Adventures in Supply Chain

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Transformations in Supply Chain are adventures with real people; full of opportunities and challenges. Every Thursday, join Marcia Williams in a podcast of real stories; real stories with real people transforming supply chains. Be sure to tune in to our Coronavirus and Supply Chain Video Series with amazing guests. Marcia – host of the show, experienced supply chain consultant, speaker, and author – interviews guests who have led outstanding transformations. If you are or want to become a change leader with high impact, this podcast is for you. And you will know it all – strengths, vulnerabilities, successes and failures; from how to perform data analysis through wearing your favorite tie or red shoes to boost your confidence. Transformations are adventures with real people. Learn from their stories and claim your head start!

Marcia Williams


    • Jan 18, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 51 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS


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    Latest episodes from Adventures in Supply Chain

    2024 Predictions for Supply Chain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 12:15


    This episode covers the 2024 Predictions for Supply Chain. ✅ChatGPT As Supply Chain and Procurement practitioners always looking for ways to make our work more effective and efficient, my prediction is that the use of ChatGPT will trend upward. ✅Dashboards for Communication with Stakeholders Data visualizations like those from PowerBI will be on the rise because they have different levels of aggregations so your stakeholders can see only what they are looking for. ✅Sustainability Sustainability has been trending in the most recent years. I think 2024 will not be the exception. ✅Procurement as Revenue Generator I think this year, Procurement will show and educate more about their financial impact on the top and bottom lines. ✅Logistics Planning and Execution Logistics will continue to make headlines. Companies will increase their focus on logistics planning and execution. ✅Innovation with New Product Introductions Companies will continue investing in innovation. I think the trend will be upward about product launches. ✅Inventory Optimization Most companies will be focusing on inventory optimization in 2024 to achieve greater profitability and to free up cash. ✅Operations and Finance Integration – Advanced S&OP/ IBP I think that in 2024 there will be an increased focused on the intersection between finance and supply chain to improve profitability and working capital. ✅Supply Chain in the C-Suite This year, we are keeping a seat at the table with a supply chain that integrates with finance and with participants that know the language of the business—finance and accounting—the language that the C-suite speaks. ✅Generative AI I think that the adoption of these technologies will move at a slow pace. Excel will continue to be the top planning tool in 2024, used together with the company's ERP and advanced planning systems. Hope you like it! What are your thoughts? What predictions would you add? Let's make it a GREAT year! Bonus Tip: For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/

    Top Inventory Management Metrics that Every Supply Chain Professional Must Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 16:35


    Ready to know the top 10 inventory management metrics that everyone in supply chain and procurement must know. In this video you will know the top metrics, the meaning, and calculation. Everything is here. #1 Inventory Days of Supply #2 Inventory Turnover #3 Cash to Cash Cycle #4 Return on Working Capital #5 Inventory Carrying Cost #6 Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) #7 Obsolescence for Raw Material, WIP, and Finished Goods Inventory #8 Perfect Customer Order Fulfillment #9 Inventory Accuracy #10 Customer Order Fulfillment Cycle Time   Bonus Tip: For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/  

    5 Secrets for Effective Inventory Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 12:35


    Inventory has a tremendous impact on your profit and loss statement and balance sheet. If it's not properly balanced against demand, it's hard for companies to serve customers, which can lead to problems. For example, Nike's difficulty with responding to supply chain issues and inflation created an inventory surplus that's negatively impacted its profit. On the other side, Revlon's inability to meet demand because of low inventory led to the company to file for bankruptcy after 90 years in business. In this episode, we will unveil 5 secrets for effective inventory management: Secret #1 – Increase Your Visibility Secret #2 – Focus on Better Responsiveness Secret #3 – Have a New Product Launch Management Process Secret #4 – Improve Your Demand Forecasting Secret #5 – Consider the Total Cost of Ownership Bonus Tip: For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/

    Inventory: Asset or Evil for Financial Performance in S&OP/ IBP?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 13:35


    Tim Cook—Apple's CEO—says that inventory is “fundamentally evil”. In Accounting, inventory is an asset.  This means a resource that the company expects to generate future benefits. It seems that Cook and Accounting views are in conflict. Who's right: Apple's CEO or Accounting? To answer this question, listen to this video and know the impact of inventory on the financial statements in S&OP/ IBP.   For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/

    The #1 Secret for a Successful Sales and Operations Planning Implementation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 11:54


    Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) has been around since the late 1980's. However, a handful of companies only are successful in this cross-functional process that “integrates demand, supply, operations, and financial planning into one game plan for business.” This is the definition by the Institute of Business Forecasting and Planning. It is unfortunate that most organizations are just capturing a small fraction of the potential benefits of S&OP.    In this episode, we are going to cover:   -        Benefits of S&OP/ IBP -        5 reasons for S&OP failures The number 1 secret for a successful S&OP implementation

