The shift of manufacturing to China and elsewhere is lengthening supply lines and complicating the job of logistics managers. Here are some of the major problems that result-and some proposed cures.
Consultants, analysts and shippers don't necessarily define 'sense-and-respond' the same way, and their views on the need for greater technology investment may vary as well.
Afraid to let safety stocks get too low, companies often get overwhelmed by their inventory. New ideas, processes and technologies in inventory management can solve that.
While supply chain efficiency is important, companies need to focus more attention on reducing risk to their financial performance resulting from supply chain disruptions.
Shippers today want more from their execution vendors, who are responding with systems that address outsourcing, security, data flow and new trade regulations.