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 HIGHLIGHTSErnie’s Unique Career TrajectoryExperiences in Supply Chain Management within the MilitaryThe Significance of Strategic SourcingChallenges and Innovation within the BioTech IndustryImpact of Regulatory Frameworks and SMPs Nuances of Distribution and LogisticsOngoing Innovations in Energy and Life SciencesEmerging Industries and Trends  MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDERNIE: 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 Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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?!

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 HIGHLIGHTSDyci’s Journey Working in Sales/ Marketing to Transitions to Supply ChainThird-Party Logistics (3PL) and Its Role in Supply ChainChallenging Experiences in Direct Materials Supply ChainImportance of SOPs in Supply Chain ManagementStrategies for Managing Processes Efficiently Digital Transformation and Software ImplementationThe Necessity for Knowledge Transfer and Contingency PlanningChallenges in Selecting and Implementing Software MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDDYCI: On the Importance of SOPs and Process ManagementSo, 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 ArchitectsConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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 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 HIGHLIGHTSNetworking and Community BuildingLone Wolf Concept in ProcurementCraig's Shift from Studying Marketing to Building a Career in ProcurementThe Significance of Seeking Help and Learning from OthersThe Need for Effective Prioritization of Tasks and Projects in Procurement, Leveraging technology and tools to Streamline Procurement Processes Internal and Vendor Relationship BuildingPersonal 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 toLinkedIn |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 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 HIGHLIGHTSIntroduction to the Episode and Podcast: Jose's Experience in LogisticsThe Role of Technology in Improving Logistics EfficiencyHandling Unexpected Challenges and Emergencies in LogisticsCommunication and Collaboration Between Different TeamsImpact of Economic Changes on LogisticsCustomer Service and Meeting Customer ExpectationsOn-Time Delivery and Service MetricsRelationship-Building with Carriers and VendorsData-Driven Decision-Making in Logistics MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDJOSE: 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 withConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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 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 HIGHLIGHTSPursuing an MBA to Gain an International Perspective Career Evolution: From Business Development to Large CorporationsStrategic 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 BusinessOpen Communication and Relationship Building  MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDJANE: 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 toLinkedIn |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?!

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 HIGHLIGHTSDavid’s Initial Career JourneyChallenges in MRO RolesStrategies for Achieving Cost Savings Transitioning to International ProcurementDealing with Port Delays Importance of Accurate Forecasting and PlanningChallenges of Managing Customer Needs Supplier Consolidation for Smaller QuantitiesInfluence of Port Delays on Procurement  MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDDAVID: 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 toLinkedIn |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.

In a riveting episode of What the Duck, host Sarah Scudder engages in a captivating discussion with a panel of seasoned manufacturing experts – John, Stephen, Rachel, and Nathan. Together, they unveil a treasure trove of insights, offering a gripping narrative on conquering formidable supply chain challenges. From deftly managing customer-supplied materials to navigating the tumultuous waters of rapid expansion and surviving the tempestuous COVID-19 disruptions, they reveal invaluable lessons. Throughout this compelling conversation, a resounding theme emerges – the pivotal role of collaboration and adaptability in mastering the ever-shifting landscape of supply chain management. SHOW HIGHLIGHTSChallenges Associated with Customer Supplied Materials Managing Rapid Business Growth and Expansion How the Panelists Coped with COVID-19 Disruptions Early Procurement Involvement in Supply ChainThe Role of Collaboration in Supply Chain Management Necessity of Adaptability in a Constantly Changing Landscape MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDJOHN: On Stabilizing the Supply Chain Journey “My job is to make that roller coaster ride less, and it's going to have bumps, we're going to have highs, we're going to have lows, but mine's to try to smooth out that process versus trying to go on this thing that shoots up at 100 feet, you know, at 200 miles an hour, then drops back down, because that costs the company money every time you have those highs and lows.” RACHEL: On the Importance of Early Procurement Involvement “So, how much resiliency can you build in advance, right? It's much, much easier to qualify a secondary source when you're in the development process than when you have nothing on hand and are struggling to do it, right? So, I think really what I've been trying to focus the teams on is that we're not going to be able to solve every problem, we're not going to be able to forecast every problem, but what we need to be doing is taking control of what we can.” Connect with Nathan and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Nathan Cunningham | WippDataConnect with Stephen and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Stephen Drummey | SanminaConnect with John and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:John HantzisConnect with Rachel and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:Rachel Hassall | Harvest Hill Beverage CompanyConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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 today's episode, hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith continue their exploration of technology adoption for small and mid-sized manufacturers. They discuss three critical steps for success:Identify, Detail, and Celebrate Interim Milestones: Recognize and celebrate progress throughout the implementation process to boost morale and motivation.Deploy Classic Change-Management PM Discipline: Be prepared for changes to the planned changes, emphasizing the importance of proper change management.Invest "Extra" Time Sweating the Details: Dive into revised workflows, SME interviews, UX, dashboard screens, report formats, and design details. Ensuring meticulous attention to these aspects is key for a successful tech adoption journey.Tune in for practical insights into technology adoption and implementation strategies.

