Another Ducking Digest: September 11, 2023

On this episode, Sarah Scudder and guest host Lindsay Smith delve into major news affecting small and mid-sized manufacturers. They discuss Apple's significant shift to India, moving $500 million worth of production and the implications for outsourcing strategies and supply chain transitions. The conversation covers Foxconn's new factory in India, the U.S. investment in Indian startups, and the broader impacts on global trade, including China's growing trade surplus and India's rising exports. Additionally, they touch on BK Yellow Freight's major sale of freight terminals and equipment, and DHL's stance on the Teamsters strike at their Cincinnati Hub, considering potential impacts on Christmas season freight rates.

In the episode of What the Duck?! Another Supply Chain Podcast, Sarah introduces Ernie, a long-time friend with a non-traditional career path that began in the army, leading to a specialization in supply chain management. Ernie’s journey includes roles in consulting, biotech, and logistics, offering insights into strategic sourcing and supply chain challenges in various industries. The discussion delves into his experiences in biotech, the intricacies of working in a highly regulated industry, and his time at HD Supply focusing on distribution and logistics.Tune in to hear Ernie’s career advice, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adapting to industry needs.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Ernie’s Unique Career Trajectory

Experiences in Supply Chain Management within the Military

The Significance of Strategic Sourcing

Challenges and Innovation within the BioTech Industry

Impact of Regulatory Frameworks and SMPs 

Nuances of Distribution and Logistics

Ongoing Innovations in Energy and Life Sciences

Emerging Industries and Trends 

MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUND

ERNIE: On Strategic Sourcing and Industry Challenges

"I think it's the best of all worlds to do that type of work. So, that was about a decade of my life focused on all those things that I was doing for PWC and then IBM. It was an incredible proving ground for me."

ERNIE: On Career Adaptation and Continuous Learning 

“I think I've been lucky, and I think the reason I've been lucky is because I'm kind of fearless in some senses of the word. That I don't mind leaping into something that I know very little about, and I think I can figure it out real quickly."

Connect with Ernie and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:

Ernie Hernandez | Rivian

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Dive into the dynamic world of supply chain management with What the Duck?! Another Supply Chain Podcast, where host Sarah Scudder is joined by the insightful Dyci Sfregola. Together, they unravel the complexities of direct material procurement and the transformative power of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Dyci, a seasoned growth consultant, shares her wealth of experience and actionable strategies for small to midsize manufacturers to streamline their processes and boost ROI. With a focus on the essential CIPO framework and practical tools for operational clarity, this episode is a treasure trove for those looking to refine their approach to supply chain before the year's endBottom of Form.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Dyci’s Journey Working in Sales/ Marketing to Transitions to Supply Chain

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) and Its Role in Supply Chain

Challenging Experiences in Direct Materials Supply Chain

Importance of SOPs in Supply Chain Management

Strategies for Managing Processes Efficiently 

Digital Transformation and Software Implementation

The Necessity for Knowledge Transfer and Contingency Planning

Challenges in Selecting and Implementing Software

MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUND

DYCI: On the Importance of SOPs and Process Management

So, first of all, why it's important is because it allows you to be proactive and set a cadence and a pace of the business that is not always reactionary, and it's not always firefighting. Because when things go the way that we expect them to go, which, you know, rarely happens, everyone's fine like, 'Oh, this is what it's supposed to happen when I come to work today.' But, because in the world of supply chain operations, nothing ever works the way that you expect it to do. Well, if you don't have the SOPs that govern the way you do business, the way workflows happen, the way approvals happen, then it becomes just everyone running around trying to figure out, 'Okay, well, who's going to do this? 

DYCI: On Digital Transformation and Software Implementation 

And what they actually realized is that they didn't really have a process for new product introduction. So, we were working with items that were being phased out, and, you know, these were finished goods. And then, if you're thinking about, "Okay, well, the finished good is being phased out, you need to now have a forecast for the finished good, the cannibalization, etc., for the new item." But on top of that, all of the components—which are your direct materials—that you need to actually build the new... "Okay, well, how do we now come up with a forecast for that? And determine safety stock, and work with the supplier for lead times, and, you know, all of that?” So, that project recently stands out to me because it's the most recent, and I'm like in it right now, trying to figure it out.