    What is Working Capital and Cash Flow? Explained for Supply Chain Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 15:06


    Walmart has a negative working capital. Coca-Cola has a positive working capital. Which company is doing better? Another question for you. Being in Supply Chain and Procurement, how can you improve working capital? In this video we are going to cover: What's working capital? What's the difference with cash? What are the metrics we can use? How can we improve working capital? What's the impact of inventory on working capital? For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/

    Top 10 Financial Metrics that Everyone in Supply Chain Must Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 9:11


    Ready to know the top 10 financial metrics that everyone in supply chain and procurement must know? In this episode you will know the top metrics, the meaning, and calculation. Everything is here.   Top 10 Financial Metrics for Supply Chain Professionals   #1 – Gross Margin #2 – Operating Profit Margin #3 – EBITDA #4 – ROA #5 – Inventory Turnover Ratio #6 – Days Sales in Inventory #7 – Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio #8 – Accounts Payable Turnover Ratio #9 – Working Capital Ratio #10 – Operating Cash Flow Ratio   For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/

    What are the differences between S&OP and IBP?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 12:02


    What is the Difference Between Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP)?   Is that the right question? Or should we ask if there are any differences between S&OP and IBP.   In this episode we will dive into the key aspects of S&OP and IBP, compare them against each other for you to decide if they are different.   We will cover the following aspects: -Focus -Scope -Execution -Approach -Language   For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/

    What is Cash Flow: Explained for Supply Chain Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 6:45


    I am not an Accountant; Why do I need to know about cash flow if I am in Supply chain, I am in planning, S&OP?  Fair question. To advance in your career and improve in your sales and operations planning or in integrated business planning, you need to know the language of the business. And that language is Finance and Accounting.   In this episode, you will learn about the Cash Flow Statement and its key components so you can understand the impact of operations on a fundamental financial statement and think like the CEO and CFO. After all, cash is king.   For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/ Please also visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@usmsupplychain387

    What is the P&L: Explained for Supply Chain Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 14:21


    The Profit and Loss Statement or P&L? Why do I need to know about that if I am in Supply chain?   These are valid questions. Supply Chain is not Finance or Accounting. But, we need Finance and Accounting to be successful in Supply Chain careers and to improve in sales and operations planning or in integrated business planning. It is the language of the business.   In this episode, you will learn about the Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) or Income Statement and its key components so you can understand the impact of operations on a fundamental financial statement and think like the CEO and CFO.   For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/ Please also visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@usmsupplychain387

    What's the Balance Sheet Explained for Supply Chain Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2023 13:12


    Why do you need to know about the balance sheet if you are in Supply Chain; maybe in planning, S&OP/ IBP and you are not an Accountant? Fair question. To advance in your career and improve in your sales and operations planning or in integrated business planning, you need to know the language of the business. And that language is Finance and Accounting. In this episode, you will learn what a balance sheet is and its key components so you can understand the impact of operations on a key financial statement and think like the CEO and CFO. For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com Please also visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@usmsupplychain387

    What are S&OP, SIOP, IBP, FP&A, S&OE and ITP

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 10:51


    There are so many acronyms that we use in planning! In this episode, you will learn the terminology and key concepts about all of them: - S&OP—Sales and Operations Planning - SIOP—Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning - IBP—Integrated Business Planning - FP&A—Financial Planning and Analysis - S&OE—Sales and Operations Execution -ITP—Integrated Tactical Planning For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/ Please also visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@usmsupplychain387

    How to Read the Financial Statements - Explained for Supply Chain and Procurement Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 23:29


    Why do you need to know about Finance if you are in Supply Chain? Being in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Procurement, you have a massive impact on the business financial performance. In this episode, you will learn about the three core financial statements: - Income Statement or Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) - Balance Sheet - Cash Flow Statement (or like Marcia calls it “Show me the Money Statement) For Free and Actionable Resources, please visit https://usmsupplychain.com/ Please also visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@usmsupplychain387

    Flexible Packaging and Sustainability with Guest Jonathan Quinn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2023 28:43


    In this episode, Jonathan and Marcia talk about the following: What are the trends in flexible packaging - for example, on cost, lead times, materials? What are the options available regarding sustainability? What is the cost of regular film against sustainable film? What customers have been more aggressive with sustainability? How can a company make a transition from regular film to sustainable film? What are the steps/ best practices?  What are some examples in the market?  

