Stuart O'Brien, Author at Total Supply Chain Summit | Forum Events Ltd - Page 4 of 55

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Stuart O'Brien

SAVE THE DATE: Total Supply Chain Summit – May 2024

If you couldn’t make last week’s Total Supply Chain Summit, don’t panic! The first of our 2023 events will take place on May 13th & 14th 2024. It’s free for you to attend and could help you reduce your expenditure by matching you up with innovative suppliers who match your business requirements. So register today to secure your place (live and virtual attendance options are available). Here’s why you should attend:
  • As one of our guests, you will be provided with a bespoke itinerary of face-to-face meetings with suppliers based on mutual agreement. No hard sell, and no time wasted.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to attend insightful seminars and interactive workshops.
  • Network with 60+ other supply chain professionals who share your challenges.
  • Enjoy complimentary lunch and refreshments.
Taking place at the Radisson Red Hotel & Conference Centre Heathrow, the Total Supply Chain Summit provides a platform for new business connections. But act swiftly! Register today!

Do you specialise in Order Fulfilment? We want to hear from you!

Each month on Supply Chain Briefing we’ll be shining the spotlight on a different part of the logistics market – and in November we’ll be focussing on Order Fulfilment.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help supply chain industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re an Order Fulfilment specialist and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Nick Stannard on n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk.

Nov – Order Fulfilment
Dec – Transport Planning & Load Optimisation
Jan 2024 – Delivery Management
Feb 2024 – Distribution
Mar 2024 – Forecasting
Apr 2024 – Warehouse Management Software
May 2024 – Total End-to-End Solutions
Jun 2024 – Cost Reductions
Aug 2024 – Logistics & Operations Management
Sept 2024 – Labelling & Packaging
Oct 2024 – 3PL & 4PL

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

80% of supply chain not accounted for in current digital decision models

The vast majority of the supply chain environment is uncaptured by supply chain decision makers’ current digital models, resulting in digital trade-off analysis failing to improve outcomes, despite the potentially transformative capabilities of these new tools.

Digital trade-off analysis includes things such as what-if analysis, scenario modeling, or simulations. Digital trade-off analysis offers improvements in analytical power and clarity when processes are adhered to and enabled with high-quality data.

“The ‘digital-to-reality gap’ will continue to hamper supply chain performance objectives unless technology investments are complemented by enabling decision support for local, cross-functional decision makers, who have better visibility into the hidden and often undigitized elements of the supply chain,” said Suzie Petrusic, Senior Director Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain Practice.

Gartner’s research, based on an analysis of 600 survey responses of supply chain decision makers received in December 2022, found that current use of digital models to analyze trade-offs made no meaningful impact on the rate of good decision outcomes.

Slightly more bad decisions were made with the use of digital tradeoff analysis than without and marginally increased the percentage of bad decision outcomes. The research defined a “good” decision as one that led to and met the decision maker’s expected supply chain performance and cost outcomes with low decision maker regret (See Figure 1).

Figure 1: Digital Analysis of Trade Offs on CSCO Decision Making

Source: Gartner (September 2023)

“More than half of supply chain leaders reliant on digital technology to make a recent strategic decision (e.g., S&OP decisions, network design decisions, or disruption response decisions) told us that they felt they would have landed on better decision outcomes without the use of their models, and our analysis suggests that they are correct,” said Petrusic.

“The fault is not just with technology itself, but rather with the incomplete picture of the supply chain that these digital tools capture,” added Petrusic. “Up to 80% of the actual, on-the-ground processes that these technology investments are meant to be ‘optimizing’ are not even reflected in current digital models.”

CSCOs are faced with two primary paths forward to improve end-to-end visibility and better decision outcomes: global or local, cross-functional strategies. A global strategy continues down the path of full digitalization including distilling complex end-to-end processes into a fully digital model and achieving a level of process adherence that has thus far eluded supply chain leaders.

