Back to Basics: Managing The Basic Supply Chain Functions

This is an excerpt of the original article. It was written for the January-February 2011 edition of Supply Chain Management Review. The full article is available to current subscribers.

January-February 2011

No question about it, we have a lot of sophisticated and veteran supply chain professionals who read SCMR. Certainly, over the course of their careers, these individuals have demonstrated a knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of our profession. But interestingly, every time we run an article that covers the basics of supply chain management—or conduct a reader survey of topics of interest—we’re pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response the “fundamentals” receive.There’s got to be a reason for this counterintuitive result. I haven’t put it to deep analysis yet, but it’s logical that information on the basics…

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Supply Chain Management Review has developed a series called “Back to Basics.”  It’s a look into how excellence in the core logistics and supply chain activities leads to overall business success. The articles in this seven-part series (listed below) are written by educators from the University of Tennessee.

Part 1 - Managing The Basic Supply Chain Functions
What are the “basics” for supply chain managers today? Ten years ago, the supply chain leader in most companies held a title such as vice president of logistics. It was a largely functional role that relied on technical proficiency in discrete areas: knowledge of shipping routes, familiarity with warehousing equipment and DC locations, and a solid grasp of freight rates and fuel costs. more….

Part 2 - Transportation Decision-Making in an Integrated Supply Chain
Part 2 in our series on “Back to Basics - Managing The Basic Supply Chain Functions.” This article addresses the key decision levels that need to be addressed for transportation to make its greatest impact in the integrated supply chain. These levels address long-term decisions, lane operations, choice of mode or carrier, and dock level operations. more….

Part 3 - Warehousing Efficiency and Effectiveness in the Supply Chain Process
Part 3 on our series “Back to Basics.” Warehousing Efficiency and Effectiveness in the Supply Chain Process - Where Are We Now? What’s Next? This article will address “back to the basics” that are fundamental for warehouses to achieve both efficiency and effectiveness in supply chains, and provide some perspective on current challenges and the future. more….

Part 4 - A Primer on Sourcing and Procurement in an Integrated Supply Chain
Part 4 in our series on “Back to Basics - Managing The Basic Supply Chain Functions.” The task of sourcing and procurement professionals is to find an effective means to balance the demands of both internal and external customers with economic considerations while taking into account the potential for supply disruption and technological change. more….

Part 5 - Effective Returns Management in an Integrated Supply Chain
Part 5 in our series on “Back to Basics - Managing The Basic Supply Chain Functions.” Returns management should no longer be the ugly step-child of the supply chain. Rather, effective returns management can improve a firm’s profitability, enhance customer relationships, and be an essential part of an integrated supply chain management strategy. more….

Part 6 - The Service Side of Supply Chain Management
Part 6 in our series on “Back to Basics - Managing The Basic Supply Chain Functions.” Service traditionally has been viewed as part of the market offering. However, by thinking of supply chain management services in this way, we are focusing on service as a noun, we need to think of service as a verb. This concept is known as service dominant logic. more….

Part 7 - The Many Benefits of Supply Chain Collaboration
Part 7 in our series on “Back to Basics - Managing The Basic Supply Chain Functions.” This article explains how Supply Chain Collaboration benefits extend beyond improved efficiency and effectiveness to include helping all the supply chain members meet customer demands, grow markets, and increase competitive market share. more….

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