SupplyChainGuru

READ THE FULL ARTICLE Step 1 is often not well done - ie. list the expected deliverables. Doing this up front means both the buyer and seller have defined expectations, which can often avoid confusion and frustration later in the process. Buried in the discussion of Step 1 is the topic of "vanilla" installations or using the software "out-of-the-box". I have been on both sides of the table -as an implementing customer and as a former ERP VAR - trust me, you want to keep your ERP as close to the way it was delivered as possible. You will save money up front by avoiding (possibly unnecessary) development, save time by not having to work for the customization and avoiding custom training for your staff. You will save money on the backend by making future updates, and eventually major upgrades, much more run of the mill instead of white-knuckled experiences as conflicts occur during the process. I remembe...

Read the article. The way I read this article, the forecast is for a "gig economy" approach to machining and other "metal-bashing" industries. In the section headed "Online and On-Demand", the article describes individual part fabrication being completely outsourced through an online network of firms the way 3D printing has evolved. I see this as great news for firms looking to buy one-off items while at the same time increasing competition, and decreasing margins, for job shops. I see this somewhat at odds with the following section on "More Partnerships, Joint Ventures". If firms can get multiple quotes and select a different supplier every time, it is hard to see the partnership aspect. Unless, of course, over time the major users of these online services decide to focus on working with a select few vendors with whom they can develop Long Term Agreements (LTAs) based on negotiating rates, volume, lead time and quality. I would see thi...

OPEN THE POST TO PLAY