A second strategy calls for empowering localized and cross-functional leaders already present throughout an organization’s supply chain with decision rights. These decision makers, who benefit from visibility unavailable to their global counterparts and can make use of the technology already available to them, have been shown to make good decisions 11% more often than global, end-to-end decision makers. By augmenting this human visibility through digital trade-off analysis technology, these local decision makers are 83% more likely to make a good decision than a bad one.

“A shift to relying more on a localized approach does not mean that CSCOs’ digital or globalization playbooks need to be reinvented, but it does suggest that some adjustments can be made where localized, bottom-up processes can provide both a more realistic picture on the ground and a better basis for digitizing process segments that would otherwise elude a top-down, global approach,” said Petrusic.

For CSCOs concerned with improving strategic decision-making and digital ROI, Petrusic recommends:

  1. Localizing more strategic decisions to a cross-functional level
  2. Digitizing the human element of local, cross-functional decision models
  3. Accelerating the digitization of supply chain’s end-to-end processes

Image by Fathromi Ramdlon from Pixabay

3PL MONTH: How to choose the right partners for your business

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, third-party logistics (3PL) solutions play an indispensable role for many UK-based businesses. These external service providers can undertake various logistics functions, streamlining operations for businesses. However, choosing the right 3PL partner is pivotal. Below are the essential considerations UK supply chain professionals should take into account, based on input for delegates and suppliers attending the Total Supply Chain Summit…

  1. Scope of Services:
    • Diverse Offerings: Ensure the 3PL offers a range of services, from warehousing to transportation and more.
    • Customisability: The ideal 3PL partner should be flexible enough to tailor their offerings to your specific needs.
  2. Technological Capabilities:
    • Modern Systems: A 3PL partner should utilise contemporary management systems to ensure efficient operations.
    • Integration: Ensure their systems can seamlessly integrate with your current software, such as ERP or inventory management tools.
  3. Geographical Coverage:
    • Local and Global: Depending on your needs, assess the geographic areas the 3PL covers, both domestically and internationally.
    • Network Density: A dense network can lead to reduced costs and faster deliveries.
  4. Reliability and Experience:
    • Track Record: Examine the 3PL’s history, giving priority to those with proven expertise in your industry.
    • Financial Stability: A financially stable 3PL is likely to be more reliable in the long term.
  5. Cost and Value:
    • Transparent Pricing: Ensure clarity in their pricing structure, including any additional or hidden fees.
    • Return on Investment: While cost is essential, assess the overall value they bring through efficiency, reliability, and expertise.
  6. Regulatory and Compliance Adherence:
    • Industry Standards: The 3PL should adhere to relevant industry regulations and standards, ensuring your products are handled appropriately.
    • Sustainability: With growing emphasis on green logistics, consider their environmental policies and practices.
  7. Scalability:
    • Growth Accommodation: As your business grows, the 3PL should have the capacity to scale with you.
    • Flexibility: Seasonal or market-driven fluctuations should be manageable by the chosen partner.
  8. Communication and Customer Service:
    • Effective Communication: Quick response times and open channels of communication are crucial.
    • Proactive Problem-Solving: The 3PL should not only address issues as they arise but anticipate and prevent potential challenges.
  9. Cultural Fit:
    • Shared Values: Alignment in business values and corporate culture can lead to a smoother partnership.
    • Strategic Alignment: Both parties should share similar strategic goals for the partnership to be effective.
  10. Contract Terms and Exit Strategy:
  • Clear Contracts: Clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and terms can prevent potential conflicts.
  • Exit Clauses: Consideration should be given to contract termination, ensuring a smooth transition if the need arises.

Selecting the right 3PL partner in the UK requires a comprehensive approach, evaluating multiple factors. By considering the points mentioned above, supply chain professionals can form strategic alliances that deliver value, efficiency, and growth to their businesses.

Are you on the hunt for a 3PL partner for your business? The Total Supply Chain Summit can help!

Image by EFAFLEX_Schnelllauftore from Pixabay

Total Supply Chain Summit: Registration closing for next week’s big event!

The Total Supply Chain Summit takes place next week – This is your last chance to register your FREE place!

