Hot Topics

Apr 12, 2005

Supply Planning – Federal Express and Tires

Tires. Let’s face it – they are everywhere. Tires are one of the biggest eyesores at many major projects. One energy company buys them new from two suppliers, who are… 

Mar 16, 2005

Driving Logistics Change in the Pharmaceutical Industry

A number of challenges continue to exist in the pharmaceutical industry. These challenges were discussed by a senior pharmaceutical executive recently. Little Incentive for Reducing Inventory First, pharma must continue… 

Mar 3, 2005

The Challenges of Partnerships

In today’s global supply chain environment, working to create mutual benefit among partners is a key element for success. Cross-functional teams must work together to align business strategies. Teams are… 

Feb 15, 2005

The Critical Role of the Cross-Functional Team

A cross-functional team (XFT) is generally created by a business unit Executive Vice President – who assigns professionals to participate. A XFT is formed in response to a very specific… 

Jan 6, 2005

Establishing a Foundation for Supply Chain Success in the Field

Management of supply chains is a key element for enterprise success by ensuring that your company achieves a sustainable competitive advantage. A framework has been developed which represents the building… 

Nov 18, 2004

Getting your arms around your spend

An area of increasing importance by different companies is the need to establish a clear picture of their spend analysis. The “as-is” assessment is three-fold. First, a local spend analysis… 

Nov 4, 2004

Collaboration in the Energy Industry: A Case Study of Suncor Energy

A successful exploration and development drilling program requires strong performance from a multi-disciplinary team as well as active participation and support from many suppliers and contractors. The Suncor Foothills Drilling-Asset… 

Oct 4, 2004

The Evolving World of E-Sourcing

A recent white paper by the Gartner Group provides an assessment of e-procurement and strategic sourcing software providers. The authors of this article note that “Strategic sourcing applications have traditionally… 

Sep 22, 2004

Ethics and Supply Management in a Global Environment

Many executives I speak with today discuss the challenges associated with global sourcing, particularly in areas where customs and ethical issues differ. One story related to me recently by an… 

Aug 25, 2004

Supply Market Intelligence: The Key to Strategic Sourcing

“In the Tom Cruise film, Minority Report, the Department of Crime Prevention collected data in various fashions about crimes and murders that were going to happen. They pieced this together,…