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Buyer Analytics Purchasing Blogs - News About Procurement
Tuesday
26Jan2010

High Tech Back Shoring for Procurement

DateTuesday, January 26, 2010 at 08:12PM

Good article from strategy + business about the case for back shoring. Here is an excerpt:

Moreover, some companies are amplifying materials and logistics savings from backshoring by modernizing their U.S. plants to outpace Chinese facilities. Such is the case with Diagnostic Devices Inc., a maker of blood glucose monitoring systems. In August 2009, the privately held company based in Charlotte, N.C., announced that it was moving the manufacturing of its Prodigy line of audible glucose monitors to North Carolina, ending a five-year agreement with a contract manufacturer in China under which Diagnostic Devices sent components overseas and then had the finished devices shipped back to the United States. By automating its U.S. factory with robots and other high-tech hardware and software, and by taking advantage of lower shipping fees for a mostly local customer base, Diagnostic Devices reduced its production budget by 40 percent. And there is an added bonus, according to a company spokesman: “We will also have far more control over and protection of our intellectual property, which you don’t have in China.”

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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Tuesday
19Jan2010

Supplier Information from Bing

DateTuesday, January 19, 2010 at 10:39AM

Finance_From_BingInternet Explorer 8 has a helpful addon that provides company information by just typing the companies stock ticker. Bing displays company stock and new information that you can subscribe to as a web slice. A Web Slice uses simple HTML markup to represent a clipping of a Web page, enabling users to subscribe to content directly within a Web page.

Rather than using multiple RSS feeds, a Web Slice enables users to subscribe to content directly within a web page; a separate RSS feed file is not required. Users monitor content changes and view the updated portion of the Web page directly from the Favorites bar (the improved Links toolbar) of Internet Explorer.

Here is the link for the IE8 addon: http://www.ieaddons.com/en/details/finance/Finance_from_Bing/

If you have IE8 give Bing Finance a look using this link: http://www.ieaddons.com/en/details/finance/Finance_from_Bing/

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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Wednesday
13Jan2010

The Fate of the Dollar

DateWednesday, January 13, 2010 at 09:23PM

Some great links and information from What Matters at McKinsey.

A What Matters Debate:
As the US economy emerges from the crisis, there’s little consensus on what lies ahead. Economic forecaster David Levy says chronic high unemployment will lead to, at worst, slight deflation. While former Fortune writer and financial adviser Al Ehrbar says, not so fast: with the Federal Reserve having flooded the market with dollars, massive inflation is likely.
Plus: What Matters continues the conversation on the fate of the dollar:
Geng Xiao: Why the Chinese will not bail out the dollar by allowing the renminbi to appreciate
Benn Steil: There are steep downsides to both a strong dollar and weak dollar policy
Gerard Lyons: Whether or not the dollar will topple isn’t in doubt, only its speed of decline is
Martin Gilman: Now that the United States is a debtor nation, its currency can no longer dominate
Charles Wyplosz: The dollar is the worst international currency, except for all the others
Tim Adams: The dollar’s share may shrink, but it will continue to dominate
Michael Mandel: Beware of a dollar crash if the United States loses its innovation edge
Jeffrey Garten: The question isn’t if the dollar will be replaced—it’s when and how

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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Wednesday
06Jan2010

Are you ready for the upturn?

DateWednesday, January 6, 2010 at 09:33PM

Many buyers didn’t predict the downturn or act fast enough to take advantage of a great buying opportunity. It stands to reason that we might misjudge the potential for an upturn. Perhaps now is the time to plan for the future.

Here are five ideas to get ready for the upturn.

  1. Upgrade systems and tools at bargain basement pricing
  2. Ensure relationships are in good shape with highly dependent strategic suppliers
  3. Lock suppliers into low cost long term deals
  4. Implement index pricing and cost models to ensure fair price adjustment
  5. Hire strategic sourcing professionals before there is a talent war
AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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Tuesday
05Jan2010

Purchasing Predictions for 2010

DateTuesday, January 5, 2010 at 07:57PM

A collection of articles about procurement and supply chain predictions for 2010.

PREDICTIONS FOR THE 2010 SUPPLY CHAIN

Bangkok Post - ‎5 hours ago‎

With a brighter future ahead, let me propose a collection of Supply Chain Predictions for 2010. With thanks to Chris Verstraete and his SCM blog, ...

 

IDC: Globalization, Optimization, S&OP in Supply Chain's Future

Supply Chain Management Review - ‎6 hours ago‎

The analyst and research firm has released its list of top 10 predictions for the supply chain in 2010. In 2010, companies will be optimizing processes, ...

 

Spend Matters: Twelve Predictions for the Twelve Months of 2010

Enterprise Irregulars (blog) - Jason Busch - ‎3 hours ago‎

Obsessed with how companies manage, spend and save money, Jason writes about procurement, trade and supply chain issues @ Spend Matters. ...