Date: 16th & 17th October

Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport

The Summit is a must attend event, bringing together industry professionals with leading suppliers, for 1-2-1 meetings, to create valuable networking opportunities in the logistics, warehouse and supply chain industry, completely free of charge! – Add your name to the guest list HERE

Suppliers attending include;

Sofco

Castle Industrial Supplies

ALS Customs Services

Infor

Aramex Delivery Solutions

Auctane

EXOTEC

Great Bear

JLL

Beacon

Zencargo

Mercury Gate

Metafour

Objectivity Limited

Pallite Group

RANDEX

World Transport Agency

Kerry Logistics

Dexory

BMB Logistics

Brother

What’s included?

🤝 A personalised itinerary of one-to-one meetings with solution providers

☕ Lunch and refreshments included throughout the event

👋 Networking breaks to build valuable connections within your field

💬 A seat at our insightful seminar sessions (included in your itinerary)

💤 Free overnight accommodation at the venue – Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester

🥂 An invitation to our gala dinner with a showcase of entertainment

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK – Register your free place here!

These are the solutions supply chain & logistics professionals need for 2023/24

Logistics Management, 3PL and Distribution are topping the list of solutions the UK’s supply chain and logistics professionals are sourcing for 2023/24, according to our exclusive research.

The findings have been revealed in the run up to the Total Supply Chain Summit, which takes place on October 16th & 17th in Manchester and are based on delegate requirements.

Delegates registering to attend are asked which solutions they needed to invest in during 2023/24 and beyond.

Supply Chain Planning and Delivery Management rounded out the Top 5.

Top 10 technologies being sourced by Total Supply Chain Summit delegates 2023/24:

Logistics Management

3PL

Distribution

Supply Chain Planning

Delivery Management

Operations Management

Forecasting

Inventory Optimisation

End to End Solutions

Distribution Centres/Warehousing

Sarah Beall, Managing Director at Forum Events & Media, said: “The way we match buyers and suppliers at the Total Supply Chain Summit gives us a unique insight into the types of products and services the industry is looking for right now. Not only does it mean we can deliver a highly-targeted B2B event with proven outcomes for all attendees, but we can deliver valuable insights into how the market is developing at what is a hugely exciting time for all stakeholders.”

To find out more about the Total Supply Chain Summit, visit https://totalsupplychainsummit.co.uk.

For more information about the buying trends data and the Total Supply Chain Summit, contact Nick Stannard on 01992 374092 | n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Logistics Planning: A game-changer for supply chain professionals?

The supply chain domain, particularly logistics planning, has always been fraught with complexities and uncertainties. From fluctuating demand to unforeseen disruptions, supply chain professionals grapple with a myriad of challenges daily. However, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into logistics is providing them with the tools to navigate this intricate landscape more efficiently and effectively. Here’s how AI is revolutionising logistics planning…

  1. Demand Forecasting:
    • Function: AI algorithms, by analysing historical data, market trends, and even external factors like weather or local events, can predict demand with higher accuracy.
    • Benefit: Accurate demand forecasting allows supply chain professionals to optimise inventory levels, reduce carrying costs, and ensure timely fulfilment of orders.
  2. Route Optimisation:
    • Function: AI can process vast datasets related to traffic patterns, weather conditions, and roadwork disruptions to determine the most efficient routes for shipments.
    • Benefit: This results in faster delivery times, reduced fuel consumption, and lower operational costs.
  3. Dynamic Pricing in Freight:
    • Function: AI tools can adjust freight pricing in real-time based on various factors, including demand and capacity, fuel prices, and competitor rates.
    • Benefit: Dynamic pricing ensures that transportation costs are always optimised, leading to cost savings and enhanced profitability.
  4. Predictive Maintenance:
    • Function: AI can predict when machinery, vehicles, or equipment are likely to fail by analysing usage data and identifying patterns leading up to past breakdowns.
    • Benefit: Predictive maintenance reduces downtime, extends the lifespan of equipment, and ensures smooth operations.
  5. Automated Customer Service:
    • Function: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide real-time updates on shipments, answer queries, and even process claims, all without human intervention.
    • Benefit: This enhances the customer experience and frees up human resources for more strategic tasks.
  6. Supplier Relationship Management:
    • Function: AI systems can analyse supplier performance data to identify which suppliers are consistently meeting criteria and which may need re-evaluation.
    • Benefit: This ensures that the supply chain is backed by reliable partners, reducing the risk of disruptions.
  7. Warehouse Management:
    • Function: AI-driven robots and systems can automate tasks such as picking, packing, and restocking. These systems can also predict which products will be in demand, optimising warehouse layout accordingly.
    • Benefit: Automation increases warehouse efficiency, reduces errors, and ensures that products are always available for dispatch.
  8. Risk Management:
    • Function: By analysing global events, market shifts, and historical disruptions, AI can forecast potential risks to the supply chain.
    • Benefit: Advanced warning allows professionals to implement contingency plans, ensuring the continuous flow of goods.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in streamlining and enhancing logistics planning becomes more pronounced. Supply chain professionals leveraging AI are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their domain, ensuring that goods move efficiently, cost-effectively, and punctually from origin to destination. The result is a more resilient, agile, and responsive supply chain, ready to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced world.

