Thursday, January 22, 2009

Beating your rivals through supply chain management strategies

By Larry Emsweller

As in every industry, times change and so do the rules. However, many Companies continue to perpetuate the old rules because they feel comfortable with them. The problem is that they can be beaten in the game they have played for many years by newcomers who understand the new rules of the game. Former General Electric CEO, Jack Welch stated the obvious. "If you want to beat your rivals, you can't follow the old rules." It's a new day and new rules apply. There are new supply chain management strategies that work better and are more efficient.

Distribution Master Scheduling (DMS) software is the major component in the new rules.

The key is coordinating production and distribution along with the timing of events. You have to be able to manage these. DMS is the process that helps achieve this. It understands the process. It will tell you:

1. Determine where every order should be shipped from. It establishes dock schedules to minimize handling. For example, schedule shipments when product is being made on the line and can be put directly into a truck or when it can be cross-docked

2. DMS can maximize direct plant shipping. It determines when to bring product into each site. While most WMS systems determine where in the building each product should be stored, DMS determines where the product should be put (either in the plant or in an outside warehouse) as it comes off the line.

3. By offering a proactive approach and anticipating potential stock-outs or other failures, this software will provide remedial action.

4. Maximize efficiency on pallet handling.

Procter & Gamble uses AutoScheduler - Distribution Master Scheduling software - from Transportation l Warehouse Optimization [www.TransportationOptimization.com] in its largest operation around the world to maximize supply chain management strategies. It is sophisticated software that manages the data and maximizes optimized scheduling.

This rule-based optimizer has been effective in reducing supply chain management effort and costs while increasing customer service. One P & G site reported a 33% reduction in WMS transactions after installing AutoScheduler.

Using this Distribution Master Scheduling software makes the task of beating your rivals much easier. Playing by the new rules and throwing out the old make a lot of sense.

When you consider a Transportation consultant, Thomas Moore and his associates at Transportation | Warehouse Optimization have been working with some of the top companies in America finding practical solutions that have resulted in saving millions of dollars. They take a long-term view, know the market place and keep the client as top priority. Contact www.TransportationOptimization.com for transportation cost reductions or solutions to warehouse challenges. Ask for a free consultation. While visiting their website, TEST YOUR SKILLS and see how well you can load a truck or manage cost savings. Transportation l Warehouse Optimization - Solutions that work. Solutions that save. - 16492

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