Smarts for Supply Chain Knowledge Management

Knowledge management is one of those terms defined by whose book you read last. In supply chain realities, it guides better business decisions, going beyond the typical freight bill processing services by presenting data as actionable information. Today, most of this info is delivered via cloud-based, intuitive, user-driven systems. They eliminate maverick spend, identify missed consolidations, provide alerts when there are changes in trends, while enabling you to see all cost components, not just the total freight charge.

A few more functions include:

•             Providing timely access to actionable information

•             Reporting details of all accessorial and premium freight charges

•             Highlighting opportunities for service type and mode shifts

•             Identifying cost associated with dimensional charges

•             Utilizing best practices industry benchmarks for comparison analysis

•             Creating customized, ad-hoc and standard reports for data analysis and colleague collaboration.

Knowledge management, in the supply chain realm anyway, is in Data2Logistics’ wheelhouse. If this supply chain business vision would beneficial you, contact us.

Economists See Strength in U.S. Manufacturing, Stimulating Supply Chain Action

With (way too) much economic news sending us atop the nearest tall building, it’s encouraging, and calming, to hear what in-the-know economists are relaying regarding manufacturing industry strength in the U.S., and in growth regions globally. Bloomberg collected these; take a deep breath (we all need more than one, go ahead –grab that paper sack and huff like your heart’s overheating…). Ok, better now…  Relax and take-in the good words:

·         A more even keel after the last credit-powered expansion would help the stocks of companies biased toward emerging-market consumers and U.S. manufacturing over those tied to commodities and infrastructure, said John Bilton, European investment strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in London.

·         Behind the improvement is a revival of U.S. manufacturing. Restrained wages and lower energy prices are giving companies a competitive edge over competitors in Europe and Japan, according to a Boston Consulting Group study. It reckons average expenses in the U.S. will be 15 percent less than in Germany by 2015 and 21 percent below Japan.

·         “The U.S. is becoming one of the lowest-cost producers of the developed world,” wrote Harold L. Sirkin, a senior BCG partner in Chicago.

·         The chemical industry is a particular winner, as an abundant supply of natural gas from shale formations gives U.S. producers a march over rivals in Europe and Asia, which use mainly higher-priced oil.

Happy Manufacturing Day – You’re Building Our Bountiful Future!

October 5, 2012 is a much-deserved day of celebration of the manufacturing industry. All of us who work with you, and the supply chain bringing your goods to those whose personal and professional lives are enhanced by your efforts, appreciate you.

Manufacturing Day, whose sponsors include Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Association of Manufacturers and Manufacturing Institute have designed this day to expand awareness and knowledge of manufacturing's value to U.S. and global economies. It also a day of industry growth, with manufacturers exploring beneficial resources and services delivered through manufacturing extension partnerships.

Let’s all take part in recognition - students, parents, educators, media, customers, suppliers – we all benefit from the industry’s substantial economic impact. Talk it up around your colleagues, attend a local or online event; take it all in. Manufacturing impacts us all, constantly and consistently. We’re thankful.

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Supply Shortages Closing Gasoline and Diesel Stations in the U.S. – The Supply Chain Affect

Supply shortage, high demand; higher costs result. West coast refinery and pipeline shutdowns are spurring this situation at this juncture. But that’s today’s tale, the concern is more concrete: any additional supply interruptions, any one or more infrastructural, geopolitical, eco-political will further impact the supply-demand quotient. The impact throughout business and consumer economies domestically will spread via global supply chains to the international marketplace. There’s never a ‘that’s ok’ time for this realization; any time soon would be particularly painful.

So what are you going to do now? Getting ahead of it is a prudent move. Control what you can. One proven impact is to reduce your supply chain costs where it doesn’t hurt – route optimization upfront with freight bill auditing for spend accuracy backend – for your shipments domestically and globally. Data2Logistics is a source of these roundtrip abilities. Have a conversation with them.

One Billion New Customers – Is Your Supply Chain Up For Them?

There are (literally) a billion buyers in the English-speaking economy of India. Thankfully, they have the courage and currency to act on their business and consumer purchase desires. Within a few fiscal years, September 14, 2012 will be celebrated as a global economic independence day, as it marks the opening of India to international business investment on majority ownership scale.

India’s motivation is expressively economic. The country’s economy lost 67% of foreign direct investment in 2011, and is/was trending in that direction for ’12. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh summarized the decision, “I believe that these steps will help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times.” Wise man – bringing wealth to his nation’s population will keep him a popular politician, indeed.

Is your supply chain game? Bolstering our cause, the Indian government is opening aviation markets and allowing diesel subsidies to lapse. Earth, sky, arms welcomingly wide open.

From Our Rotterdam Office: Netherlands Manufacturing Expands First Time Since February

Good EU news: Bloomberg News reports manufacturing in Netherlands expanded for the first time in seven months, driven by an increase in export orders, according to NEVI, the Dutch institute for purchasing and supply management.

The September index of manufacturing in the euro area’s fifth-largest economy rose to 50.7 from 49.7 in August, the Zoetermeer, Netherlands-based institute said in an e-mailed statement. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion.

May this be a sign of strength to be seen throughout the EU region…

Government Investment in Nation’s Supply Chain – Economic Development that Works!

The Journal of Commerce reports British Columbia Premier Christy Clark on Sept. 28 detailed plans to invest more than $200 million in capital projects across the province, including replacing the George Massey Tunnel and widening the Trans-Canada Highway from Kamloops to the Alberta border.

Port Metro Vancouver welcomed the plan, as the tunnel has long restricted the draft of ocean-going ships on the Fraser River, which has in turn stunted growth in terminals such as Fraser Surrey Docks. Robin Silvester, port president and CEO, expects replacing the tunnel to increase trade opportunities for those terminals.

This economic stimulus is stimulating – hope it’s a global spread!