Learn more about how AI is impacting supply chain logistics at the Total Supply Chain Summit.

Image by Kevin Schwarz from Pixabay

Do you specialise in 3PL or 4PL? We want to hear from you!

Each month on Supply Chain Briefing we’ll be shining the spotlight on a different part of the logistics market – and in October we’ll be focussing on 3PL & 4PL.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help supply chain industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a 3PL or 4PL specialist and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Nick Stannard on n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk.

Oct – 3PL & 4PL Nov – Order Fulfilment Dec – Transport Planning & Load Optimisation Jan 2024 – Delivery Management Feb 2024 – Distribution Mar 2024 – Forecasting Apr 2024 – Warehouse Management Software May 2024 – Total End-to-End Solutions Jun 2024 – Cost Reductions Aug 2024 – Logistics & Operations Management Sept – Labelling & Packaging Image by ha11ok from Pixabay

3PL demand helps personalised packaging provider Penny Black raise £1.5m

Personalised packaging start up Penny Black has secured additional £1.5 million investment from AGFA and VC investor ninepointfive, with it’s solutions proving popular with retail and third party logistics centres.

Both investment funds were triggered by the partnerships and wins across the UK and Europe, with the business having shown steady month-on-month growth and attracted a number of new customers. These include sustainable toothbrush retailer SURI, gin brand Warner’s Distillery and health supplements retailer Zooki.

Retailers and third-party logistics centres (3PLs) have been attracted to the easy-to-use marketing technology to help differentiate themselves from competitors.

“The moment consumers open their order will be an opportunity for brands to entice and retain consumers, helping them drive more revenue from existing customers,” said Penny Black CEO, Douglas Franklin. “Our software seamlessly connects ecommerce stores, marketing tools, warehouse management systems and fulfilment centres, making sure brands can bring in customer data and create hyper-personalised experiences and printed material that delights customers the moment they open purchases.”

Penny Black’s marketing SaaS tool for ecommerce brands is already being deployed across Europe by global fulfilment providers like Radial, Elanders, I-Fulfilment and Schroeders.

“3PL companies currently struggle to personalise ecommerce packages and can’t do much beyond mass-printed, one-design, gift notes thrown inside. Our unique offering helps automate a revenue-boosting process for on-demand, beautifully-designed printouts, specifically geared towards each customer, location, product or package,” Franklin explains.

Recent trials of Penny Black’s solution showed that retailers saw a measurable uplift in online sales after running personalisation campaigns. The toothbrush retailer, SURI, used Penny Black inserts to drive customer referrals and saw referral share rates up to 30% per cent, driving more customers to discover the brand for the first time. Other brands managed to equate up to an additional £2.20 in revenue per insert sent.

