04 December 2008

Sector Analysis

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What's driving your supply chain?
Ever-changing patterns in customer demand, globalisation, multi-channel distribution, outsourced manufacturing, and increased competition all add to the complexity of supply chains, writes Jessica Davies. ...
Published: 01 December 2008

Instant Gratification
As online retail sales gain significance hitherto unheard of, reaching 5.2 per cent of all retail sales in 2007, e-fulfilment is no longer an issue that can be ignored. For many high street brands online sales are now critical to overall profitability....
Published: 03 October 2008

Hidden links in Asian supply chains
Supply chain visibility is a critical issue in the development of trade between the Far East and Europe but industrial fragmentation can hide the true source of a product. Jiim Ridgwick, who leads Deolitte's Sourcing practice for China provides some...
Published: 03 October 2008

The multi-channel challenge
People want the product, as a low price, but they really don’t want the hassle. But what does it take to provide convenience and control in a multi-channel environment? ...
Published: 03 October 2008

Are you keeping up with your peers?
Is your salary keeping pace with other managers in the supply chain ? You can help us shed some light on the state of the market by contributing to our salary survey. ...
Published: 26 September 2008

Green agenda in motown
Environmental concerns and rising fuel prices mean that the automotive industry is facing fundamental changes. Chris Lewis reports on the impact these changes are likely to have on the supply chain. ...
Published: 01 September 2008

The English patient
Healthcare is a highly political subject. When the UK’s NHS outsourced its supply chain to a logistics services company close scrutiny ensued. But the stakes are high – assurances were given that savings of €127million would bemade each year for ten...
Published: 30 May 2008

Money matters
With all the talk of borrowing squeezes and high interest rates, perhaps financial directors need to look at some of the assets locked up in company supply chains. When goods commonly spent no more than a few days in transit, financing the supply chain...
Published: 01 April 2008

Grocers unwrapped
Excess packaging and carbon footprints are intertwined in the public’s perception of green issues and supermarket shopping. But cutting back in packaging is far from simiple....
Published: 01 January 2008

Pressure point
It''s fair to say that, until now, most companies in the pharmaceutical and medical fields have had other things on their mind than maximising the efficiency of their supply chains. But what was once regarded as a minor cost component is coming under...
Published: 01 November 2007

The IT crowd
Fashion retailers have learned to be more responsive to customer demand and changes in market conditions by deploying technology that enables faster decisions to be taken in the chain. Many international retailers are now switching stock between...
Published: 01 October 2007

Green and mean
How do you balance 'lean' with 'green'? Consumers want goods that have been ethically sourced and delivered in an environmentally responsible way - however they are not keen on paying extra for them. So to what degree can the FMCG sector accommodate...
Published: 01 September 2007

Structural shift brings winners and losers
Light vehicle output grew by an impressive four per cent in 2006, to 66.4 million units, as demand in Asia provided a substantial boost to output. But as East European car plants continue to expand the ultimate fate of a number of plants in Western...
Published: 29 June 2007

Tight turn ahead
Times are hard for car manufacturers and their suppliers. Over-capacity is hitting margins and competition from the East is fierce, and yet OEM’s in the West are having to look to new eco-friendly models to cater for a more environmentally conscious...
Published: 29 June 2007

Combating obsolescence
The dynamics of the electronics sector are changing. With individuals now purchasing more high tech products than companies, supply chains are having to be more closely aligned to customer needs. But consumers are fickle and product life spans are short,...
Published: 01 May 2007

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