Connect with Dyci and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:

Dyci Sfregola | New Gen Architects

Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to

LinkedIn |Twitter |SourceDay |SourceDay.com

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In this episode of What the Duck?!" Craig Smith from the Procurement Foundry community, explores the unique challenges of managing direct material supply chains solo or in a small team. Known as a 'Lone Wolf,' Craig recounts his transition from marketing to procurement, highlighting the value of seeking assistance and continuous learning. The episode covers effective task prioritization in resource-scarce environments, leveraging technology for process efficiency, and the importance of cultivating robust relationships with internal teams and vendors.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Networking and Community Building

Lone Wolf Concept in Procurement

Craig's Shift from Studying Marketing to Building a Career in Procurement

The Significance of Seeking Help and Learning from Others

The Need for Effective Prioritization of Tasks and Projects in Procurement, 

Leveraging technology and tools to Streamline Procurement Processes 

Internal and Vendor Relationship Building

Personal and Professional Goals

MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUND

“CRAIG: On the Concept of the ‘Lone Wolf’

So it's really about small procurement and sourcing or vendor management teams that are a bunch of us are a team of one, and then others have smaller two to three people-sized teams of running the procurement organization within their different entities."

CRAIG: On the Significance of Learning on the Job

"Ask for help. The both position, those first two positions, and companies where I started off in the career had really good engineers that loved to whiteboard, either you know technical diagrams or things like that and explain to me about the products or the services or the components that I was helping to procure.

Connect with Craig and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:

Craig Smith | DHI Group Inc.

Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to

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In this engaging episode of "What the Duck?! Another Supply Chain Podcast," Jose Socorro, a seasoned logistics expert, takes center stage. With a wealth of experience, Jose delves into the vital components of successful logistics management. He underscores the pivotal role of a 'can-do attitude,' urging listeners to embrace this mindset in the ever-evolving industry. Jose emphasizes the critical importance of on-time deliveries and gaining a realistic grasp of transportation timeframes. His insights encourage open-mindedness and the pursuit of reliable trucking partners. Drawing from his time as a logistics manager, Jose offers invaluable advice for buyers in the manufacturing sector, making this episode a must-listen for logistics enthusiasts and professionals alike.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Introduction to the Episode and Podcast: 

Jose's Experience in Logistics

The Role of Technology in Improving Logistics Efficiency

Handling Unexpected Challenges and Emergencies in Logistics

Communication and Collaboration Between Different Teams

Impact of Economic Changes on Logistics

Customer Service and Meeting Customer Expectations

On-Time Delivery and Service Metrics

Relationship-Building with Carriers and Vendors

Data-Driven Decision-Making in Logistics

MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUND

JOSE: On Thriving and Navigating High-Pressure Situations

“You live for those moments; we live for the high blood pressure; we live for the game-winning shot or that moment that changes the whole trajectory of it. But the non-logistics folks – I preface this because this is an audience of non-logistics – because I've had these interactions and working through these relationships, is you've got to understand the realistic expectation of what's really going to happen if your product is in Houston and you're in Arkansas. Or let's say, hypothetically, you are in Utah and your product's in Houston. You've got to look at the miles.”

JOSE: The Impact of Economic Changes on Supply Chain Dynamics 

“With the economic changes and impacts that are going on currently since 2022, we've seen a decrease in demand, which is really obviously coming from the consumers, what they're telling us. And a lot of companies, instead of having me move their chicken, they had their options at a cheaper rate or their own trucking companies now. And so, you see there's the reason why you ask for on-time delivery. Do I want to save money and do it my own and have my operational team handle it? Or do I want the company that the product's coming from to deliver it to me?”

Connect with Jose and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with

Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to

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In this podcast episode, Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith continue their discussion on supplier management, focusing on strategies to find the best-fit suppliers. They caution against relying solely on traditional methods like comprehensive commodity plans, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, or internet searches that are often cluttered with sponsored content. Instead, they advocate for seeking local, flexible, and responsive suppliers, similar to the traits discussed in their previous episode. Tune in to hear their practical approaches for sourcing suppliers, particularly for off-the-shelf commodities.

In this episode of "What the Duck?!", host Sarah Scudder talks with Jane Zhang of Edge Sourcing about her transition from MBA to procurement, the role of procurement in business, and overcoming industry biases. Jane shares her experience in sustainable packaging and her journey into entrepreneurship, detailing the operations and focus areas of her company. She emphasizes the importance of communication in supplier management and the surprising depth of passion she found in the procurement field. The episode encapsulates insights for procurement professionals and offers advice for transitioning skills across borders.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Pursuing an MBA to Gain an International Perspective 

Career Evolution: From Business Development to Large Corporations

Strategic Aspect of Procurement 

Diverse Skills Needed in Procurement 

Overcoming Bias and Changing Perception of Procurement 

Transformational Impact Jane Had on Procurement Perspectives 

Advice on Transitioning Procurement Skills Globally 

Best/Worst Parts of Starting Your Own Business

Open Communication and Relationship Building 

MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUND

JANE: Global Impact of Sustainability in Procurement 

“The work that we do now today in sustainable procurement, working with large organizations to really transform how they purchase, that has so much impact on the world in terms of positive social impact, positive environmental impact. And I have seen these organizations and these corporations really unlock their purchasing potential and leverage that buying potential to drive good in the world and the environment that they operate in is absolutely fantastic.”