 

2009 lessons and 2010 predictions

Energy Collective (blog) - ‎Jan 4, 2010‎

... plastic consumers on the retail end of the supply chain are interested in incorporating more of the compostable/biodegradable resin on their packaging. ...

Supply Chain and Logistics Predictions for 2010 :: Logistics ...

23 Dec 2009 by Adrian Gonzalez  
Yesterday, we reviewed some key events from 2009, along with the most read postings on Logistics Viewpoints. Today, my colleague Steve Banker and I offer up a few predictions and things to look for in 2010. Steve's Predictions Demand ...

 

SCM predictions for 2010: Lessons from the retail world

The 21st Century Supply Chain - Perspectives on Innovative (blog) - Trevor Miles - ‎Jan 4, 2010‎

What is interesting about the list, in my opinion anyway, is that we will see a lot of retail behaviour begin to percolate down the supply chain. ...

AuthorDaveM | Comment1 Comment |
Monday
04Jan2010

Toyota’s Time to Squeeze Suppliers

DateMonday, January 4, 2010 at 09:26PM

Toyota is making a renewed push to produce cars more efficiently and at lower costs. Per a recent WSJ article the world’s biggest carmaker set a target for supplier’s of 30 to 40% in three years.

The a program is called RRCI, which stands for

  • Ryohin (quality),
  • Renka (low-price),
  • Costs and
  • Innovation

Much has been written about Toyota’s lean manufacturing capabilities. Their ability to partner with suppliers to drive cost reduction and innovation is admired by many. But I have no idea how to provide a broader definition for “Renka”. An internet search provides no clues. 

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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Tuesday
08Dec2009

Real Time Supplier Monitoring is Now Possible

DateTuesday, December 8, 2009 at 05:00PM

Today Google announced real time search – here is an explanation from ZDNet.

It’s a very cool enhancement that makes search - just your regular everyday queries on the regular Google home page - much richer. In the demo, the company typed a search for “Obama” and came back with a number of results, as one might expect. But within the results is a real-time stream, if you will, that scrolls with the most-up-to date results - blogs being posted, tweets being sent, news articles being published.

It would be interesting to monitor your suppliers in real time… especially those with financial issues… or may this is just a cool gimmick.

To see it in action check out the YouTube video:

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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Monday
07Dec2009

Cloud Computing – Supplier Collaboration Opportunity

DateMonday, December 7, 2009 at 05:05PM

What’s the next “big thing” in Information Technology? Some may remember the hype around XML, Web Services and SAAS… but what about “Cloud Computing”? Be sure the check out Jim Berkowitz’s CRM mastery blog article on  – Cloud Computing for some great insights.

What is cloud computing?

There is some confusion, even amongst IT professionals, about what cloud computing is, but from SunGard Availability Services’ point of view it is a network which uses virtualization technologies to allow computing applications and data to be flexibly provided from a pool of hardware resources. With cloud computing there is no longer a point-to-point connection between the user and the computing infrastructure. Data and applications are not held on one PC or one server or one network; they are held on a disparate conglomeration of computing resources.

For procurement, cloud computing provides a ready made platform for buyers and sellers including the opportunity to extend the supply chain to your supplier’s supplier. With players like Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Salesforce.com there are some fantastic possibilities. Cloud Computing is an opportunity to share information and resources to take your supply chain to the next level.

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
Friday
04Dec2009

New Look at ThomasNet

DateFriday, December 4, 2009 at 01:13PM

ThomasNet_logo_225  There is a new streamlined look at ThomasNet. The site is better organized and provides an easier path to critical content. The site now has many web 2.0 features that will help you get supplier data and information more quickly.

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
Tuesday
10Nov2009

Latest Purchasing Blogs Shared Items

DateTuesday, November 10, 2009 at 10:23PM

Ten (Mostly) Common Misconceptions About Toyota &...

from Lean Blog

Copper price hits peak Monday, drops Tuesday

from Purchasing - Strategic Sourcing News

No oil, gas supply disruption from Ida

from Purchasing - Strategic Sourcing News

Smart Commuting Could Save 4.6 Million Work-Hours...

from GreenBiz.com Green Business News

What Does Buffett’s Purchase of Burlington Northern...

from MetalMiner

Have CFOs Moved Beyond Cost Reduction and Supply Risk...

from SpendMatters

New innovative ways to identify supply chain talent:...

from Supplychainer

Supplier rationalization: at what cost?

from The 21st Century Supply Chain

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

from Supply Chain Management Review – Transformation

Google Offers Free Internet in 47 Airports Until 1/15

from My Money Blog

AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
Wednesday
21Oct2009

Latest Purchasing Shared Items

DateWednesday, October 21, 2009 at 08:08AM
  • Corporate purchasing plans still appear to be cautious...

