherently flawed. What is the old adage about the unexamined life? Everything, including what I […]

Dangerous Supply Chain Myths (Part 1) Revisited

June 17, 2008

As with any well researched article that is offered up for public review (and scrutiny), one can never really anticipate the ultimate reaction and therefore impact a particular piece will have on its readers. In fact to be truly effective and meaningful, the predalictions of a mass audience while understood, have to become secondary to […]

Conference Season in Full Swing

May 27, 2008

Hello everyone. I know that it has been a week or two since my last post but I have been traveling to speak at conferences throughout the country. In fact I just returned from the annual PMAC Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland. It was quite an event in which there was no shortage of […]