Over the last decade lean and six sigma methods and tools have helped organizations improve to historic productivity levels with the data driven, systematic elimination of waste and improvement of flow. Today many organizations have enjoyed the benefits of Lean and Six sigma initiatives, and are looking more to sustain the gains, and aggressively drive a systematic and on-going approach to improvement and problem solving. The concept of diminishing returns applies here, when in the early stages, organizations were able to find 'low-hanging fruit' and to quickly make significant improvements. Now the easy work is done, and organizations need a simple yet systematic approach to continuing their continuous improvement efforts. Operations and supply chain leaders will benefit from this book by developing a clear understanding of why and how metric scorecards and dashboards can be used as a powerful data driven improvement tool. This book illustrates visual management, scorecards, and dashboards for a full range of organizations, and focuses on Operations and Supply Chain Management areas. By covering these tools in these environments in a story book format, organization leaders can begin to understand how these methods and tools can be applied in their organizations.

As we enter the 21st Century, we find ourselves faced by two major developments. The first is emergence of the supply chain as a critical strategic and tactical weapon. As has been pointed out by many researchers, with the emergence of the supply chain, the unit of competition has shifted from the firm to the supply chain. However, with the advent of the supply chain, it is important to recognize that we have to view strategic objectives within a context that stresses not simply the internal operations of the firm but also the elements of the supply chain - elements that include the supplier base, customers, logistics linkages, and relationships, both visible and virtual. We are now coming to realize that the supply chain is no stronger than its weakest link. The second development is that of sustainability. This is more than simply being environmentally responsible. Rather, it is overall sustainability as measured in terms of the firm's ability to reduce waste, improve profitability, generating strategic competitive advantages, and ensure that it treats its employees well. Sustainability is increasingly becoming at a minimum an expectation and a requirement for doing business (i.e., an order qualifier) and under many conditions something that differentiates firms and makes them more attractive to potential critical consumers (i.e., an order winner). These two developments, while often treated as separate entities, are interrelated. It is this interrelationship that forms the major focus and thrust of this book. This book presents the reader with an integrated, business oriented treatment of sustainable supply chain management that explores why it is no longer enough for a firm to focus on sustainability within the four walls of the firm. Rather, in today's environment, sustainability must involve the supply chain in a deliberate and integrated fashion. To succeed with sustainability, a firm must ensure that this outcome is not only present within the firm but is also present within the supply chain. As the book will show, the market and consumers will punish those firms that promise sustainability but are not able to deliver on this promise because of problems in the supply chain.

The green or environmental sustainability movement has taken hold throughout the world. Its staying power is confirmed by that fact that environmental emphasis did not decrease during the recent global recession, but rather increased. Organizations see that greater environmental emphasis in their product and service offerings not only helps their image, but also may help reduce inefficiency, waste and corresponding cost. However, since most organizations rely heavily on their supply base for providing components, materials and services that become part of their final products, organizations must revisit their sourcing processes and choices to have a real impact on the environment. Sourcing to support an organizations green initiatives begins in the conception stage of new product development. Just as organizations consider the features that their products will provide to customers, they should also consider the environmental footprint of their products and services, and design them accordingly. Ideally, an environmentally sound product should be a goal of product design and suppliers should be made aware of that goal up front. Their continued role as a supplier may depend on their ability to meet the criteria set by the developer and they may need to retool for green in order to retain business. This book begins with an introduction to the idea of sustainability and to the concept of what it means to source to support organizations green initiatives, and why this is important from a holistic, life cycle perspective. The initial chapters will also provide a point of view of how green sourcing fits into the organizations entire portfolio of sustainability initiatives. Examples of industries and associations that lead the way in green sourcing will be presented. In addition, best practices in green sourcing will be discussed. The book also provides a viewpoint on how organizations can encourage and support their suppliers in pursuing green initiatives, and what types of initiatives provide a good starting point. The final chapters of the book will present a view on end-of-life product issues and how they relate to green sourcing, and how the organizations transportation decisions and choices can support green sourcing and the overall goal of the organization to reduce its environmental footprint

The "Top 25 Logistics / Distribution KPIs of 2011-2012" report provides insights into the state of logistics and distribution performance measurement today by listing and analyzing the most visited KPIs for this industry on smartKPIs.com in 2011. In addition to KPI names, it contains a detailed description of each KPI, in the standard smartKPIs.com KPI documentation format, that includes fields such as: definition, purpose, calculation, limitation, overall notes and additional resources. This product is part of the "Top KPIs of 2011-2012" series of reports and a result of the research program conducted by the analysts of smartKPIs.com in the area of integrated performance management and measurement. smartKPIs.com hosts the largest catalogue of thoroughly documented KPI examples, representing an excellent platform for research and dissemination of insights on KPIs and related topics. The hundreds of thousands of visits to smartKPIs.com and the thousands of KPIs visited, bookmarked and rated by members of this online community in 2011 provided a rich data set, which combined with further analysis from the editorial team, formed the basis of these research reports.

