Global Sourcing: Is It Really Worth It?

from sdcexec.com

For a variety of reasons, executives at many companies are reconsidering whether or not they should be buying products from international sources. Companies are facing higher than expected costs of materials and labor, a declining U.S. dollar and rising fuel prices, while some are experiencing the persistent quality issues that we continue to read about in today’s headlines.

How to Manage Supply Chain Collaboration

from thomasnet.com

Supply chain collaboration remains ad hoc and fragmented, according to CAPS Research, a global research center for strategic supply management.

In a recent survey of 794 purchasing, manufacturing, logistics and senior corporate managers in 63 companies, CAPS Research found managers are spending more time evaluating supply-chain-enabled business models, but most have not fully grasped the nature of collaboration or the concept of what it takes to achieve a true collaborative capability.

How IBM buys HR services globally

from purchasing.com

Purchasing professionals at such world-class companies as IBM, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, United Technologies and Microsoft are pushing to streamline the human resources (HR) services buy.

And for good reason: The HR-services spend touches every employee in a company in one way or another—from the CEO to the shop floor. It includes such services as contingent labor, medical and dental benefits, relocation and retirement plans. Furthermore, it is a complicated category with differing policies, made even more complex when purchasers attempt to leverage the spend and consolidate the supplier base globally, which, of course, is exactly what they want to do.

Northrop Grumman Recognizes Critical Role of Supplier Base

from cnn.com

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today honored 56 Platinum Source Preferred Awardees and presented 2006 Supplier of the Year awards to 10 U.S. companies that have consistently delivered top quality parts and services. The awards were presented at a suppliers’ luncheon in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

How to Manage Supply Chain Collaboration

from thomasnet.com

Supply chain collaboration remains ad hoc and fragmented, according to CAPS Research, a global research center for strategic supply management.

In a recent survey of 794 purchasing, manufacturing, logistics and senior corporate managers in 63 companies, CAPS Research found managers are spending more time evaluating supply-chain-enabled business models, but most have not fully grasped the nature of collaboration or the concept of what it takes to achieve a true collaborative capability.

Stanford Global Supply Chain Management Forum Study Uncovers Significant Value in B2B Outsourcing

from earthtimes.org

GXS, a leading provider of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce solutions, today unveiled the results from a Stanford University research study concluding companies deploying B2B outsourcing solutions experience a return that is 245 percent greater than their annual investment and a 62 percent improvement in customer satisfaction. The research study was conducted by the Stanford Global Supply Chain Management Forum (http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/scforum/), led by recognized supply chain expert, Dr. Hau Lee. The study which surveyed companies outsourcing some or all their B2B operations, sought to establish if customers benefit from outsourcing, and if so, how and how much. Conclusions from the study indicate that companies that outsource B2B programs benefit not only from improved customer satisfaction, but also from improved B2B technical capabilities, greater competitive differentiation, greater inventory visibility, increased system uptime and availability, as well as increased return on investment (ROI).

Global Chief Procurement Officers Convene to Discuss Their 2008 Strategic Agenda

from cnn.com

The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Summit, presented by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks company (NYSE: HHS) is the only executive-level event that features senior executive presentations led by industry-recognized leaders sharing the key trends that will impact procurement in 2008 and beyond. Aberdeen has partnered with publications “Supply & Demand Chain Executive,” “Supply Chain Management Review,” and the UK-based, “CPO Agenda,” to deliver the most comprehensive best practices and executive networking event for procurement professionals and their peers in supply chain, finance and operations.

LOG-NET， Inc. Releases Version 6.0

from jrj.com.cn

LOG-NET, Inc., an industry leader in international enterprise supply chain software solutions, announced the release of LOG-NET version 6.0, the latest version of the leading supply chain management system. The new version has several new features including supplier interfacing, routing, schedules, itineraries, integrated carrier bookings, mapping capabilities, and milk runs. LOG-NET, with its new features and functions in version 6.0, is able to address evolving customer needs and effectively respond to industry trends that are driving the demand for complex logistics solutions.

Avnet Executive to Show Companies How to Navigate Supply Chain

from businesswire.com

It’s sink or swim in today’s electronics industry – and distributors can help customers navigate the waters. Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) executive Ed Smith, will outline exactly how distributors can help at the IPC Management Meetings on October 22, 2007.

The IPC Management Meetings and the Executive Market and Technology Forum Conference will take place October 22-24, 2007 in Las Vegas. This year’s theme is “Innovation, Acceleration and Commercialization.” Smith, senior vice president of sales for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, will make his presentation during the IPC Management Meetings, as part of the panels targeting the EMS industry. These meetings feature a line-up of industry experts on business strategies.

16th Annual Trends and Issues in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

from capgemini.com

Capgemini, Georgia Southern University and the University of Tennessee present this report drawing from the results of our 2007 research on trends and issues on supply chain, logistics, and transportation. This report marks our 16th annual examination of the topics that challenge managers on an on–going basis in the conduct of their business.