    How to Save Cost when Relocating Employees

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 34:55


    In this episode you will learn about the following: - What is the relocation industry and what does a relocation management company do? - Is this still a relevant topic post-Covid? -What goals is an HR department seeking to accomplish by hiring a relocation management company? - What are some of the challenges a Procurement and HR team face when sourcing relocation management services? - What are the benefits that an audit can bring?   Our guest, Gary Conerly, has over two decades of experience in the relocation and global mobility industry. Gary is a frequent speaker on various employee mobility topics at regional SHRM and relocation conferences. Having lived on assignment in Latin America for ten years, Gary is very familiar with the challenges faced by both expatriates and their employers. He is fluent in Spanish and has a broad range of expertise in the relocation and global mobility industry.   Gary attributes his success in business to a direct result of his sincere desire to help corporations achieve their goals while maintaining complete visibility and control over all related costs.   This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out  @usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.    

    What Is Amazon Doing Differently with Last Mile Delivery with Guest Kunal Vora

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 32:55


    In this episode, we talk about the following: What are the top 3 challenges to become like Amazon with domestic last-mile delivery? What are the challenges and opportunities you see post-Covid for the sector of grocery stores and restaurants? What are some actions that companies can take to reduce cost of domestic shipping? What is the key to fast innovation and how can you support innovation from the supply chain perspective and the ability to pivot? What are the key metrics in supply chain that companies need to track? Get FREE actionable resources at usmsupplychain.com Book a call with Marcia @usmsupplychain.com to scale your profits together with your supply chain

    Six Sigma, Lean, and Circular Economy with Guest Sneha Kumari

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 34:08


    In this episode, we talk about the following: - What does six sigma imply? - Who should be using six sigma? - What are the critical factors to have a successful implementation? - How do you use lean concepts to eliminate waste? - How are lean and circular concepts similar or dissimilar? To know more about six sigma, lean and circular economy or to get amazing FREE resources in Supply Chain and Procurement, please visit usmsupplychain.com

    How to Get Savings Despite Inflation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 27:19


    Getting savings in an inflationary economy? Sounds like mission impossible? Our guest, Angela Thurman, challenges that. Let's dive in so you can know how to hit your savings goals.

    Data and Tech in Supply Chain - How to Run a Successful E-Commerce Business with Guest Rick Watson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2021 20:07


    This is episode 34 of Adventures in Supply Chain podcast.  We are pleased to present the Data and Tech in Supply Chain Video Series with guest Rick Watson, E-Commerce Expert. This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.  Our guest, Rick Watson, after spending the last 20 years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the eCommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, Barnes & Noble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes, started his own business to help with incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses.Rick has been a featured speaker at nationwide news programs such as Bloomberg Surveillance and Bloomberg West, as well as at a number of retail-focused industry events including NRF Shop.org, ECommerce Europe, ETail West, and others.   In this episode we talk about the following: What are the most common challenges that e-commerce companies face? Is it Marketing or Supply Chain? Where are cost savings opportunities? What is the role of data and technology in e-commerce companies? If a company needs to choose a particular area where to invest in technology, what's that area? And why? Thoughts about the battle between UPS and Amazon? What companies that are already in business and want to scale should do? What companies that want to start or developing more their ecommerce channels should do, in particular those that are doing B2B?

    Data and Tech in Supply Chain - Group Purchasing Model Explained with Anthony Clervi

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2021 32:11


    Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain. Watch this episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDjlIkxwre4 and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Today we talk about how you can achieve cost reduction by working with a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO). If you are considering how to save costs from 7% up to 20%, this episode is for you. We cover the following points: What are the benefits of a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO)? What kinds of businesses should consider working with a GPO? For what kind of products and services? And more great points    

    Data and Tech in Supply Chain - ERP Implementations with Guest Sam Gupta

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2021 35:45


    Check us out at www.usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain. 95% of businesses are getting THIS wrong with ERP implementation. Are you one of them? You have probably heard about scary and painful stories about ERP implementations. Thousands or even millions of dollars thrown at something that is not providing the results you are expecting, on top of all the headaches. ERPs are a necessary evil. You cannot scale your operations without them. You cannot keep growing without an ERP system that accompanies such growth. Do ERP rollouts have to be painful? Yes. I’m sorry if you were expecting a No for an answer. It is a complex transformation in your digital journey. But, they can be much LESS painful and when the implementation is over, you will have solid foundations to keep growing your business in a profitable way. If you are considering an ERP implementation for the first time or switching to a different ERP with more functionalities, this episode is for you. With our guest Sam Gupta, we talk about the following: When should companies consider an ERP implementation or switching to a different ERP? Who needs to be involved? Who needs to take the lead? What are the most common challenges and mistakes so you can avoid them? And much more

    Data and Tech in Supply Chain - How to Save Cost on Last Mile Delivery with Guest Dean Maciuba