“Penny Black’s personalised inserts increased the size of our loyal customer base by six times; and once customers are in the community, their lifetime value (of sales) automatically rises. We can invite loyal repeat buyers to join the club, interact with fellow customers and take them on a physical journey of education and delight,” says Krisi Smith, Co-Founder at British tea retailer Bird & Blend Tea Co.

“As a young direct-to-consumer brand, enhancing our unboxing experience is a crucial growth opportunity for us. With Penny Black’s platform, we’re already seeing some brilliant results and delighting our customers. The integration with our 3PL was super simple, the personalisation process is intuitive, and with regular testing and iterating, Penny Black has helped us unlock tremendous value through this channel,” says Gyve Safavi, Co-Founder and CEO of SURI.

“Penny Black has solved the problem of creating a personalised unpacking experience for consumers in the world of ecommerce. The technology allows us to produce highly personalised campaigns, printed on-demand in our distribution centres, with engaging communications that elevate the consumer experience. This adds value to the service we provide to brands and delivers a solution that few other 3PLs can rival,” says Kevin Rogers, MD of Elanders UK.

Reflecting on the company’s swift ascent, Douglas Franklin, CEO at Penny Black, added: “The moment consumers receive their online orders is the only touchpoint left for ecommerce brands to have a physical connection with them. Brands need to surprise and delight customers to secure their loyalty, especially when acquiring new ones can be so expensive. Riding the wave of global growth in ecommerce, we’re delighted to be attracting more interest. And this latest boost in investment will help us develop even further.”

The UK tech startup first launched in the UK and Europe in April 2022. AGFA and 9.5 had the vision to support the business with an initial investment of £1.3m in October 2022. This further £1.5m investment is to help accelerate growth.

From planning to automation: The Total Supply Chain Summit seminars have you covered

The Total Supply Chain Summit isn’t just an event that connects you to key supply chain and logistics suppliers, it also educates via seminars delivered by some the industry’s premier thought leaders. Here are three of the sessions your free delegate pass includes..

“Streamlining planning to streamline production – A Case Study”

A case study on the deployment of the sofco production planning and scheduling system at Husqvarna’s UK Lawnmower Plant which transformed the planning process from a complex and unsustainable excel to a dynamic constrained planning system.

Introduction to Husqvarna and sofco
What were the drivers for Husqvarna to change the planning process?
Solution Overview
Project structure and delivery
Project Results and Key Learnings

Presented by: Jonathan Ogg, Senior Solution Architect – Sofco Ltd

“The Future of your career in an automated world”

Technology is changing how we manage supply chains at a remarkable rate, but are the people equipped with the skills to embrace this new era?

Where are we now
What is the future
What skills do you need
How will you get them

Presented by: Andrew Daley, Managing Director Digital Procurement & Supply Chain

“Like The Humans Do”

Can AI replace your PR, content or social media providers? Are we, the humans, about to be shown the door? Let’s unpack the basics, specific to the supply chain sector.

Recognise the unique communication challenges of the supply chain sector.
Be able to differentiate between AI, Machine Learning and Large
Language Models, as these relate to logistics and supply chain.
Recognise what AI does better and what humans do better – and understand where there are overlaps that you can leverage.
Develop a set of where-to-from-heres, specific to supply chain companies, that span marketing, messaging and communication.
Understand how to craft an efficient, effective prompt for a generative AI writing tool.

Presented by: Tiffany Markman, CEO, TMWT

16th and 17th October, Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport

BOOK HERE

Your complimentary pass includes;

  • Your own personalised itinerary of meetings with suppliers
  • Access to 4 insightful seminar sessions
  • Free overnight accommodation, all meals, and refreshments throughout
  • Invitation to our evening drinks reception & evening dinner
  • Networking opportunities with fellow experts including those from; AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Aldi Stores Lt, Asd, Carrington Workwear Ltd, Harlequin Design (London) Ltd, Heineken, Kingfisher plc, Kurt Geiger, Libra Chemicals Ltd, Manors Golf Apparel, Matalan, Network Rail, Nichols Plc, Nissan Motor UK, Premier Foods, Superdry, Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Vertical Aerospace, Warburtons, Whitbread PLC, and many more.

BOOK HERE