By Lisa Anderson As companies navigate tariffs, geopolitical risks and high interest rates, there is an emphasis on reducing costs and inventory levels to free up cash and maintain profit levels while successfully serving customers’ ever-changing needs. The most successful companies are upgrading their planning processes and rolling out automation and advanced technologies not just […]
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By Lisa Anderson There is a trifecta of supply chain vulnerabilities, disruptions and risks creating volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) in the business environment. From supply chain vulnerabilities like the ones exposed in the Middle East war to the heightened risks that emerged with Hurricane Helene and the disruptions occurring with labor unrest and […]
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By Lisa Anderson The world faces economic headwinds. According to the Economist, Europe’s economy only grew at four percent this decade as compared with eight percent growth in the United States and is struggling with a triple shock of the energy crisis, surging Chinese imports and the threat of tariffs from the U.S. On the […]
Read MoreBy Lisa Anderson To succeed in the current world dominated by supply chain disruptions and chokepoints, executives must create resiliency and get ahead of the inevitable volatility. The latest, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, has caused massive diversions on the East Coast and in the Baltimore region pointing out the need for backup sources […]
Read MoreBy Lisa Anderson Executives are tired after surviving the pandemic, navigating supply chain disruptions, handling soaring inflation, and dealing with one challenge after another. However, it is not time to rest as supply chain risks abound. From the Russia-Ukraine war to China’s aggression in the South China Sea and as well as hurricanes, strikes and […]
Read MoreBy Lisa Anderson Manufacturing is in a state of flux. After seven straight months of contraction in manufacturing, it is not surprising manufacturers are thinking about cutting back. On the other hand, in many industries manufacturers continue to have a robust backlog and are growing faster than their capacity. Simultaneously, there is significant transition and […]
Read MoreBy Lisa Anderson Interest rates have increased by a historic amount within the last year. Increases of almost five points on such an aggressive timeline are already having a significant impact on the ability of manufacturers and distributors to fund and support their business growth. With typical business loans renewing every five to seven years, […]
Read MoreBy Lisa Anderson The supply chain has become an excuse. Although there has certainly been a slew of supply chain challenges that carry on with baby formula shortages, rail backlogs, computer chip issues, hurricane-induced delays, fertilizer scarcity and China’s zero-COVID policy delays, the supply chain should no longer be the excuse. Only the proactive will […]
Read MoreBy Lisa Anderson With record-breaking price increases and lack of material availability, manufacturers are experiencing increasing threats to profit margins and maintaining strong customer service. To add fuel to the fire, they are also now having to consider plans to prepare for a potential recession. It is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate these volatile times, […]
Read MoreBy Lisa Anderson According to the Wall Street Journal, consumer prices are the highest in 40 years. It certainly doesn’t seem to be letting up. In fact, with the Russia-Ukraine war, there will be continued inflationary pressure on products related to oil, gas, commodities and food at a minimum. Clients and colleagues are seeing record […]
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