Category: Operations

Information sharing in Buyer Supplier Relationships

A supply chain is essentially a network of inter-connected and interdependent organizations mutually and cooperatively working together to control, manage and improve the flow of materials and information from the suppliers to the end users. The very definition shows how important information sharing plays a huge role in the management of the supply chain, since today proper SCM focuses on how firms can best utilize their suppliers’ processes, technology and capabilities to enhance their own competitive advantage. Continue reading “Information sharing in Buyer Supplier Relationships”

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How to manage a Lean Supply Chain

Today the buzz word in supply chain management is a lean supply chain. Question is, although lean supply chain offers many benefits, it has its own set of management challenges. Lean supply chain management is not only for the manufacturing companies but for any setups which need to streamline processes by eliminating non-value added activities. Continue reading “How to manage a Lean Supply Chain”

How e-markets affect the supply chain

E-markets have been established in many industries as a sourcing option for buyers. Research  has implied that the e-markets have substitutional effect on the traditional supply chain, yet in many situations, e-markets are used by buyers as a benchmarking tool in negotiations with traditional suppliers.  The late 1990s and early 2000s have seen the rise and fall of many e‑marketplaces. Despite being hyped for their ability to benefit firms through dynamic pricing as well as lower transaction costs, most e‑markets failed, never reaching their expected potential. Continue reading “How e-markets affect the supply chain”

Risk in Supply Chain Management

Today, many supply chain managers believe that there are multiple risks involved in a supply chain, and yet are often ill-equipped to handle the same. Many of the risk factors develop from a pressure to enhance productivity, minimize waste, remove supply chain duplication, and improve bottom-line. Continue reading “Risk in Supply Chain Management”

Situation of Outsourcing in the Manufacturing Industries

As a company gets large-scale recognition and popularity, maintaining its image and brand becomes more important than the product it manufactures. So from a product-centric view, companies have shifted their attention to other aspects which include marketing of the product, providing service to the customers and giving the product an image that differentiates it from the rest, not by virtue of its technical specifications but by virtue of customer perception. Hence the rise of outsourcing of manufacturing activities by giants across industries like footwear, iron and steel, durable and non-durable goods, household consumables and several other FMCG products, to small 3rd party manufacturers. Continue reading “Situation of Outsourcing in the Manufacturing Industries”