SupplyChainGuru

 I wrote this article with a business alliance partner.  It isn't exactly about supply chain, but does relate to what your suppliers can be doing to promote the environment and sustainability.  Castings are critical to the valve and industrial products industries. This article puts into perspective what AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) can do to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving the quality of castings. By reducing scrap, and re-melts, we can reduce overall energy consumption or think of it as improved yield per energy unit consumed! READ THE ARTICLE

  This is a great summary article! It neatly packages eS&OP (Executive Sales & Operations Planning) into a 3 minute read while hitting the main points we find in the works to Thomas/Stahl. There are (3) key segments to the article - benefits, challenges and counter-measures. As the article title asks - Why aren't more businesses deploying eS&OP? READ THE ARTCILE hashtag # salesandoperationsplanning hashtag # SOP hashtag # supplychain

  The headline on this article grabbed my attention. I started by asking myself if software really can solve a lack of manpower in the factory. Certainly human resource and skills shortage is a common affliction for many of my customers across industries and across North America. I read the article. I agree with the statements of functionality that an MES can provide. I recommend them to solve specific point issues around data collection, batch/lot tracking, scheduling, etc. However, I would first-and-foremost suggest companies focus on *eliminating waste* and *non-value added activities* in their factories and offices. Use all the tool of lean manufacturing to improve processes then let's talk about technology . READ THE FULL ARTICLE Agree or disagree - feel free to comment.

There certainly has been lots of interest and talk about nearshoring. This short article, from one of my favorite supply chain management journals, puts some facts and figures on the topic. This growth itself will likely bring new challenges to Mexico. At some point one would have to think the cost of real estate and access to talent may become problems that are seen in other geographies. The question is "when"? READ THE FULL ARTICLE