Supply Chain Fundamentals: The Building Blocks of Success Virtual Conference

Ken Ackerman
consultant, educator, author

Gold Sponsor

Learn about the fundamentals of supply chain management from the man who literally wrote the book on the subject: Ken Ackerman.

The well-known consultant, educator, and author will explain how proficiency in the basics of supply chain management (SCM) leads to overall business success.

Ken will discuss proven approaches to the "blocking and tackling" of SCM and give practical tips on what works and what doesn't—valuable information for both newcomers and veterans in the field.

Ken is a true pioneer in the supply chain world. He's written numerous books and articles including the best-selling Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management: An Essential Guide for 21st Century Managers. He's a highly regarded management consultant, creator of the Warehousing Forum, and co-founder of the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). Ken is a past recipient of Distinguished Service Award from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professional, considered the top honor in the profession.

Robert A. Rudzki
President

Jim Baehr
Senior Advisor

Strategic sourcing is a basic building block of procurement and supply chain excellence. It's a way of transforming transaction-oriented purchasing activities into strategic operations that have a powerful impact on revenues, profits, and customer service.

This practical, information-packed workshop will focus on the fundamentals of strategic sourcing and will be led by two nationally known authorities in procurement and strategic sourcing. Attendees will learn:

• What strategic sourcing is and why it's so important today
  
• The key components and processes that make up the strategic sourcing process
  
• The bottom-line benefits companies can realize from an effective strategic sourcing program
  
• How to get a successful strategic sourcing program underway—and the pitfalls to avoid

Featured Panelists:
Robert A. Rudzki, president of Greybeard Advisors, a former top supply management executive at Bayer Corp. and Bethlehem Steel, and author of Straight to the Bottom Line.

Jim Baehr, a senior advisor at Greybeard Advisors and the firm's lead trainer on strategic sourcing.

John Gentle
President

Wayne Bourne
President

Over the past 10 years, transportation management has quickly become the most cost-intensive function in overall supply chain management—yet few have mastered its complexities or understand its history. In this session, Logistics Management Sage Advice columnists Wayne Bourne and John Gentle team up to offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of transportation management.

Bringing more than 70 combined years of logistics and transportation management experience to the podium, Bourne and Gentle will help shippers better understand how to plan, execute, and measure an effective transportation management operation. Attendees will learn:

• The history of transportation management
  
• How to convert planning into day-to-day operations
  
• The importance of carrier performance measurement
  
• How to establish effective carrier/3PL partnership

Featured Panelists:
John Gentle, president of John A. Gentle & Associates, a logistics consulting firm specializing in contract/relationship management for shippers, carriers, brokers, and distribution centers, and former logistics executive with Owens Corning.

Wayne Bourne, founder and president of The Bourne Management Group, a logistics and transportation consulting firm specializing in network creation and process analysis, and former logistics executive with Best Buy.

Steve Simonson
Partner

The goal for any savvy warehouse or distribution center manager is to improve service, reduce costs, and enhance the overall performance of their operation by implementing time-tested best practices pared with cutting-edge technology—a task that's easier said than done.

In this session, Tompkins Associates Partner Steve Simonson will re-acquaint mangers with many of the fundamental best practices that are essential in the efficient management of space, time, and labor inside the four walls. He'll also introduce many of the user-friendly technologies and automation systems that are helping companies achieve maximum efficiency inside today's warehouse and DC operations. Attendees will learn:

• The fundamental tenants of warehouse/DC management
  
• How to implement a warehouse/DC operations plan
  
• The basics of automation
  
• The importance of inventory management

Featured Panelist:
Steve Simonson, Partner at Tompkins Associates, a leader in global supply chain services, distribution operations consulting, technology implementation, material handling integration, and benchmarking.

Dr. Dale Rogers
Professor, Supply Chain Management, & Research Director, Center for Supply Chain Management

The recent economic downturn taught manufacturers and retailers a great deal about squeezing the margins of inventory and creating a viable and sustainable alternative distribution network. From the very lowest priced apparel items to the highest valued electronic components, the crucial lesson learned was in identifying second tier markets and getting the goods there quickly.

Our featured panelist, Dr. Dale Rogers, will define the discipline of reverse logistics and explain the essential best practices and strategies involved in adding this strategic element to your supply chain operations portfolio. Attendees will learn:

• How will these influencing factors likely to change over the next few years?
  
• How will global economic conditions drive the industry?
  
• How can you customize your reverse logistics operations using carriers and 3Pls?

Featured Panelist:
Dale Rogers, Professor, Supply Chain Management, & Research Director, Center for Supply Chain Management at Rutgers University. He is also the chairman of the Reverse Logistics Executive Council, a professional organization devoted to the improvement of reverse logistics practices and the Technology Supply Chain Council an organization that provides continued understanding of how technology solutions can positively impact the supply chain.