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 27:55


    How to Save Cost on Last-Mile Delivery Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.  Check us out at https://usmsupplychain.com/ Actionable advice from expert Dean Maciuba on how to achieve cost savings on last-mile delivery in this video episode of Data and Tech in Supply Chain with Host Marcia Williams. Dean worked at UPS/FedEx for over 37 years across multiple professional positions in sales, marketing, and operations. His vast experience allows him to possess a unique and in-depth view into nearly all aspects of the parcel transportation industry. In this episode, we talk about the following: - What is last-mile delivery? - How can you reduce your cost in last-mile delivery – from the merchant and carrier perspectives? - What is the trend of micro fulfillment with on-demand delivery? - What is the role of data and technology? - What is the importance of alternative and smaller vehicle solutions such as cargo bikes and electric vans? Check us out at www.usmsupplychain.com  

    Data and Tech in Supply Chain: How to Make Data Actionable with Guest John Ferraioli

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2021 40:06


    Join Host Marcia Williams in the FREE LIVE Masterclass: How to Unlock the Power of Data to Generate Profit in Your Supply Chain - March 16th at 12 PM  Register here For the FREE LIVE Class https://training.usmsupplychain.com/webinar-registration In this episode, we talked about the following: - What is the data that we need to get right in Supply Chain?   - What are the data sources?   - How do you use that data? How can you have the data actionable?   -If your organization or company would like to make decisions based on data, where should you start? The low hanging fruit?   -What are the most common mistakes when using data?   -How can you avoid such mistakes?   -What is the role of technology related to data in Supply Chain?   -Final thoughts or key points to remember about data in Supply Chain?   Don't forget to register for How to Unlock the Power of Data to Generate Profit in Your Supply Chain - March 16th at 12 PM  Register here For the FREE LIVE Class with Host Marcia Williams https://training.usmsupplychain.com/webinar-registration

    Data and Tech in Supply Chain with Host Marcia Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2021 19:40


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present episode 29, and first of the "Data and Tech in Supply Chain” Video Series with your host, Marcia Williams, Managing Partner at USM Supply Chain. In this episode, Marcia talks about the following:  - Why data in Supply Chain? or in other words, what’s the importance of data in Supply Chain? What is Six Sigma, in particular, the DMAIC approach for process optimization? What are the fundamental KPIs or key metrics to track? What is the role of technology?   This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.   THE DATA-POWERED SUPPLY CHAIN BOOTCAMP COMING UP IN MARCH! We are preparing an amazing Bootcamp for you! The Data-Powered Supply Chain Bootcamp is coming up in March.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain Video Series: How Robotic Process Automation (RPA) impacts your Supply Chain with William Guidry

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2020 22:14


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with William Guidry, business partner at Diversified Robotic.   Diversified Robotic gives small to medium-sized businesses a way to save time, and money by utilizing automation software for time-consuming back-office tasks that are repetitive, high-volume, rule-based, and prone to human error. In this episode, we talked about the following: What does Robotic Process Automation (RPA) entail? What companies should be using RPA and why? What factors should we consider for a successful implementation? What are the KPIs that we need to track? Example of a transformation with RPA that went well and another one that didn't. What is the effect of the pandemic on RPA rollouts? What is your advice to business leaders about implementing RPA?   This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.    

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Circular Economy and Supply Chain with Deborah Dull

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2020 29:40


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Deborah Dull, Founder of the Circular Supply Chain Network. Deborah loves supply chain, especially all about inventory. Prior to her role as  Principal, Manufacturing Product Management at GE Digital, Deborah used technology to propel the supply chains in frontier markets into Industry 4.0. while at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Now she looks across the Industrial world and realizes the critical role Industry plays in transitioning to a global circular economy – often called the circular industrial economy. (In a circular economy... everything becomes inventory!!) In this episode, we talked about the following: - Terms...sustainability, circular economy, what is the meaning of these terms? -Does circular economy help the environment and the financial statements?  - Are there any particular industries that can benefit the most from circularity? - What’s the role of supply chain in circularity? - How can supply chains start their transition to circular operations? - How could circularity help with COVID by being a risk mitigator? - What can business leaders start doing today that will benefit their organizations? This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.  