This book covers the area of unpaced, unbalanced production lines. You will find an up-to-date discussion of how designing these lines can be made more efficient by taking advantage of inherent imbalance, for example operators who work at different speeds - a concept which has traditionally been seen as an obstacle to efficient production. A series of experiments are presented to illustrate the issues involved in improving performance through production line imbalance. This area is of interest to postgraduate and executive level students interested in the area of production, and to managers of manual or semi-automated production lines who are interested in innovative approaches to line design. In this book you will find some surprisingly easy ways to improve performance with low or zero costs. Emphasis is placed on reducing the amount of time production lines lie idle, and on reducing work in process. This is a timely contribution to the field when managers are casting around for new ways to cut waste and reduce their use of natural resources.

Using this book, you will learn about numerous ideas for income sources, expense reduction, employee productivity improvement, enhanced space utilization, measurement techniques and other ideas that, if applied, will justify the book purchase many times over

In his 1985 book, Competitive Advantage, Michael Porter introduced the concept of the value chain and described it as "a systematic way of examining all activities a firm performs and how they interact, (necessary) for analyzing the sources of competitive advantage," and introduced the idea of "linkages," which was the real breakthrough in management thinking. Thinking of a firm as a series of horizontal and vertical linkages put the spotlight on the silo mentality within which firms operated and how business schools structured curriculum. The silo mentality caused business students unable to see the firm as a holistic entity, an understanding of how all of its parts fit together to develop competitive advantage. Students graduating with a silo mentality perpetuated the silo mentality in business firms. This book draws together existing knowledge to help facilitate the shift of mind necessary to effectively manage the value chain, and introduces a new conception of the value chain, one that has been copyrighted (2006) and provides a new perspective of the value chain commensurate with the demands of the 21st-century global economy.

In today's competitive global economy, a firm's market position and bottom-line financial performance is closely linked to its supply chain performance. All too often considerable managerial resources are directed towards planning activities and processes with little in the way of tangible results and outcomes. What supply chain executives require is the know-how to efficiently and effectively direct their planning activities so that the results lead to better business decisions from the long-term down to day-to-day operations. In this book, we present proven, practical management frameworks and techniques used by the authors to support supply chain operations management and planning in private industry. These frameworks describe supply chain strategic planning and project selection techniques, integrated manufacturing-distribution planning and scheduling approaches, performance measurement and balanced scorecard methodologies, customer logistics and inventory deployment decision support systems, and other well-tested management frameworks. The book is intended for supply chain managers and executives in private industry and the public sector, as well as graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Practitioners will obtain valuable new insights and examples of implementable frameworks and methods for managing their supply chain functions and organizations. Students will develop an understanding of leading edge, real world approaches for supply chain strategic planning and scheduling, decision support, project development and selection, performance measurement and many other key activities.

Workflow, process, or business process mapping has been discovered by organizations of all kinds as being a powerful tool to analyze and improve their internal processes. It has attracted major attention from software vendors, including Oracle and IBM, who market systems that are designed to map processes and quantify all aspects of their operations. These systems can be very effective at capturing the formal or explicit knowledge inherent to any workflow; however, a long-term problem with these approaches is that the full 'knowledge base' underlying these processes contains many elements which are 'tacit knowledge.' Despite being outside of the formal knowledge base, tacit knowledge must be addressed when describing the nature and functioning of processes. A key feature of the mapping method used in this book is that it makes both formal and tacit knowledge explicit in the workflow maps it produces. Much of what has been learned in the years of applying and teaching this method is that software-driven approaches are hobbled by the complications presented by tacit knowledge in workflows. Until both formal and tacit knowledge are understood these software-driven approaches cannot achieve their full potential. Consequently the mapping process here, by necessity, becomes a method for managing knowledge as well as a method of mapping the flow of materials and information. While it is a basis for process improvement in its own right, it can support development of both software-driven process mapping and the creation of dynamic programs on the basis of accurate understanding of existing workflows.

