Finding opportunities in logistics
Logistics sometimes means different things to different companies, which we once made the mistake of pointing out at a trucking convention (see Lessons Learned # 2 – Don’t put down your audience).
Read MoreLogistics sometimes means different things to different companies, which we once made the mistake of pointing out at a trucking convention (see Lessons Learned # 2 – Don’t put down your audience).
Read MoreIn production, management’s task is to effectively schedule the multitude of component processes that run in series or in parallel. In operations that are process-oriented, management must schedule resources and output around
Read MoreMaterial costs can make up a significant part of a product’s cost structure, often many times more than labor costs, so it’s a good profit driver to focus on to find opportunities.
Read MoreThere are a number of functions in an organization where it’s tough to move the productivity meter. You might actually produce more but the base costs don’t change so the true productivity measured from a financial perspective doesn’t change.
Read MoreTo fulfill customer demand in the most efficient, cost-effective way, companies can use push- or pull-scheduling or something in between. Which one works best? That depends on the characteristics of your product and market.
Read MoreManagement system changes often entail tightening up the planning standards that are used to schedule the operations, and then providing managers with tools to control, monitor and report on attainment to the plan.
Read MoreImplementing change requires re-configuring processes – and modifying the management systems and behaviors that need to accompany them. But as anyone who has ever tried to instill change knows, maintaining those gains can be very difficult
Read MoreYou simply can’t be great at everything. There are not enough hours in the day, and companies would come to a grinding halt if they managed entirely by this edict.
Read MoreOne of the things we look for when we examine organizations is the degree of variability present. The more variability, the harder it is to manage. Variability can be both inherent in the nature of the industry and it can be self-imposed through policy or errors.
Read MoreLesson Learned #14 We have learned over the years that scheduling is one of the most important and least understood aspects of many organizations. Its possible because it’s generally so dull as a topic.
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