SCM Features

Jun 15, 2005

Negotiations, Contracts and the Chinese Culture

As manufacturing operations are relocated to China, it is becoming imperative that executives understand how to negotiate and develop contracts in China. Business travelers must realize and accept cultural differences…

Jun 10, 2005

Planning and Control Systems in China (PLAN) – China Part 2

Planning is one of the most important, yet one of the most high risk areas of growth in China. One of the biggest challenges for Chinese companies is capacity planning.…

May 31, 2005

Partnering for Lean Manufacturing

“Arm’s length” and “partnering” are two terms that are commonly used to describe the nature of contractual relationships between customers and suppliers. The former is considered to be a more…

May 30, 2005

RFID Container Pilot Project

Abstract: During the first quarter of 2005, the next step in using RFID as a means of identifying and tracking merchandise at a higher level of aggregation will be tested.…

May 3, 2005

Global Sourcing from China: Insights from a Recent Visit – China Part 1

Not so long ago, a strong American market nationalism and anti-communist sentiment made it socially sensitive for US companies to purchase goods from China. These days, purchasing Chinese goods may…

Apr 26, 2005

Cultural Affects on the Global Supply Chain

As manufacturing operations are relocated around the world, the efficient movement of goods is becoming more and more important. Logistics providers are responsible for the movement of goods and face…

Apr 19, 2005

Check Border Wait Times to Ensure On-Time Delivery

Borders between the United States and Canada and the United States and Mexico have been strongly secured since the events of September 11, 2001. The increased security will cause wait…

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 23, 2005

Sarbanes-Oxley: How It Is Actually Affecting Businesses

With some time to evaluate the real cost of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, businesses are realizing the direct and indirect cost of this legislation to their businesses. They must comply with…

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…