In this episode of "What the Duck?!" hosted by Sarah Scudder, three manufacturing supply chain experts, Denise, David, and Vineetha, share their experiences and challenges in the supply chain field. They discuss various scenarios, including dealing with unexpected stock shortages, managing inaccurate forecasts, and handling the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. Denise shares a story about recovering from inaccurate forecasting and the importance of communication, while David talks about negotiating transition support agreements during a merger. The episode highlights the need for agility, nimbleness, and strong relationships within the supply chain to overcome various challenges and ensure success. SHOW HIGHLIGHTSAddressing Unexpected Stock Shortages Learning How to Adapt in Emergency Stock Situations Discussion on Creativity in Supply Chain DemandsRecovering from Inaccurate Forecasts and Adapting Negotiations During Mergers and Acquisitions Importance of Transparent and Clear Communication Nimble Relationships with Suppliers in Supply Chain operations MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDDENISE: On Agile Responses Required to Recover from Forecasting Inaccuracies “How we had to recover is we had to rely on our supply planning team to put pen to paper. They had to reprioritize, they had to move the lines around, they had to bring in a second shift in our Switzerland manufacturing plant. They explained the situation over and over again to our manufacturing team, and it was a success story again.”VINEETHA: On the Crucial Role of Transactional Suppliers“That there is going to be these short-term orders that you're going to be getting a couple of times a year. So those transactional relationships with suppliers are also very important, or transactional suppliers are also very important. So I think that's the key learning from that, and, you know, that's how we met the customer lead time was looking at substitutes or off-the-shelf versions of this critical part.”DAVID: Challenges Involved in Implementing Just-In-Time Strategies“Doing the just-in-time approach, in many, many years that one product, first time ever, had an administration hold, which means something happened at the manufacturing site that they had to hold production. So, here I'm reducing the inventory down to just in time, we're implementing a continuous make model, and now we got to shut it down, and there was panic throughout the organization. Connect with Denise and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:Denise SenaConnect with Vineetha and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:Vineetha Jayaram | nVentConnect with David and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:David Berger | CBREConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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 today's episode, Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith discuss small manufacturer workflow process automation implementation. Current social media suggests tech implementation is straightforward solution to every problem, but there is a risk there. The more areas, departments, and individuals a process workflow change reaches, the more complicated the adoption becomes. So many of us small-manufacturer supply chain team are recognized and rewarded for “getting things done." Technology adoption is fundamentally different, instead of “getting things done,” now we are changing the way we do things. So, what is a supply chain hero to do?Sarah and Lindsay talk through the six best practice guidelines for success.

