Success in the global economy requires a shift in strategic vision of the Asia-Pacific region's role in supply chains. While it is no secret that an end to low-cost production in Asia is in sight, smart companies are studying the complexity of APAC region and gaining insight into the roles each country plays in the quickly evolving economic horizon. But visibility into where APAC is today isn't enough; forecasting where it will be next year, five years from now, and further into the future are key to positioning supply chains now for ongoing optimization.
The International Chamber of Shipping says that the shipping and bunker refining industries should recognize that the global 0.5-percent sulfur-in-fuel cap, currently set to go into effect in 2025, may be implemented worldwide by 2020.
With any discussion regarding the future of industrial distribution, the impact of AmazonSupply is sure to come up. Distributors seem to have differing views on this impact, ranging from fear of ArmageddonSupply to a shrug indicating "this too, shall pass."
U.S. manufacturing executives have an opportunity to make their factories even more competitive through parts and components de-costing programs. De-costing is simply a term that refers to removing cost from operations period-over-period. Parts and components usage is a great place to focus because improvements can provide such clear returns.
As manufacturers continue to competitively differentiate themselves within various industry settings, after-sales service will increasingly become more important in their overall business and profitability strategy, according to Business Strategy: Spare Parts Planning for Service Excellence, a report from IDC Manufacturing Insights. In fact, many discrete manufacturers can expect to capture upward of 30 percent of revenue from service and service-based product strategies.
Even in the age of recycling, forward and reverse supply chains have tended to be treated as separate disciplines. Now the world's largest retailer is partnering with major consumer goods manufacturers to help erase that distinction.
The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding service parts management and its impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies provide support services and parts for years after an initial product sale, and post-sale service can be key to securing customer loyalty and maintaining competitive differentiation. New technologies are allowing companies to increase forecast accuracy for service parts, reduce excess or obsolete spare parts inventory and enhance scrapping programs across all industries. As these services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using service parts management solutions to power their supply chains.
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