improving the process of supply chain management
Here are some ideas for improving the process of supply chain management in your company:
Improve collaboration and communication among buyers with suppliers, informing them of his intentions to modify or improve any process of manufacture;
Keep inventory levels as low as acceptable (if it is safe!), A process using just-in-time production by requests whenever possible (see Inventory Control: logistics and demand forecasting and reduce inventory to improve costs ). The inventory cost is one of the main indicators used to analyze the performance of a logistics organization;
If outsourcing is cheaper (consider everything: production, transportation and even loss of know-how), why continue making the high costs internally?
Invest in communication technologies, especially with suppliers to reduce the time of order / delivery and ensure that the raw material is always available. As the cost of inventory, time customer service is another key indicator because it encourages the company to have a closer relationship with its customers and thus ensure a faster service;
Use existing information technology (many low cost): start with sales forecast , go to inventory control, shopping, ordering, shipping, delivery and so on – there are tools to help computational and automatic in each step of the process ;
Make purchase decisions more (and higher inventories) and discount-based spreadsheets and calculations, not on pressure and intuition.
So, keep in mind that the process of supply chain management is not done in isolation: it is a relationship between his company and others with whom you relate. Every change you make to the process of managing their supply chain should be a shared and positive experience for all who compose it – a true win-win – for the long-term relationship is beneficial to you, your suppliers and your customers.
The manager must ensure an efficient distribution and inventory costs low, the balance between the two can boost productivity and efficiency