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - How to apply Data Science to Supply Chain with Nicolas Vandeput

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2020 30:56


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Nicolas Vandeput, Consultant at SupChains, Book Author, Professor.   Nicolas is a supply chain data scientist specialized in demand forecasting and inventory optimization. He founded his consultancy company SupChains in 2016 and co-founded SKU Science - a smart online platform for supply chain management - in 2018.   Nicolas enjoys discussing new quantitative models and how to apply them to business reality. Passionate about education, Nicolas is both an avid learner and enjoys teaching at universities: he has taught forecasting and inventory optimization to master students since 2014 in Brussels, Belgium.   Nicolas published "Data Science for Supply Chain Forecasting" in 2018 and "Inventory Optimization: Models and Simulations" in 2020.    In this episode, we talked about the following:  -Data science applied to supply chain. -Forecasting: why, what, when, who - First key steps for forecasting - Role of accurate data in forecasting - Machine learning vs traditional forecasting models – time series. - Key actions for business leaders to start applying data science to supply chain This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series - How to use Data and AI/ Machine Learning in Supply Chain

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 27:13


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Tristan Fletcher, Co-founder & CEO at ChAI.   Tristan applies state of the art prediction methods from the Machine Learning (Artificial Intelligence) academic community to real world problems. Tristan has done this at senior levels in prestigious organizations in asset management (Aspect Capital: $ 7 Bill.), trading (UBS: $500 Bill.), medicine (Imperial College London), supply chain management (Unilever) and even fine wine pricing. In this episode, we talked about the following: What are Predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning? How are they different from traditional data science? What sources of data should companies use? How can companies actually use data for better decision making? What is the importance of getting more accurate predictions? How can we see this in the financial statements? What is the impact of Covid in the use of data? For a company that wants to have a more data-driven supply chain, what would be your advice? Where should they start?   This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Technology in Supply Chain for Small Businesses with Andrew Johnson, CEO ShelfAware

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2020 36:34


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Andrew Johnson, CEO of ShelfAware.   Andrew Johnson is an entrepreneur, inventor, and business owner who is blindly stumbling across the business landscape hoping to create positive change along the way. He is lucky to work with his talented brothers who make sure the family core business, O-ring Sales & Service, Inc., continues to grow.    In this episode, we talked about the following: - The successful story of a family business - Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and how differs from barcode labeling  - Manufacturing BEFORE and AFTER Covid-19 - Data and Technology to pivot - Supply Chain Resilience – Who does better in the pandemic: Small or Big Companies?     This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.      

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Scrum Agile Methodology with Khyati from Panasonic NA

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 25:08


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Khyati S, Product Manager Leader at Panasonic North America.   Khyati is an innovative and customer-focused Product Manager that follows Agile methodologies for software development and work closely with developers, marketing, and sales members to scale the product growth.   Currently, Khyati is leading Panasonic product - Warehouse Management Systems and a global team of software engineers from the USA, India, Vietnam, and China.  In this episode we talk about the following: - What is agile scrum project management? - What is different from the "traditional" project management?  - When is agile scrum project management more appropriate? - What is the role of technology and data? - Six Sigma and Scrum - Data, data, data   This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.        

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - How to Manage International Logistics during COVID with Chris Richards

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 17:28


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Chris Richards, International Sales Manager at Steam Logistics, one of the fastest growing companies in accordance to Inc. Magazine's List of America's Fastest Growing Companies In this episode, we talked about: - What is involved in international logistics? What are the elements that need to be considered? - What are the top trends, opportunities, and challenges? - What is the impact of COVID-19? What are the major changes in ocean and air freight? - How can companies be more prepared for these challenges? - What is the importance of technology and data on international logistics? How can you have visibility and react immediately when issues arise considering that there are different companies in the supply chain? - What are your thoughts or how do you see the Holiday Season and Chinese New Year from an international logistics perspective? How is going to be different? This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain: Showing the Value of Supply Chain in the P&L with Doctor Procurement

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 33:36


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Procurement Doctor Karthik Rama. Procurement Doctor Karthik Rama, one of the top global thought leaders and influencers in procurement, chats with us on how procurement can find alignment with finance and work together in a business. Karthik shares strategies on how to structure different levels of your organization with a drive towards technology and innovation as well as the roadblocks of transforming business processes to digital procurement. Lastly, he discusses how to determine the right procurement tool to create efficiency and collaboration within an organization. Karthik is all about Procurement Transformations, with over 16+ years of experience in helping organizations from varied industries, from all over the world. He is inquisitive to understand the subtle differences in industries and regions and has a complete grasp of the Source to Pay cycle. Karthik has worn multiple hats over the years, right from being the Procurement guy to the IT guy deploying the Procurement System – this gives him an edge when speaking the language of technology to the IT teams and Procurement teams.   This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Source to Pay with Rajiv Gupta