In this episode of What the Duck?! hosted by Sarah Scudder, Dupre Jonesshares his unique journey through supply chain and procurement. He discusses his experiences in Germany, transitioning from government roles to project coordinator positions, and unexpected ventures into logistics. The conversation covers the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, the importance of data analytics and sustainability, and the role of technology in logistics. Dupre's insights shed light on these complexities, providing valuable perspectives in a concise and engaging manner. SHOW HIGHLIGHTSDupre’s Background and Experience Studying and Living in GermanyEarly Career and Work in the German ParliamentThe importance of Patience, Resilience, and Humility in Excelling in the Logistics FieldDupre's Leadership Style and How to Encourage Personal Growth in Teams Insights into International LogisticsTechnological Enhancements in Supply ChainChallenges and Complexities Faced in Logistics During the Pandemic MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDDUPRE: On the Complexity of Logistics and Involving Technology “There's definitely a lot more focus on technology in logistics. Data analytics, freight procurement is not... we're not buying office supplies. The cost structure is complicated, so data analytics, you know, machine learning, business rules for scenario building on a route, via from different road, different things. Sustainability is rearing its ugly... not it's ugly head, but it's... it's forefront now, thanks to the EU green deal.”LINDSAY: Challenges Posed by COVID-19 and How to Adapt With Changes “It forced us to be very creative and not only in production planning ahead of time, especially for manufacturers, but then making sure the production lines didn't go down because that was costly or it would be costly. But then we could also contain our contain our costs so that we ourselves didn't go under while service supporting our the success of our customers. And so it took a lot of analytics, turned a lot of scenario building, took a lot of really dissecting some of the... the different costs”  Connect with Dupre and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Dupre Jones | Align TechnologyConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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 today's discussion on small manufacturer technology adoption, Sarah and Lindsay focus on practical steps. While envisioning the destination is straightforward, understanding the starting point and necessary actions is crucial. Small companies typically aim for improved visibility, cost reduction through task automation, and faster decision-making via data accessibility. The initial implementation often begins with a proof-of-concept. Overlooked considerations include legacy network issues and data field cleanliness. Addressing these challenges involves connecting, communicating, and gathering data. Convincing stakeholders to support these efforts is essential, as data extraction can be costly and time-consuming. Benchmarks, not estimates, should guide the process.

In this episode of What the Duck?! Sarah Scudder, sits down with a panel of industry experts as they share their experiences and insights into the complex world of supply chain management. They discuss various challenges, including disruptions, manufacturing changes, and supplier surprises, shedding light on the importance of proactive communication and change management. Lindsay Smith, Roz Lowe, Tim Wise and Mike Romeyn provide a candid look behind the scenes of production meetings, where teams strategize to meet customer commitments, even in the face of unexpected obstacles. The speakers also touch on the significance of maintaining humility, gratitude, and customer advocacy in the niche markets of manufacturing. Learn valuable lessons and real-world stories from the front lines of supply chain management from the experts themselves.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTSThe Critical Importance of On-Time Delivery as a Top KPI Impacts that Big Disruptions Have on Organizations The Vital Role of Customer Service Advocacy Risks Associated with Suppliers Making Unnotified Manufacturing ChangesThe Importance of Having a Supplier Change Notification Process in PlaceChallenges Associated When Faced with Missing Customer CommitmentsQuoting Complex Assemblies Gone WRONG MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDLINDSAY: On Root Causes of Late or Missed Deliveries “Each buyer had nuances of different ways of doing their job day-to-day. So, the fix was certainly uncovering the hidden issue was great employee coaching, team or retraining around, especially around purchase order confirmation, treating that as a separate process step, and then having direct conversations offline with supplier management and saying, 'Hey, great that you have this partnership with our buyers. You have a second relationship and obligation to supply chain management, and you have to come to us and be open and tell us when things aren't going the way you want them to.'"MIKE: Dealing with Obvious Problems During Weekly Production Meetings“I would sit in these meetings, the buyers would, you know, obviously run through their spreadsheets, they would have their open order reports, if you want to call them, with their suppliers, and they would just show us, okay, and they sorted it by late, and we would just go line by line, what are we doing, what are we doing, what are we going to do to get the part, what are we going to do, are we going to start expediting, throwing dollars at it, are we going to fly that material over here? I mean, that's the kind of strategic… again, reactive mode, but we're throwing money at the problem just to get the material in-house, so we can meet customer expectations.?ROZ: On the Importance of Customer Advocacy “So this company got very used to being spoiled, I guess you could say. And they lost sight of their customer-advocating, you know, personality. They lost their humble, and which is what it takes to start a business. You know, when you start a business, you first get into the industry, any industry for that matter, you've got to have humble, or you're not going to go very far, you're not going to get started. So, anyways, this company, they lost their humble, and the customers all pounded their fist on the desks, and they complained and complained, and they went to the primes and said, 'Look at how we're being treated.' And you know, it takes a lot to get a company like, say, for example, Boeing, to change a blueprint or frozen planning, right? That's like a miracle.” Connect with Lindsay and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Lindsay Smith | InsightConnect with Tim and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Tim Wise | Tight Lines Consulting Connect with Mike and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Mike Romeyn | SourceDayConnect with Roz and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:Roz Lowe | Delta Hi-TechConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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 today's episode of Another Ducking Digest, Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith delve into the intricacies of manufacturing supply chain department budgeting. Each manufacturer's unique supply chain warrants distinct budget models, influenced by factors like industry, expenditure levels, market dynamics, commodity characteristics, sourcing methods, pricing contracts, and tariff implications. The budgeting process can be as intricate or as simplistic as desired, ranging from a comprehensive assessment of historical data and market demand trends to cost considerations, technology integration, risk management, supplier relationships, and workforce development.  They emphasize the importance of aligning the budget with both corporate objectives and 2024 supply chain strategies, engaging key stakeholders, and staying informed about industry developments and peer use cases.

