Inventory management could as be defined as managing inventory with the primary objective been determining and controlling stock levels within the facility to balance the need for product availability against the need for minimizing stock holding and handling costs. A management system is an information system that is used by a business to ensure they can manage and fulfill their tasks through a framework of procedures and processes. Typical management systems are used to maintain data within an organization as well as ensuring data is shared accurately, or for the management of services or products offered. A management system could also be defined as the integration of traditional management methods with a computer system to create a tool for strategic and automated information management. An inventory management system is usually used to automate a sales order fulfillment process. These types of system are designed containing a structure whereby it contains Continue reading
Operations Management
Purchasing Policy – Principles and Implementation
Purchasing Policy Principles The major principles on which purchasing policies should be based are a sound orientation, reflect a cross —functional approach and be directed at improving the company’s bottom line. i. Business Orientation Developing a purchasing and supply strategy requires a thorough understanding of the company’s business policies. The following questions are important to determine how purchasing and supply strategies will need to support the company in meeting its goals and objectives:- What end-user market is the company targeting and what are the major developments going on in those markets? What competition is the company suffering from and what leeway does the company has in setting its own pricing policies? To what extent can material’s price increases can be passed onto the last customer or is it impossible? What changes are happening in the company’s product, production and information technologies? What investments will be made by the company in Continue reading
Components of Supply Chain
A supply chain is a network of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, transporters, storage facilities and retailers that perform functions like procurement and acquisition of material, processing and transformation of the material into intermediate and finished tangible goods, and finally, the physical distribution of the finished goods to intermediate or final customers. Major Components of Supply Chain A supply chain may consist of variety of components depending on the business model selected by a firm. A typical supply chain consists of the following components: Customers: The customer forms the focus of any supply chain. A customer activates the processes in a supply chain by placing an order with the retailer. The customer order is filled by the retailer, either form the existing inventories, or by placing a fresh order with the wholesaler/manufacturer. In some cases a customer bypasses all these supply chain components by getting in touch with the manufacturers directly. For Continue reading
Supply Chain Performance Measurement
The main objective of performance measurement is to provide valuable information which allows firms to improve the fulfillment of customers’ requirements and to meet firm’s strategic goals. It is therefore important to measure how effectively the customers’ requirements are met and how resources are efficiently used to reach a certain level of customer satisfaction. Supply chain performance measurement is used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational structures, processes and resources not only for one firm but also for the entire supply chain. It provides some basis for understanding the whole system, influence the behavior and supply information about the performance of the supply chain participants and stakeholders. Developing and using performance measures is an essential function of management. The usage of performance measurement systems also supports the objectives of transparency and a mutual understanding of the whole supply chain. Supply Chain Controlling One of the main tasks of Continue reading
5 Why Analysis – A Root Cause Analysis Tool
5 Why Analysis is a simple approach for exploring root causes and instilling a “Fix the root cause, not the symptom,” culture at all levels of a company. The 5 Why Analysis was originally developed by Toyota founder Sakichi Toyoda and was later used within Toyota Motor Corp. during the development of the Toyota Product System (TPS). At Toyota, 5 Whys is still a critical component of problem-solving training, and the method is still widely applied within the company when problems occur. “Toyota Business Practices dictates using the ‘Five Whys’ to get to the root cause of a problem, not the ‘Five Whos’ to find a fire the guilty party.” – Jeff Liker, The Toyota Way It can be used whenever the real cause of a problem or situation is not clear. Using the 5 Whys is a simple way to try solving a stated problem without a large detailed Continue reading
Basic Principles of Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management ensures maximum effectiveness and efficiency within a business and secures commercial leadership by putting in place process and systems which will promote excellence and prevent errors. It ensures that every aspect of the business is aligned to the customer needs and the advancement of business goals without duplication or waste of efforts. Different companies have different approaches to implement Total Quality Management (TQM). The following principles (which are common to all companies) must be adhered for the successful Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation: Continuous improvement. TQM is a long-term process that entails achieving improvements in the company’s operations. This means that management should establish targets for improvement and measure progress by using reliable criteria. The quest for quality and better service to the customer should be a continual, never-ending one. Competitors will seek to provide better service and customers will come to expect it. Hence, to cease Continue reading