JANE: Dynamic Nature of Procurement and For Versatility 

“What surprised me the most about procurement was how varied it is and how… how at the same time you can build your core skill sets to become very, very strong in it. Your challenges are still going to change. New contracts change, your fires change. We've dealt with everything from very tactical contracts to, you know, million-dollar, multi-million dollar audits, to trying to resolve highly confidential and negotiate non-existent tangibles into a massive contract. So these challenges change constantly. The tools and the skills that you're applying are constantly maturing, but the challenges that you're faced with are ever-changing.” 

Connect with Jane and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:

Jane Zhang| ETCH Sourcing

Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to

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Get ready for a lively episode of "Another Ducking Digest" with your hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith! Today, we're diving into supplier management for small and mid-sized manufacturers. First, we're talking about choosing the right suppliers – it's like finding the perfect dance partner! Then, we'll discuss communication, performance metrics, inventory management, quality control, and risk management.

In a nutshell, we'll help you make supplier management as fun and effective as a great party. Remember, clear communication and healthy supplier relationships are key to keeping the good times rolling in your supply chain.

In this episode of What the Duck?! Another Supply Chain Podcast, David Alexander shares insights from his role as a procurement expert. He discusses his experiences with international sourcing, emphasizing the challenges of managing supplier consolidations for smaller orders. David also highlights the importance of accurate demand planning and the consequences of discrepancies between customer forecasts and actual usage. Furthermore, he sheds light on the issues arising from port delays and shares strategies to mitigate the impact of lead time uncertainties. This engaging conversation provides a valuable perspective on the intricacies of supply chain management in an ever-evolving global landscape.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

David’s Initial Career Journey

Challenges in MRO Roles

Strategies for Achieving Cost Savings 

Transitioning to International Procurement

Dealing with Port Delays 

Importance of Accurate Forecasting and Planning

Challenges of Managing Customer Needs 

Supplier Consolidation for Smaller Quantities

Influence of Port Delays on Procurement 

MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUND

DAVID: Challenges with Supply Chain Forecasting

“It's never going to be 100% accurate, just like forecasts. Forecasts are never going to be 100% accurate. You can get very close, but it's never going to be. So, essentially, cycle counting for the MRO field, especially, making sure your cycle counts are, you know, by month, you know, especially if you're managing, you know, if you're managing not as big as a warehouse, it's easy for you to do inventory levels. It's easy for you to freeze the system, get the inventory leveled, and then reconcile that back. You can get as close as you can.”

DAVID: Challenges Faced in International Procurement

“They're asking me to Air Freight because they're scared of the ports, you know, that's another one, you know, they know a part shipping because I have to update my notes per, you know, what the bill of leading or the packs are telling me on prior to shipping. So I'll go in, I'll update my, my ship dates. I'll update my quantities that are shipping because we have a plus and minus, you know, 10%. So it could be over or under. So I have to adjust those quantities. They have to be exactly per the invoice or I'm going to have trouble with the Brokers.”

Connect with David and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:

David Alexander | Optimas Solutions

Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to

LinkedIn |Twitter |SourceDay |SourceDay.com

Had fun with the podcast? Leave us a like, share our content, and subscribe! See you soon on the next episode of What The Duck?!

In this episode of Another Ducking Digest, hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith tackle the critical post-tech implementation phase for small and mid-sized manufacturers. They emphasize two key goals: first, to make the changes stick, they recommend celebrating the significance of the transformation, delivering personal and public leadership messages, and setting firm expectations for management and new process users. Second, they delve into the importance of learning from what went well and what didn't, expecting and embracing mistakes, and assessing how the People, Process, System equilibrium has shifted. They stress the need to anticipate push-back, uncover covert naysayers, and highlight that the implementation isn't a panacea, thus pushing for a second round of buy-in. They advise resetting and realigning the project for execution, challenging the team to acknowledge shortcomings, and seeking KPI tracking and concerns from all department managers, while rewarding superior execution. Tune in for a wealth of insights on post-implementation success.