    from Purchasing - Price/Supply News

  • Protectionism vs. the Innovation Nation

    from AMERICAN.COM -- A Magazine of Ideas, Online

  • A Sales Executive's Perspective about Procurement...

    from "strategic sourcing" - Google News

  • MRO purchasing professionals: Price not as important...

    from "strategic sourcing" - Google News

  • Almost 40% of Manufacturing CFOs Predict Recession...

    from IndustryWeek

  • Progress Slow in Tackling Trade Disputes Between U.S.,...

    from IndustryWeek

  • Consider This -- Time for America's Second Industrial...

    from IndustryWeek -- Operations

  • Smart Sourcing Summit: Keep an eye on supplier performance

    from Purchasing News

  • Chemicals demand is on the upswing

    from Purchasing News

  • Wholesale prices fall unexpectedly

    from Purchasing News

  • Reinventing A Broken Wheel

    from Evolving Excellence

    • AuthorDaveM | Comment1 Comment |
    in
    Wednesday
    07Oct2009

    Kosmix can help Purchasing Professionals

    DateWednesday, October 7, 2009 at 10:02PM

    image Kosmix is a new search engine that should be beneficial to procurement professionals. As compared to Google; Kosmix pulls data from numerous sources and formats it in a “magazine” format. Here are couple of searches that demonstrates some great capability.

    AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
    Friday
    02Oct2009

    Latest Shared Items from Purchasing Weblogs

    DateFriday, October 2, 2009 at 01:10AM
  • Do you need a supply chain software consultant or...

    from Kinaxis on Response Management

  • How critical is each partner to your supply chain?

    from Kinaxis on Response Management-1

  • Is Speed Sourcing for Speedy Results Feasible?

    from E-Sourcing Forum

  • Midsize CIOs Increasingly Look For SaaS-Based Applications

    from CRM Mastery E-Journal

  • Pattern-Based Strategy

    from deal architect

  • Fieldglass Touts 16 Deployments of Services Procurement...

    from SDCExec.com - Sourcing/Procurement News Articles

  • Walmart Sustainability Index Means Big Business

    from GreenBiz.com

  • Small Manufacturer Hopeful G-20 Agenda Includes Free-Trade...

    from Purchasing News

  • New Solution Provides Real-Time Information About...

    from Purchasing News

  • AT&T Readies Its Supply Chain for the Future

    from Purchasing News

    • AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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    Thursday
    01Oct2009

    The Time to Buy Continues to be Now

    DateThursday, October 1, 2009 at 07:53PM

    More evidence about deflation from PIMCO’s Bill Gross, who runs the world’s largest bond fund, who said he is buying longer term Treasuries to protect against deflation. From a Bloomberg report “There has been significant flattening on the long end of the curve,” Gross said in an interview from Newport Beach, California, with Bloomberg Radio. “This reflects the re- emergence of deflationary fears. The U.S. is at the center of de-levering as opposed to accelerating growth.”

    clip_image001

    Officials at Pimco forecast a “new normal” in the global economy that will include increased government regulation, lower demand and slower growth. According to Gross, the economy will likely grow at a 2 percent to 3 percent rate going forward.

    What really causes inflation are wages, credit and rents, and all three are declining at the same time. Because of the deflation and the widespread excess capacity, both in the labor market and the product market, the only way that corporate profits are rebounding is through aggressive cost-cutting. At the end of the day, aggressive buyers are taking advantage of the slack demand and slow economy.

    AuthorDaveM | CommentPost a Comment |
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    Wednesday
    23Sep2009

    Slack Attack: Purchasing in a Down Economy

    DateWednesday, September 23, 2009 at 08:56PM

    From a recent WSJ article some amazing statistics about “slack” in the economy.  [Slack Attack: Fed Faces Test on Inflation]Thousands of airplanes and hundreds of thousands of train cars sit unused, hotels report their highest vacancy rates in at least two decades, and millions of Americans are underemployed.

    “Hotel occupancy rates were 56% on average this year through July, according to Smith Travel Research, the lowest since the firm started keeping records in 1987. Analysts at Credit Suisse estimate 2,535 Boeing and Airbus aircraft world-wide were in storage in July -- 14.2% of the world's fleet of these planes, a percentage that rivals the months after Sept. 11, 2001.

    The Association of American Railroads counts 501,472 freight cars stuck in storage at the beginning of September, roughly one-third of the nation's total fleet. In housing, 18.7 million homes were vacant in the second quarter, up from 15.9 million four years ago, according to the Census Bureau. Vacancies in shopping malls and office buildings also are up.”

    With demand for many products down 20 to 50%, many supplier have slack capacity. Of significant concern is if suppliers “scuttle” capacity. When demand returns, supplies will tighten and inflation will run rampant. No doubt, buyers need to be aware of these supply risks and make the necessary contingency plans.

    AuthorDaveM | Comment1 Comment |
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