Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain Supplier Performance Management Best Practices Supplier performance management is a vital supply chain process for any manufacturer or distributor that sources its raw materials or other items from external vendors. Effective SPM can bring a wealth of internal benefits and help foster better supplier relationships. By Mattias Turovski 13 min read
InventorySupply Chain Manufacturing Supply Chain Management – Best Practices for SMEs Supply chain management encompasses everything from negotiating vendor contracts for raw materials to handling returns of a product. While it is a central concept for any company producing or selling physical goods or even services, this post focuses on the importance and best practices of SCM from the perspective of small and medium manufacturers. By Mattias Turovski 11 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain What Is Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and How To Use It? Vendor Managed Inventory is a practical supply chain management method that can lead to better inventory optimization, reduced costs, and stronger relationships between companies. But only if it’s done right. By Madis Kuuse 11 min read
InventorySupply Chain What is Consignment Inventory? With eCommerce taking the world by storm and complex, continent-spanning supply chains the new normal in retail, selling goods on consignment is gaining popularity across diverse manufacturing sectors. In this post, we look at what is consignment inventory and weigh its pros and cons. By Mattias Turovski 11 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain Inventory Planning – A Quick Guide Inventory represents the very foundation of any manufacturing or distribution operation. Keeping the raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventories at optimal levels is crucial for short- and long-term business success. By Mattias Turovski 10 min read
Supply Chain Distribution Management Basics for SMEs Distribution management is an integral part of any well-functioning business that sells physical products. Although the actual shipping of goods takes a central role in the process, distribution management includes many other processes that support timely and cost-effective deliveries. By Madis Kuuse 7 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain What Is Pipeline Inventory? Pipeline inventory consists of goods that a company has ordered but which have not yet arrived in the facility. Managing this type of inventory can help schedule production or shipments in advance, reduce standing inventory levels, and avoid stock-outs. By Mattias Turovski 8 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain What Is Decoupling Inventory? Decoupling inventory is the strategic buffer stock of subassemblies and WIP that could be used when suppliers are unavailable, when there are internal disruptions like machinery breakdown, or when demand is greater than expected. It allows companies to prevent all-around stoppages and mitigate the bullwhip effect. By Madis Kuuse 7 min read
Production planningSupply Chain Push System vs. Pull System in Manufacturing Management Push and pull systems are supply chain management strategies that are used depending on the uncertainty of the demand for a product. While push and pull are very different approaches, many companies also adopt a hybrid push-pull strategy. By Madis Kuuse 8 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain The Bullwhip Effect and How to Manage It The bullwhip effect is a supply chain phenomenon related to sudden changes in demand signals, when a slight movement in demand can cause large swings throughout the supply chain. To avoid a destructive “whip crack” at the end, companies need to be prepared to mitigate the effect. By Madis Kuuse 9 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain Vendor Management – An Essential Guide for SMEs Vendor management is a set of tools that companies use to ensure profitable and efficient relationships with their suppliers. Coming a long way from traditional phone calls, faxes, and emails, today even small businesses have started to utilize software to manage their communication with vendors. By Karl H Lauri 8 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain How to Manage Supply Chain Disruptions? The world has experienced historic supply chain disruptions during the last years. From trade wars and COVID-19 to semiconductor shortages and the Suez canal blockage – there are few industries that have not been affected. The lesson learned is to be better prepared and to remain flexible. By Karl H Lauri 9 min read
