If you were to choose an unsung hero in the supply chain, who would it be?
A case could be made for the buyers, as their behind-the-scenes work enables every other link in the chain. Goods could not be made without properly sourced and assessed parts, after all.
Or, maybe the logistics manager deserves the accolade. This year did see an unnatural amount of disasters and shifts, and who else would stay up to make sure the truck arrives on time, each time?
Still, perhaps the best case is made by the operations manager. After all, product can be procured and fulfilled, but what happens within the four walls — from organizing inventory counts to planning production alongside sales figures — can make or break a company. In fact, a truly effective inventory management team can enable savings across the board, too.
In honor of these unsung heroes, here's a list of five stories from the past year, highlighting the impact operations can have on supply chains:
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Inside Nike's plan to cut lead times from 60 days to 10
The company is radically transforming it's supply chain, so it can design and deliver new products within days of any sport championship. Read More >>
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How the retail store manager helps ensure supply chain success
Don't let store closures fool you — brick-and-mortar inventory management remains pivotal to retail success. Read More >>
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In costly move, Nintendo expedited Switch to avert self-imposed shortage
After spending more than $100 million, Nintendo continues to leave retail workers across the country with little to say but, "your Switch may be in another castle." Read More >>
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H&M pursues fast fashion leader Zara through supply chain overhaul
However, the Swedish fashion company's spread-out sourcing may hinder these advancements. Read More >>
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Smart factories: The future of manufacturing
According to several new studies, innovation in the industry is focused on improving operations with automated tech and digitization. Read More >>