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2020 31:57


      Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Rajiv Gupta, Procurement nerd, and a lifelong learner in Procurement, supply chain, finance, and all things digital! Rajiv Gupta is the founder of Procurement League, a technology platform for professionals of all levels in Procurement and supply chain practice to connect, exchange knowledge, learn and grow! His experience includes sourcing and procurement leadership roles with focus on Source to Pay at Infosys, Ariba, Zycus, and Whirlpool, among others. In this episode, we talked about: - Source to pay - How is that different from procure to pay? - When is a good moment for an organization to start looking at source to pay? - How do you build a business case? - What technologies are available? What are the critical aspects to look at? - Where do you start with a source to pay implementation? - What are the critical factors for success and how finance, procurement, and IT can work together? This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Control Tower with James J Curtis III

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 36:27


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with James J Curtis III, Supply Chain and Technology Account Executive at One Network Enterprises. In this episode, we talked about connecting supply chains end to end with digital business networks leveraging intelligent agents (AI). JJ addresses questions such as What are the different technologies; for instance, AI, Internet of Things, Blockchain... How do they relate to the Control Tower concept? How are they different from an ERP? And do we need both? Which companies would benefit the most with these technologies?  If a company is on the fence - still uncertain whether to proceed or not - what would you tell them to look at? What are the triggers?   This episode is sponsored by USM Supply Chain. USM stands for Unstoppable, Scalable, Mindful Supply Chain. Check us out at usmsupplychain.com to scale up your profits together with your supply chain.        

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - How Finance and Supply Chain can work together to deliver GREAT results with Guest Neel Augusthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2020 31:05


    Topic: We talk about how Finance and Supply Chain can work together to Deliver Results. Check us out at www.usmsupplychain.com and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel. Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Neel Augusthy, Managing Director at VADN Group, based out of Singapore. In his current role, Neel helps companies with business growth strategies, market access and expansion, strategic investment plans, process improvement; and valuation, analysis, and due diligence of acquisition targets. In his career, Neel held the position of CFO SEA at Medtronics. Neel also had the following roles during his almost 8-year tenure at Johnson & Johnson: - CFO Customer Logistic Services APAC - CFO Supply Chain Medical APAC - CFO R&D / BD APAC Medical - APAC CFO Cordis Medical - Finance Director Medical

    Marketing & Supply Chain - Guest Leanne Hug, Coty

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 26:43


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Team Lead, Covergirl Trade Marketing at Coty, Leanne Hug. Leanne has been recognized as one of Path to Purchase IQ’s People to Watch of 2020, being nominated by the leadership at Coty and selected amongst many other bright individuals in the CPG industry. We talk about the following: - Collaboration among Marketing, Planning, Procurement, and Logistics - Challenges in Cross-functional Collaboration - Role of Technology and Data - Impact of COVID on Team Work - Advantages and Disadvantages of Working Remotely - Advice to Business Leaders Check us out at www.usmsupplychain.com and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel for more insightful as well as actionable content.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series - Rebranding Procurement with Leslie Venetz and Katie Johnson from Procurement Leaders

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 30:46


    Check us out at www.usmsupplychain.com Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to present this video episode of the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" with Katie Johnson and Leslie Venetz from Procurement Leaders. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in London, Procurement Leaders is a global network serving major corporations and procurement, sourcing and supply chain executives by providing independent procurement intelligence, professional development and peer to peer networking. Katie Johnson is the Director of Account Management, Americas. In her role, Katie has impressive accomplishments including: - Customer Obsession Award winner 2019 - Elected by Executive Leadership Team - Developed and implemented a global account health scoring and cadence methodology to identify and reduce risk sooner, ensuring more value for our customers Past experience of Katie includes different positions at CEVA Logistics, Business Implementation and Development Manager at NDLI Logistics, and Business Analyst at Waterpik, Inc. Leslie Venetz is the New Business Development Director, Commercial Accounts, Americas at Procurement Leaders. In her role, Leslie has gone beyond delivering results to be a Member of the PL Curiosity, Sustainability & Giving Back Pillars; being the Commercial Voice for Women Procurement Leaders Diversity Community and being Nominated by CEO to represent PL on World50's Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Leslie is a motivated and dedicated sales leader, with a powerful history of success in new business development. Her expertise has been in event sales for Fortune 1000 senior-level executives, consultative sales, and SME sales. In addition to sales expertise, Leslie has in-depth knowledge related to public speaking, fundraising, and non-profit events. Past experience of Leslie includes Vice President, Sponsorship Sales, Business Development and Strategic Planning at Carpathia Marketing LLC; Head of Sales American Expansion at PHMG Worldwide, and Director, National Accounts at Marcus Evans Group.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Best Practices on How Sourcing from China with Laura N. Dow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2020 32:50