In this episode of What the Duck?! Sarah Scudder brings together a panel of seasoned experts – Bo Bradshaw, Sarah Hardecopf, and Mike Ryan – to delve deep into the world of supply chain intricacies. They share their journeys and real-life tales, covering topics like wrangling inventory, the critical importance of precise bills of materials, nurturing supplier relationships, grappling with prolonged lead times, and even the surprising role of sales. Throughout, the theme of cross-functional collaboration shines, underlining the need for strong supplier connections and adaptability in our ever-evolving markets. This episode offers a personal touch to the vital role of supply chain management in today's business landscape, providing invaluable insights for professionals navigating these complex waters. SHOW HIGHLIGHTSInventory Management and Addressing Inventory DiscrepanciesThe Importance of Accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) Supplier Relationships and Creative Problem-SolvingDealing with Extended Lead Times and Sourcing AlternativesThe Role of Sales in Supply Chain Management MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDMIKE: On Inventory Problems “It’s interesting because typically, you know, people tend to forget that inventory is an output. It's the result of the balance or imbalance between supply and demand. So, if there is a mountain of inventory or a molehill of inventory, it's a direct result of something upstream. It could be an optimistic sales forecast; it could be a procurement agent that got a bargain and bought a year's supply of a raw material.”BO: The Importance of Accurate Bill of Materials (BOMs)“In addition to making sure that the BOMs are accurate like Sarah mentions, you've also got to make sure that the engineers that are putting the BOMs together are taking the technical ownership for what they need the BOM for. So, that they understand what is available, what may be going end of life, what may be going into service, what the new replacement is. Is it like for like? Does it need to be qualified internally? All of those kinds of things, because what we see a lot is a tendency to go to procurement for those things.”SARAH: How to Deal with Long Lead Times “In the industries that I've worked in, is that a lot of the challenges that we saw was, you know, these crazy long lead times. There was, you know, when I was in aluminum, just the sheer lead time to get something within two weeks now is taking 30 weeks. And a lot of it was based off of kind of the raw commodity struggles with when it came to aluminum. Just getting the raw billets into the aluminum press manufacturers, they were hugely constrained.” Connect with Bo and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Bo Bradshaw | Drax GroupConnect with Sarah and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:Sarah Hardecorpf | Tron Solutions GroupConnect with Mike and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Mike Ryan | The M. Ryan GroupConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |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?!

Today we're diving into the ever-evolving world of supply chain management in 2023. Joining Sarah and  Lindsay as they unravel the intricate image of an effective supply chain practitioner.They start by sifting through the clutter: from sourcing all the parts to navigating cost-saving strategies and coping with constant changes. It's a demanding field where long hours are often the norm.They then offer a peripheral critique, noting the importance of staying engaged, transitioning from tactical to strategic thinking, and keeping a positive attitude to avoid becoming the office complainer. Observations reveal that branding oneself as tactical may not yield the rewards you deserve. Instead, focus on offering solutions, tackling MRP issues head-on, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts with other departments.The supply chain landscape is in constant flux, so continuous learning is key. Dive into AI, embrace ERP add-ons, and sharpen your skills in Excel, Power BI, Python, and Panda. Keep an eye on China Dynamics and freight rate changes.Communication is the linchpin of success—share your wins, challenges, and adapt to changes. Reinforce the broad scope of your role by connecting with peers and fostering collaboration across the organization.