Supply Chain ‘Normal’ Appears on Horizon, With Sights Set on March
Several gauges show ship congestion continues to clear up even as shortages persist Few observers have had a better perch to watch the pandemic slowly clog — and now free up — one of the biggest arteries of global trade than Captain J. Kipling “Kip” Louttit. Two years ago this week, as fully loaded container ships…
What Really Makes Toyota’s Production System Resilient
Summary. Toyota has fared better than many of its competitors in riding out the supply chain disruptions of recent years. But focusing on how Toyota had stockpiled semiconductors and the problems of other manufacturers, some observers jumped to the conclusion that the era of the vaunted Toyota Production System was over. Not the case, say Toyota…
How sustainable supply chains are driving business transformation
A survey of supply chain leaders shows the need for visibility on sustainability performance and a holistic business case to drive results. In brief EY teams surveyed 525 executives about their sustainable supply chain practices. Many have long-term strategies but struggle to measure their progress. Business case initiatives for sustainability stretch beyond cost savings to…
Supply Chains Inching Back to Normal Brace for Headwinds of Softer Demand
Shipping strains are on the mend, but a painful spell of weaker demand might be next. Rock guitarist Jack White, who extended his “Supply Chain Issues Tour” into October, might want to name his band’s next road trip after a different villain. That’s because supply strains, while still afflicting many consumers and businesses, are becoming more mundane…
Time to rethink Just-In-Time
Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory and manufacturing systems are management strategies where replenishment orders of raw materials, assemblies, and finished goods are based on production schedules; which themselves are based on real customer orders that are due at specific dates (even times). The objective is to increase efficiency and effectiveness by decreasing the waste associated with carrying…
News analysis: Chaos is the new normal for supply chain
Supply chains are global, and the world is shrinking, meaning a shock to one part is a shock to the whole. And the shocks to supply just keep coming … Just as scientists and public health officials are daring to suggest the Covid pandemic might be entering its end-game, so China announces strict new lockdown measures,…