    Check us out at https://usmsupplychain.com/podcast/ Laura Dow is the Business Director at China Performance Group – a leading company with over 40 years of experience in Sourcing from China. In her role, Laura leads international business development, creates or adjusts processes to reach optimal potential, identifies new business opportunities and leverages existing ones while building and maintaining rapport with prospects and clients. Laura holds a master’s degree in international studies, Politics, from The John Hopkins University – Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. This program was conducted in Mandarin Chinese.  Laura’s Bachelor’s degree is in Economics, Legal Studies from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Laura also has great volunteer experience including her work for the Peace Corps as an English Teacher. Other volunteering causes are children activities through Kiwanis International and park restoration activities through New York cares.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series - How to Build a Purchasing Department from the Ground Up with Guest Vivek Sengupta

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2020 27:02


    Watch the video episode at https://usmsupplychain.com/podcast/ and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjZbyZU8rtQ79Hi1WETPf3A/ THEME: HOW TO BUILD A PURCHASING DEPARTMENT FROM THE GROUND UP It’s our pleasure to introduce Vivek Sengupta – the head of procurement at ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). ICANN is a key facilitator in the global discussions around evolving internet policy. Vivek is a dynamic and trusted procurement professional having over twenty years of experience across varied industries such as Internet, Technology, Insurance, Financial Services, Manufacturing and Entertainment. With his strong interpersonal skills, Vivek has great experience in leading diverse, cross-disciplinary teams in matrix organizations. He got his MBA from Indiana University - a top 20 US business school - with concentrations in Strategy and Supply Chain. Vivek is ISM Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) and certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - How to build a Supply Chain with Andrew Kelley, III

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2020 28:05


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to announce the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" to help our communities with the insights of outstanding leaders in Supply Chain and in other critical functions. These challenging times are also for transformations and opportunities. We will get through this together and we will make it happen. It’s our pleasure to introduce Andrew Kelley, III – CCO at BoxLock - a digital key security solution for healthcare, manufacturing, and e-commerce by applying the Internet of Things. Andrew is passionate about Supply chain and logistics. Growing up on a working produce farm in MD where they picked, packed and shipped throughout harvest season. His entire career has been focused on B2B tech and solving complicated business problems and today we will talk about “Building a Supply Chain from scratch”.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain with Sara Oblak Speicher; Founder and President; Mentor; Certified Mindset Coach; Business and Life Strategist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 27:42


    It’s our pleasure to introduce Sara Oblack Speicher- MBA, mentor, certified mindset coach, business & life strategist; and the Founder and President of  Sara Oblack Speicher enterprises. Sara has impacted tens of thousands of women and men and strives to help her clients make their lives a legacy. She encourages her clients to be, to do and to give their best in the office and at home. For over a decade, she has helped her clients to master the art & science of Living a glorious life that serves the dreams of their heart & soul. Simplifying & magnifying everything they put into the world so passionately and naturally. Serving at their highest levels & commanding 5- and 6-figure service fees with ease & integrity. Deepening relationships, and turning the world into their playground. Creating more free time & space, alignment, joy, and making significant contribution for themselves & others.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain with Paul Malone - Director, Purchasing Functional Excellence at Allison Transmission

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 27:40


    Check us out at https://usmsupplychain.com/podcast/ where you can watch all the episodes of the series. Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to announce the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" to help our communities with the insights of outstanding leaders in Supply Chain and in other critical functions. These challenging times are also for transformations and opportunities. We will get through this together and we will make it happen. It’s our pleasure to introduce Paul Malone – Director, Purchasing Functional Excellence at Allison Transmission, the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses. Paul is a strategic, results-driven attorney with progressive experience leveraging legal skills and business acumen to identify and mitigate supply chain risk. With his expertise in legal, commercial, and operational issues associated with technology development from product preceding technology through full production, Paul successfully leads cross-functional teams to solve complex business problems and operationalize business strategies by implementing repeatable and reproducible processes.  

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain with Radu Palamariu - Alcott Global Managing Director APAC Global Supply Chain Practice Head

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 32:18


    It’s our pleasure to introduce Radu Palamariu, Managing Director APAC, Global Supply Chain Practice Head at Alcott Global. You can watch this episode in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBueIzrupbI Radu is a connector, top talent scout in supply chain, technology, transport. Radu is also host of “Leaders in Supply Chain” podcast and a match maker. A fervent believer that people are the key in any business, Radu enjoys challenging assignments most. The ones that involve using a multitude of channels and tools to find the right senior executive to take Alcott Global’s clients business to the next level. Radu has lived and worked in several countries across the world. Being exposed to different countries and business realities has helped Radu mature into a rounded international business manager to then build great teams. His specialties include end to end Supply Chain Executive Search: C-level, Vice President, General Management, Supply Chain leadership, Logistics leadership, Procurement leadership, Operations, Regional/Global Project Management appointments. For more GREAT content, visit us at www.usmsupplychain.com

