Although we should consider potential impacts of 3D printing in our industry, the more important consideration is to let our minds think about the future. What technological innovations are likely to impact your industry?
Have you put thought into what has become commonplace - subscription services like Prime?
Are your suppliers ready to grow with you? Will they run into quality issues? Cash issues? Supply issues? Or will they enable you to be ahead of the curve?
Do you have backup transportation built into your model? Are you considering additional transportation partners such as third-party logistics providers (3PL) and brokers? Perhaps they shouldn't be considered a last resort.
Amazon continues to wreak havoc on supply chains worldwide. No matter your industry, are you considering innovations, automation and technology to reduce costs to remain competitive?
According to ISM (Institute of Supply Management), manufacturing expanded more than it has in 14 years in February - it is on fire!
GE's 3D-printed aircraft engine showcases cutting-edge manufacturing technology and efficiency.
In looking at the Amazon Effect as a metaphor, manufacturers and distributors must respond to elevated customer expectations, rapid delivery requests, 24/7 service, and much more.
In the last week, not only have there been several articles about the positive strides manufacturing is making but it also has come up in several presentations we've attended such as the economic forecast. Here is a compilation of just a few of the HOT topics and trends.
Have you checked in with your supply chain lately? Will they be geared up to support you or have you ignored them and don't know what might happen as production ramps up in the U.S.?
