A fresh look at Supply Chain Management

May 17th, 2010 at 08:43am David Bush - Iasta

Last month I met with Reuben Slone, a highly respected supply chain executive with OfficeMax.  During the meeting, we had extended discussion of the effort that it takes to publish a book such as the one he just released through the Harvard Business Press. It was fascinating to hear about the peer review process and length of time it takes for a book like this to actually get to market.

I encourage you to read this book as it contains powerful real world examples and strategies for supply chain mangers to C-level executives.

Here is a brief description of the book and what a couple of people have thought of the book.

In The New Supply Chain Agenda, Reuben Slone, J. Paul Dittmann, and John Mentzer explain how to reinvent your supply chain to avoid those errors—and turn your supply chain into a competitive weapon that produces unprecedented economic profit for your firm.

Drawing on a wealth of company examples, the authors show how to activate the five levers of supply chain excellence:

• Putting the right people with the right skills in the right jobs
• Leveraging supply chain technologies such as system optimization and visibility tools
• Eliminating cross-functional disconnects, including SKU proliferation
• Collaborating with suppliers and customers to generate a seamless flow of information and supply chain improvements
• Managing supply chain projects skillfully

Apply the steps in this book, and you build a supply chain that delivers as it should—without leaving money on the table.

Comments/Reviews of the Book

“As recognition of the potential organizational performance benefits from superior supply chain management continues to work its way into board rooms, C-level execs have needed a guide to help them understand how something that happens on a loading dock 8000 miles from home can influence their earnings per share on Wall Street the next day. This book provides that guide, using real life examples experienced by the authors. Every aspiring executive of a firm that sources, makes, stores or moves products should read this book..as should the bankers who invest in these “real world” companies!! I recommend it strongly.”

“As a supply chain executive, I have read several journals, books etc and quite honestly of late I have been hungry for some new, relevant and meaningful learning. This book truly stands out and offers something valuable to learn. An outstanding blend of technical, social and strategic insight in a field that is rapidly becoming a differentiator for companies. This book offers powerful ideas that are truly applicable in the real world of supply chain management. A must read for senior supply chain executives. Not only does this book dive deep into powerful supply chain concepts relevant in today’s world, it also provides unique and valuable insight into the social challenges of the field – hiring the right talent, internal and external collaboration, change management all the way up to the boardroom etc.”

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If you would like to learn more about the book we have attached a link to its amazon page below. Click here to view the book.

Entry Filed under: Analysts/Research, General, Supply Management Best Practices