April 28, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

In one week, I will be on my way to the Institute for Supply Management Conference in St. Louis. They always have some great speakers at their main events and usually I end up buying their books. I guess I have a hang up as I love hardback books that are personally autographed.

 

As a child, I was taught never to turn a page down in a book. Never, never write in a book. It is still hard for me after so many years to highlight in a book, even a textbook you have bought and are using for a class. I refuse to read even a paperback with the pages dog-eared. Did you know “dog-eared” is in the dictionary? It is an adjective and the definition is having worn and well-thumbed pages: having worn and well-thumbed pages that have been cr...Read More

Industries: Career/Jobs

April 21, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

What is supply risk management? The ISM Glossary defines risk management as directing or conducting the activities necessary to reduce, eliminate the impact of factors that could lead to injury, loss, damage or failure.

Risk management is a program that includes the processes of identifying the risk, quantifying the risk and assigning responsibility for management of the risk and risk mitigation actions.

The risk of disruption to production and distribution processes needs to be examined. In addition, supply risk should be examined on a part or SKU basis or on a specific service provision basis.

Do we as distributors to many manufacturers (our customers) understand the risk factor on the products and services we provide? Do we think about our customer having to shut down a production line because we as a distributor failed to have the produ...Read More

April 14, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (2)

CFOs don’t see procurement making the grade. Less than 20 percent of chief financial officers consider the work of chief procurement officers and their staff as having a very positive impact on competitiveness, according to a new report by technology consultancy Aberdeen Group.

 

The name of the game for procurement is cost savings, also cost avoidance. The report revealed that of 11.9 percent of average annual identified savings, only 3.2 percent actually gets booked, indicating a fall of 73 percent from identification to realization of potential savings. The question is why?

 

The communication gap between the procurement and finance department has emerged as a significant challenge in pro...Read More

Industries: Career/Jobs

April 7, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

The American Heritage Dictionary’s definition of “education” (Noun):

 

            1. The act or process of educating or being educated

            2. The knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process

 

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s definition is a bit more insightful. He stated “Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life. Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking. Education...Read More

Industries: Career/Jobs

March 31, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

I was reading an article on Continuous Improvement by Ralph Keller, president of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence. His opening statement, “How many companies can you think of who publicly profess that people are there most valuable resource, but then treat them like a consumable commodity?”

 

Years ago, I worked for Kroehler Manufacturing Company. Our slogan was “Kroehler People Care.” This was at one time the world’s largest furniture manufacturer. I still have the years of service pins. Kroehler had a suggestion box and with every entry a tape measure was sent to you with the notation “Kroehler People Care.” I probably have 15 or more. It ...Read More

Industries: Career/Jobs