The book can be viewed from the perspective of a medium to large firm's journey towards sustainability. A firm that wants to be sustainable considers the triple bottom line when making decisions, i.e., the firm takes into account economic (profit), environmental (planet), and social (people) impacts when making decisions. By focusing on the triple bottom line (3Ps), the firm ensures a steady supply of inputs such as raw materials and labor indefinitely. The first step towards sustainability is aimed at reducing waste in operations (mainly production), with the help of such tools as lean and six-sigma. The firm then performs a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) for each of its main products and processes. LCA is a methodology designed to assess the environmental impact (e.g., energy consumption) of a product or process, from raw material extraction to production (in its different stages), packaging, distribution, sales, consumer use, and end-of-life disposal. With a better understanding of the major impacts, the firm can then target actions designed to reduce the firm's environmental impact (which in most cases also improves the economic bottom line), that is, the firm aims to be eco-efficient. The final step in the journey towards sustainability, which is the ultimate goal, is to close the loop. To close the loop, the firm starts by designing products for multiple life cycles (as in design for remanufacturing), or products designed according to a "cradle-to-cradle" philosophy that ensures ease of disassembly and 100% recyclability (up-cycling as opposed to down-cycling).

The quality and effectiveness of decisions made within an organization and its supply chain depend upon the accuracy and timeliness of the information upon which they are based. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that can provide more accurate information in near real time and thus increase the quality and timeliness of decisions based on that information. RFID systems are currently in use in areas such as inventory management, process control, asset tracking and monitoring, and retail point of sale. Organizations which appropriately incorporate RFID into their operations and information management systems have increased their agility, effectiveness, and efficiency resulting in organizational growth and increased profitability. The appropriate utilization of RFID allows organizations to become more agile resulting in their ability to respond to customers more efficiently and effectively. Technology by itself does not result in improvements and RFID is no exception. RFID is not a solution for every problem. However, when coupled with other appropriate technologies to address an appropriate objective, RFID can offer a variety of benefits to businesses. The proper integration into the firm's competitive plans and processes, and the ability to leverage those technologies for competitive advantage results in increased performance for organizations. The intent of this book is to provide a sufficient discussion of RFID to enable readers with no prior knowledge to develop a basic understanding of the technology. The book discusses current applications and specific examples of RFID usage taken from a variety of industries. The appropriate coupling of RFID with other technologies such as GPS, ERP, and robotics is discussed as well as an overview of the RFID implementation process. This book will help readers develop an understanding of the capability of the technology to increase an organization's customer responsiveness.

Developing more brands to expand your business Brands Designs for making brands A valuable way of expanding business includes by developing more brands, such experience is proved by today's well- known companies in the world as automobile makers and other fields. A significant outcome of sales will come out basing on a project of creating more brands for commodities to carry out in business of your company. A plan of classification on commodities by brands is developed by the author for reference: 1. "a" brand: for the best quality. 2. "b" brand: for the standard quality. 3. "c" brand: for cheap quality and cheap pricing. 4. "d" brand: for domestic tradition. 5. "e" brand: for international market. 6. "f " brand: for specific commodity in a marketplace of America, Europe, Asia or other. 7. "g" brand: for specific commodity in a country or group of countries. 8. "h" brand: for any workable one(s). A reader may use one of designs in the book to be modified and added a name to it to build a brand of your own.

Most organisations use, transform, distribute or sell materials of one or several kinds. The management of materials has serious implication on the financial, production, and marketing functions of an organisation. As the level of complexity of a product increases, so does the importance of managing materials. To fulfil their role in providing products and services, enterprises must satisfy the needs of production, as well as services through the use of all resources such as labour, capital, equipment and materials. All these managerial activities are called materials management. This book covers the topic of inventory systems.

"The Logistics Handbook" encompasses all of the latest advances in warehousing and distribution. It provides invaluable "how to" problem-solving tools and techniques for all the ever-increasing logistical problems managers face -- making it the most complete and authoritative handbook to date.

Special features include:

* The most in-depth coverage of a wide range of topics, including information systems, benchmarking, and environmental issues

* Contributions found nowhere else from the leading executives, consultants, and academics in the field, such as C. John Langley, James Heskett, and David Anderson

* State of the art graphics

* Information-packed appendixes of logistics publications and organizations

This all-inclusive reference will enable the next generation of managers to thoroughly integrate their logistics operations at all levels -- strategic, structural, functional, and implementation -- into a comprehensive logistics strategy.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of how to strategically manage the movement and storage of products or materials from any point in the manufacturing process to customer fulfillment. Topics covered include important tools for strategic decision making, transport, packaging, warehousing, retailing, customer services and future trends.

Warehouse and supply chain experts Share over 700 practical everyday concepts and ideas for productivity improvement. Learn invaluable touchpoints and considerations for expense savings, boosting employee productivity, enhanced space utilization and other ideas that, when applied, will justify the book purchase many times over.

