Tag: Management of Cross-Functional Drivers in a Supply Chain

 Each ship must develop a unique plan to protect against security threats. The plan must be approved by the ship’s flag state. Port facilities must also develop a security plan to protect port infrastructure. The plan outlines the responsibilities of port facility personnel and how to respond to potential security breaches. The ISPS Code introduces a three-tiered system of security levels: Level 1: Normal security measures, Level 2: Additional security measures due to an elevated threat level, and Level 3: The highest level of security measures is activated in response to a specific threat or a known risk. Each ship and port facility must appoint a Ship Security Officer (SSO) to maintain the security plan and coordinate actions with relevant authorities. Regular training and drills are mandated for both ship and port personnel to ensure personnel are well-prepared for potential security incidents. The code sets guidelines for information sharing and cooperation between all parties to enhance maritime security. The ISPS Code has significantly improved supply chain security, particularly in the global maritime industry. It reduces the risk of terrorist attacks and piracy, enhancing the security of ports that transport goods across international borders. It encourages risk mitigation and threat assessment, enhancing the security of cargo and fostering international cooperation. It improves monitoring and surveillance, requiring port facilities to implement surveillance systems and ships to be equipped with tracking systems. It requires both ships and port facilities to have contingency plans in place in the event of a security breach or a threat. It provides guidelines for the protection of critical infrastructure against physical attacks or other types of sabotage. The ISPS Code instills confidence in global trade and by ensuring consistent security maintenance using International ship and Port Facility Security Code.

In a case study, based on US-based companies, first-level management is of about 0-4 years. To understand the supply chain management job and career we can remind ourselves about the example of leaf cutter ants. APICS, founded in 1957 as American Production and Inventory Control Society and re-branded as The Association for Supply Chain Management in 2018, launched their CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) programme in 2006. Institute for Supply Management, founded in 1915 as the National Association of Purchasing Agents, launched its CPSM Certified Professional in Supply Management programme in 2008. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, founded in 1963 as the Council of Logistics Management, launched their SCPro programme in 2011.For Supply Chain Management roles, “Process Engineer”, and “Supply Chain Analyst”. For Supply Chain Systems Manager roles, “Supply Chain Manager”, Vice President, Supply Chain Management”. For Sales and Customer Service roles, “Account Specialist”/ “Customer Service”, “Customer Service Manager”, “Account Manager/Supply Chain Sales” etc.

Unilever’s vast operations require a robust SCM to manage the flow of materials across continents and the company is committed to sustainable sourcing practices. Unilever’s supply chain management includes advanced technologies and lean manufacturing principles to optimize production and minimize waste. The company also uses a sophisticated logistics network for timely delivery of products and is embracing digital technologies to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency, including the use of IoT sensors, AI-powered analytics, and blockchain. Unilever is a pioneer in sustainable practices, such as palm oil sourcing and achieving zero waste to landfill status in many factories, showing its commitment to environmental sustainability. Suppliers who meet Unilever’s criteria for climate leadership can sign the Unilever Climate Promise to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

The American Messenger Company, founded in 1907, primarily focused on package delivery to retail stores and special delivery mail for the U.S. Post Office. In 1913, it acquired a Model T Ford as its first delivery vehicle. In 1919, the company expanded to Oakland, California, changing its name to United Parcel Service. UPS became one of the only companies in the United States to offer common carrier service, expanding to areas up to 125 miles outside the city. UPS faced direct competition with USPS and the Interstate Commerce Commission, but the common carrier service was applied in cities where UPS could use the service without the authority of the ICC and state commerce commissions. In 1953, UPS resumed air service called UPS Blue Label Air. UPS expanded its operations to serve all 48 contiguous states in the United States, Canada, and West Germany. In 1991, UPS relocated its headquarters to Sandy Springs, Georgia, and acquired Haulfast and Carryfast, rebranding them UPS Supply Chain Solutions. UPS offers international package services to over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company faces competition from major domestic carriers like the United States Postal Service (USPS) and FedEx, as well as regional carriers like OnTrac and LSO. UPS has partnered with the US Postal Service to offer UPS Mail Innovations and “SurePost,” which use the UPS Ground network to deliver packages weighing under 10 pounds to the nearest UPS Package Center. UPS has received a “striding” environmental scorecard and received the Clean Air Excellence Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Abstract Supply chain managers are crucial in connecting different parts of a business’s supply chain, ensuring the value of the supply chain increases through effective management of supplier support, transportation, and distribution practices. They manage manufacturing and distribution processes, work with procurement managers, buyers, and vendors, negotiate contracts, use software to track goods, use data analytics to forecast demand, cut […]

The Red Sea, a major sea route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and East Asia, is facing increased attacks by Houthi insurgents in Yemen since mid-November 2023. The US has announced a maritime coalition to defend shipping in the area. The Eastern shore includes Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while the Western shore includes Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Maersk has halted all transits through the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden until further notice, while Hapag-Lloyd has extended its rerouting around Africa. CMA CGM has announced rate increases from Asia to North Europe, and carriers are redirecting Asia to US East Coast services via Panama.

Decreasing the amount of packaging a firm is using can reduce waste and increase positive public perception of your organization. Ideally, a supply chain will be conscious of the cost-cutting importance of recycled materials. Taking an audit of packaging can reveal ways to “cut the fat” and make the packaging a lean machine that helps to keep the workflow moving along nicely. Many things happen in the supply chain that is hard to control. Technology in the warehouse, in transportation for inventory, and more is incredibly important but there are other smaller, less expensive steps that some companies have been using that not only optimize the chain but also save money and improve public perception. Every supply chain executive has the duty of auditing the process to make changes where improvements are possible. This is a simple plan to integrate into the system with the right packaging option. A common mistake that we find in many supply chains is the tendency to overpack goods for shipping and storage. The goal is to use packaging that delivers flexible options i.e., easy to manage, easy to store, does not generate waste and delivers the best value. When our supply chain is using packaging that the supply chain cannot reuse, we are essentially throwing good money after bad. According to statistics, there were over 35.4 million tons of paper and cardboard generated in 2016 and (16.3 million tons for each of these waste materials in 2016 and that was just in the EU! In the United States, packaging waste is around 77 million tons just in cardboard packaging waste. Even supply professionals who are not well-versed in packaging will understand the importance of using packaging that enhances workflow, and protection and reduces risk. In the perfect packaging scenario, our packaging needs to be recycled in the supply chain. The costs of waste generated by packaging materials are tremendous not just economically but environmentally as well.