March 2020
Improvement of supply chain management
is the most universal opportunity I see
for growing a business...The good news
is that a relatively standard set of best
practices can improve virtually any
manufacturer’s supply chain management
and related costs.
— Adam Kochenderfer, Wolfson Bolton
transition? Thinking through these consequential
issues before a supply crisis may prevent missed
shipments and countless headaches.
• Your Purchaser Matters: Encourage your
purchasing manager to get out from behind
their desk and learn everything about your
manufacturing process. Their knowledge and
experience can be invaluable when their role is
utilized properly.
• Connect People and Processes: Sales and
operations are core essentials for successful SCM.
Look for ways to integrate your people, processes
and technology into broader strategic planning.
The more integrated your business is, the easier
real-time changes can be made without risking
safety, quality or cost.
MiMfg Magazine
Get Connected Along the Supply Chain
The manufacturing supply chain affects every
aspect of your business. A great SCM can allow you
to exceed your wildest expectations but a poor one
can shorten a company’s lifespan by years or even
decades. Whether it is communicating better across
the supply chain or reimagining your facility’s
existing processes, the seemingly small changes
made today can lead to monumental growth and
new opportunities down the road.
“Some of our greatest success has come as a
result of the work we’ve done with suppliers and
customers — our supply chain partners,” said Thieme.
“Without approaching SCM as an absolute must for
success, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It’s
something any manufacturer can do, if they are
dedicated to doing it. The rewards that come from
developing a winning supply chain are real.”
For more information on creating your best supply
chain strategy or to connect with proven supply
chain experts, contact MMA at 517-487-8533.
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Brett Gerrish is MMA’s communications coordinator.
He may be reached at [email protected] or
517-487-8533.
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