Supply Chain Nearing

China-based computer maker Lenovo announced it’ll build a manufacturing line in Whitsett, NC in an effort to further tap the U.S. market.  This heightens a growing trend of foreign and domestic manufacturers setting up shop closer to buyers in their major geo-markets. Let’s call it ‘Supply Chain Nearing’ before someone gets a book deal with it… Not a new practice, but increasingly attractive for the manufacturer (lower unit costs), consumer (competitive pricing) and plant’s location (direct jobs, associated economic surge, local/state tax revenue, economic development awareness).

Moves like this mean significant supply chain adjustments. It removes a mode or two, but alters means. As a company’s to-market logistics game plan is amended for regional market transit, cost saving again enters the supply chain view. New routs create new freight billing norms, and with it the unfortunate reality of unintentional shipping billing errors. If you’re Supply Chain Nearing – digging that designation – coordinate your bill processing and payment through an independent auditor to ensure you Ship Smarter and Save (like that line, too…).

Admittedly partial to Data2Logistics.