Supply Chain

The roadmap in addition to our statement of production also re-affirms our commitment to continue to invest in the product for at least the next five years.

We are already seeing the impact as customers make the transformation, and Microsoft is committed to delivering modern business solutions, built using the broad portfolio of Microsoft technology, with intentional simplicity as a core design element.

At many companies, there is a divide between procurement and supply chain operations that robs the organization of vital efficiencies. Companies that have recognized that gap and worked hard to close it now see sizeable financial benefits along with qualitative wins such as supplier-integrated contracts and streamlined processes.

Experts point to certain key traits of procurement excellence, including an overall strategic orientation, alignment with business objectives, a risk management role, and an ability to collaborate both internally and externally. Here are some insights on developing these capabilities.

Procurement leaders attending the CPO Roundtable noted they need continued transformation, short time to value, educated and trained employees, and competitive advantage delivered in their corporations' balance sheets and income statements.

ReMaking America is the second volume on manufacturing policy edited by Richard McCormack. The first, Manufacturing a Better Future for America, came on the heels of the worst decade for manufacturing in our nation’s history. It set the stage for an unprecedented focus on “Made in America.” ReMaking America unveils a new story: one of hope. With the right policies, the authors argue, manufacturing may see a new dawn in America along with the wealth and growth opportunities needed...

Gone are the days when the priorities of a few high-tech startups determined the pace of business technology development. Today, innovators come in all shapes and sizes, and they're all looking to maximize the return on their technology dollars by embracing more flexible and powerful solutions. In the year to come, these X trends will dominate the discussion and set the pace for global technology leadership.

Reshoring Initiative founder, Harry Moser recently participated in an Economist online debate, presenting in defense of the motion “Do multinational corporations have a duty to maintain a strong presence in their home countries?”

Our panelists, Dr. Irene Petrick, Penn State University Professor; Carl Pope, Former Executive Director, Sierra Club; Sridhar Kota, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan. Moderated by Scott Paul, President, Alliance for American Manufacturing, touch on the shift from low-cost/low-wage manufacturing, to a high-tech focus in the US.

Supply professionals are in a unique, critical position to impact the global supply chain and therefore should supplement their organization's work in sustainability and social responsibility by promoting sustainability and social responsibility through leadership and participation on appropriate committees, boards and panels of governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Apple has asked its suppliers to increase production of the gold-colored iPhone 5S by an additional one-third after seeing strong demand, people familiar with the situation said. It isn’t clear whether there are currently supply chain constraints manufacturing the new iPhone.

Is the inbound direct materials supply chain getting the attention it deserves? How can these crippling parts shortages occur? Why is there not greater visibility into this segment of the supply chain?

For manufacturers, supplier relationship management has been proven to have a direct impact on shareholder value. Best-in-class OEMs understand that generating shareholder value requires that they outshine the competition at managing their suppliers.

Troy Alstead’s promotion to Starbucks CFO and group president of global business service proves that the CFO role involves more than traditional finance functions.

During a visit to Finland, Gartner director Peter Sondergaard said that Microsoft will be looking to exploit Nokia’s recognized expertise in materials and supply chain management.

Today digital technologies and borders open to the flow of ideas, goods, and services make it possible to build international partnerships for bringing innovation into production and into the market. We must take steps now to regain U.S. manufacturing momentum if we want to sustain the nation’s signature economic advantage: innovation.

Conservation International (CI) collaborated with our longtime partner, Starbucks Coffee Company, to begin answering these questions for its home-grown supply chain program, Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, and we have a few takeaways to share on the value of these assessments as well as how to build ongoing results assessment into your own program.

Using mobile applications on smart phones and tablets, today’s consumers are able to compare prices and read product reviews while on the move. To service this new omni-channel consumer, retailers are stepping up and flowing product information across multiple channels to capture customers’ attention and make the sale.

With responsibilities that include more than 70,000 outbound deliveries a week to Starbucks retail stores, distribution channels and outlets worldwide, keeping Starbucks products flowing from suppliers to customers is, needless to say, a complex exercise.

This report—prepared by Guardian Six Consulting LLC for the Alliance for American Manufacturing—recommends 10 actions to make America less dependent on foreign nations for the vital products that enable America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines to be the most powerful and effective fighting force in the world.