Overcoming Blockages on the Road to World Class Supply Management^SM

Abstract

Today, the single most critical supply chain issue is the failure of virtually all members of virtually all supply chains to embrace “World Class Supply Management^SM”. The term “Supply Management” describes the process responsible for continuously improving the design, development, and management of an organization’s supply system in order to maximize the bottom line. As we know, this supply chain extends from the ultimate customer (the end user) back to Mother Earth. A firm’s supply system includes all functions, both internal ones and key suppliers, involved in the identification and fulfillment of needs for materials, equipment, and services in an optimized fashion allowing us to satisfy our role in our supply chain. The term “World Class” is a subjective phrase referring to a handful of operations which are regarded as the best of the best. Continuous improvement makes the term “World Class” an ever moving target.