The Future of Technology Technology is a tricky topic. On one hand, almost everyone has put technology and ERP implementations on hold due to concerns about COVID-19 impacts and to conserve cash. On the other hand, it is the best time to gain employees’ attention and focus on upgrading technology to scale the business, create a superior customer experience and deliver bottom line results. Kellogg or Post? As I said in my eBook, Future-Proofing Manufacturing…

While leading a panel “Building Resiliency in the Supply Chain” with gurus from Georgia Tech, the leading experts in global logistics and associated research, several intriguing concepts arose. My Association for Supply Chain Management group led a series of webinars on “Navigating through Volatility” including discussions with several logistics experts from distribution, the ports, transportation, technology and more. Many strategies for success arose during these sessions. And, last but not least, both my top-notch trusted…

Are you thinking about your product supply strategy? You certainly should be! I was asked to talk on Bloomberg’s “What’d You Miss?” about reshoring since it is a hot topic in the news. I was also on a webinar with other CEOs and thought leaders recently about the Future of Manufacturing.  The reshoring conversation took the majority of the hour because it was top of mind for manufacturers as well. The surveys are ‘adding up’:…

COVID-19 has disrupted every business. Some are growing far faster than supply can keep up, while others have dropped like a rocket. Still, others have almost identical dollar volume yet double the number of orders at half the order size, creating significant disruption in warehousing, shipping and transportation. And yet others might have less severe changes in volume with certain customers thriving and others dormant – all creating mix disruption. The supply side is no…

Since talking with CBS Tampa for a story on rising grocery prices, I thought it would be good to share with clients and colleagues as well. The bottom line is that grocery prices are definitely spiking due to supply chain disruptions due to coronavirus, not due to shortages of food. There are significant supply chain disruptions and volatility in demand and supply. For example, grocery is spiking in many categories such as eggs, pantry staples,…

Do You Know If Your Best People are Looking for a New Job? You better believe it! There is a trend across clients and colleagues that the best people are on the move! COVID-19 has disrupted the landscape. Whenever multiple clients experience similar situations, we take note. There is no doubt that the pandemic has spurred smart clients to hire top talent and top talent to look for new opportunities. In the last few weeks…

As I participate with the California DEC (District Export Council) meeting as part of the Inland Empire DEC, I continue to be reminded of the vast opportunity of export. This is especially true during the pandemic as manufacturers innovate to be able to support critical needs in the U.S. and throughout the globe. For example, many Southern CA and Inland Empire companies pivoted in response to PPE needs, as well as other critical industries’ changing…