The sales order is one of the most critical signals in demand and supply management because it represents committed customer demand. It isn't a projection but an order the company must fulfill. In a well-run supply chain, the sales order becomes the anchor that aligns demand with supply decisions as it ties customer needs with planning, inventory, and operations.
While the personnel who show up at your door might not be wearing actual white gloves, the term “white glove delivery” conveys the impression of a premium service delivered with concierge-like professionalism and attention to detail. It is defined less by speed and more by service depth, especially for high-value, bulky, or complex products.
VMI (vendor managed inventory) is the process where the supplier manages the customer's inventory so that the customer has the "right" item in the "right" place at the "right" time to ensure high service levels, efficient and productive operations, and the least amount of inventory tied up unnecessarily. The best VMI programs ensure that the end-to-end supply chain gains with both the supplier and the customer achieving improved results or benefits.
As revenues remain volatile, disruptions plague supply chains, and interest rates remain high, executives' ability to build revenue, margin and working capital predictability and improvement takes on an elevated importance.
Lisa Anderson addresses the significant challenges posed by recent quality issues at Boeing and their widespread effects on the aerospace and related supply chains. Drawing from her in-depth industry experience, Ms. Anderson offers vital strategies for companies to navigate these disruptions effectively.
Clients are struggling to keep up with customer's changing requests. Order backlogs remain relatively high (depending on the industry), but customers are pushing orders out at the last minute, pulling orders in without notice, adding future potential orders, and changing requirements on the fly. Production is scrambling to keep up.
As companies are searching for ways to successfully navigate these turbulent times, the best ones are achieving a win-win focus on the customer and costs. Since the pandemic, there has been a heightened awareness of the customer experience as companies struggled with supply chain disruptions, delays, shortages, and the lack of resources.
CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA – November 20, 2023 – In a business landscape characterized by unprecedented business volatility, maintaining stellar customer service emerges as a critical differentiator for companies navigating the ebbs and flows of the current market. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Consultant Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD and President of [...]
Customer service has suffered in the last few years. Yet providing a superior customer experience is paramount to success especially during these turbulent times of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA).
Prior to Uber, a medallion (a transferable permit that allows a taxi driver to operate) cost $1 million dollars in New York city. It was a powerful permit with substantial value. After Uber started up, the low point for a medallion was around $25,000. That is a 40-fold reduction [...]