Learn to develop and sell your beverages including new age beverages, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages like energy drinks, soda, tea, water, vodka, tequila beer or any other type of beverage. A step by step guide teaching you how to develop and brand your beverage, reach your perfect target market and sell it using wholesalers, distributors, convenience stores and supermarkets. Discover every single beverage sales and distribution channel and how to penetrate it with your beverages. While reading the book you will prepare spectacular distributor programs to support all type of accounts, get see through in stores and have customers for life. This book is a must read for anyone in the beverage industry from executives to sales people, marketing managers, brand managers, merchandisers as well as production specialists. After finishing the book you will be an expert in every segment of the beverage business; from developing a brand in the drawing board to reaching your target market correctly, writing your business plan and executing it with sales and distribution. Learn from the authors, Carlos Lopez and Jorge Olson, founders of Liquid Brands Management, Inc. and the national experts in beverage branding, sales and marketing.

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. Your Hands-On Guide to SAP Business Information Warehouse Give your company the competitive edge by delivering up-to-date, pertinent business reports to users inside and outside your enterprise. SAP Business Information Warehouse Reporting shows you how to construct Enterprise Data Warehouses, create workbooks and queries, analyze and format results, and supply meaningful reports. Learn how to use the BEx and Web Analyzers, Web Application Designer, Visual Composer, and Information Broadcaster. You will also find out how to forecast future business trends, build enterprise portals and websites, and tune performance. Group data into InfoCubes and DataStore Objects and generate reports using queries and workbooks Work with the BEx Analyzer, Web Analyzer, and Query Designer Build queries and reports using the Business Administration Workbench Add attachments and drill-through using Document Integration and RRI Format and distribute results using Report Designer and Information Broadcaster Extend functionality with Enterprise Portal, Data Modeling, and Visual Composer Deploy charts, maps, diagrams, and unit of measure conversions Predict trends and possible outcomes using SBC and Integrated Planning Generate HTML pages using Enterprise Reporting and Web Application Designer Create BI-based corporate Web and intranet sites using SAP Enterprise Portal

This direct sales through in-home demonstration epic outlines the most common industry mistakes and reveals the million dollar secrets that can change your life and financial future forever. It is one of the only books where you can memorize a passage and get immediate increased sales and recruiting results. Become empowered to take Nike's advice and just do it Sales Representatives: Sell more by performing better sales presentations and answering objections with field tested closes that really work. Distributors: Get secrets on recruiting and keeping your people. Save tens of thousands, even your business, with advanced knowledge of industry pitfalls. Get real-time answers to your questions through the author's comprehensive website at www.thesalesmansbible.com

Little has been written on the links between Inventory and Supply Chain Management, yet it is a critical component of all Supply Chains. This book explores and explains these critical links, and is intended for: . Professional managers in all supply chain roles and job positions. . Academics such as lecturers or students studying business topics like procurement, logistics, distribution, and the supply chain. . Students of professional institutes such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. The style of the book is direct, with little jargon. It covers all the basics, as well as providing detailed and wider discussions to encourage thought. Practical application remains a central theme, illustrated by the extensive use of case studies, application checklists and visual and graphic illustrations.

One of the largest distributors of food service products and Anheuser-Busch beers in the country, the privately held Ben E. Keith Company has focused on the Southwest from it's headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. "The First One Hundred Years" tells how the company began with a limited inventory of fresh produce in 1906 to it's current position among the top ten, full line (produce, frozen foods, meats, dry groceries, paper goods, equipment and supplies) food service distributors in the country. At the end of Prohibition in 1933, the company became a beer distributor. Now among the largest beer distributors in the country, Ben E. Keith is an exclusive distributor of Anheuser-Busch products in 60 counties in north, central and west Texas.

This book provides a granular diagnostic of Bangladesh's logistics system, its demand and associated costs, and the actions needed to improve its performance. It provides insights on chokepoints and makes a case for a comprehensive yet strategic approach to addressing them.

Supply Chain Design and Management introduces the concept of a sharing mechanism that will ensure the sustainability of a supply chain by fair distribution of costs and benefits. This book provides a holistic view of the supply chain from product development, purchasing, manufacturing, distribution and storage, to retailing. The presentation of the enabling technologies in supply chain management will help companies better understand their options.
Provides a step-by-step framework for designing supply chains at the strategic level
Written for those who deal with the supply chains on a day-to-day basis as well as those new to the field
Provides a synthesis of best practices for managing supply chains at the tactical level
Provides a review of the state-of-the-art in enabling information technologies and business applications
Explains the concepts with examples from the industry and simple mathematical formulations
Is accessible to graduate students for an excellent understanding of how supply chains work and can join the industry armed with the knowledge of the workings of supply chains
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With logistics becoming increasingly important within business management, it is essential that today's managers are familiar with this approach to solving business problems. This text focuses on how business decisions can be made in a manner which integrates all the resources available to the organization. Organizations in almost all sectors of industry from manufacturing to retailing see the effective management of logistics as the key to their competitive advantage. This book is invaluable reading for practicing managers and students on undergraduate business courses and those studying for an MBA.