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain with Ron Volpe - Global Digital Supply Chain Evangelist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020 32:36


    It’s our pleasure to introduce Ron Volpe. Ron is a design thinking-driven senior leader who has successfully led and transformed very large and global CPG supply chains from manufacturer (Kraft Foods) to shelf (Coles Australia) across over 30 countries.   Ron’s previous experience includes platform-enabled digitization of the "shared supply chain" in his role as Chief Supply Chain Evangelist at the Fintech start-up Tradeshift. Key areas of his expertise are CPG, Leadership, Supply Chain, Business Development, Transformation, Design Thinking, Board Advisor, and Global Best Practices. Ron’s Supply Chain design work has been featured in the books The Ten Faces of Innovation by IDEO's Tom Kelley, and Creative Confidence by IDEOs Tom Kelley and David Kelley.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Dana Drake-Cox, VP Global Supply Management Security Stanley Black & Decker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2020 22:19


    It’s our pleasure to introduce our amazing guest, Dana Drake-Cox. Dana Drake-Cox is Vice President of Global Supply Management – Security at Stanley Black & Decker Incorporated. In her role, Dana leads a $1B Purchasing arm of Stanley Security, the world's #2 supplier of security solutions, across all BUs and regions. She drives Next Gen Procurement global linkage among Convergent Security, Mechanical Security, Healthcare, and Access Technology, including all vertical markets. Dana manages an agile global team responsible for strategic sourcing, supply continuity, advanced analytics and post-merger integration in order to propel disruptive innovation growth. She reports directly to Stanley Black & Decker Chief Procurement Officer. Dana is an innovative, results-driven Supply Chain professional with over 15 years of leadership responsibility in Purchasing and Quality for Fortune 250 companies. Dana delivers strategic vision, operations, and execution to unlock value and maximize global supply efficiencies for all business units and regions. She champions big data analytics and virtual reality to create and capture value. Dana leads digital transformation strategies to shift from silo-oriented solutions to value chain cognitive collaboration. 

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain - Jill Robbins, Senior Director of Global Procurement – Indirect Goods and Services at Elanco

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2020 15:08


    It’s our pleasure to introduce Jill Robbins. Jill is an Entrepreneur and Senior Director of Global Procurement – Indirect Goods and Services at Elanco.  Elanco is a global animal health company. Jill leads a global team responsible for over $1.5B spend across indirect goods and services categories.   Jill is Responsible for driving innovative category strategies across Information Technology, Marketing & Sales, G&A, and R&D by delivering sustainable value, supplier innovation and margin growth.   Passionate about productivity and technology automation, Jill is among the Top 20 Global Supply Chain and B2B Thought Leader. She is also an author and speaker.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain with Dr. Ken Boyer - Faculty Director, Non-Degree Executive Education at OSU

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 19:21


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to announce the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" to help our communities with the insights of outstanding leaders in Supply Chain and in other critical functions. These challenging times are also for transformations and opportunities. We will get through this together and we will make it happen. It's our pleasure to introduce Dr. Kenneth Boyer, Faculty Director, Non-Degree Executive Education at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. Prior to this position, Dr. Boyer was Chair of the Management Science Department. The mission of the department is to provide world class research, teaching, and outreach in all areas of operations, purchasing and supply chain management. Other previous positions of Dr. Boyer include Dean’s Distinguished Professor at The Ohio State University for ten years and Faculty Director, Working Professional MBA Program. Doctor Boyer was also Professor at Michigan State University for eight years.

    Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series with Terrence Clark - President and CEO of the New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 15:42


    Adventures in Supply Chain podcast is pleased to announce the "Coronavirus and Supply Chain Series" to help our communities with the insights of outstanding leaders in Supply Chain and in other critical functions. These challenging times are also for transformations and opportunities. We will get through this together and we will make it happen. It’s our pleasure to introduce Terrence Clark. Terrence is the President and CEO of the New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council

    Transformations with Gustavo Santamarina

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 46:46


    Gustavo Santamarina, Director of Medical Devices, at Nubenco Enterprises, shares his insights on how supply chains work for real. An episode that has it all: failures, successes, transformations and more.

    Transformations with Michael Benzaken - from building your vision throughout execution

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 54:40


    Listen from a successful executive how to build your vision and execute. Learn how to communicate your goals, engage, pivot, resolve conflicts, and beyond, knowing all the details behind. A very insightful episode.

    Book Launch: Transforming Supply Chain with Maria

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2020 16:10


    Episode 1: Opening Show with Host Why this podcast in supply chain, what you can expect in future episodes, why the book Transforming Supply Chains with Maria

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