I helped to kick off a SAP Bootcamp for my APICS (#1 trade association for supply chain management) chapter in combination with our partner, Cal State University, San Bernardino. Cal State University San Bernardino is one of the only universities I am familiar with that teaches students about ERP [...]
I'm in process of teaching my first APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) session, and earlier today I taught a section on CRM. In addition, I've been helping clients select the "right" ERP system to best meet their business priorities, and CRM has emerged as a top priority. The [...]
On Friday and Saturday, my APICS Chapter hosted the APICS West Coast Student Case Competition. I happened to lead the Student Case Competition committee as well, and so I was immersed. It was a popular event as we had close to 100 students from universities throughout Southern California, AZ, [...]
I've been receiving an increased number of calls lately about impacts from the ports - some referred potential clients trying to figure out how to survive through the port slowdown to client concerns about components and equipment expected to come through the port to impacts on inventory costs and [...]
Published January 30, 2015 I always look for trends as I find that the 80/20 of success comes from watching and proactively addressing trends. This week, it has been obvious that if we are NOT willing to take prudent risk, things are likely to go awry. For example, if [...]
Published February 6, 2015 I've had a few client situations arise this week which brings the critical importance of implementation to the forefront. The best plans are useless if not implemented. Similarly, I'd take a "good" plan with an exceptional implementation team any day over a "great" plan with [...]
Published January 23, 2015 We commonly hear the phrase "Do it right the first time". Of course, generally speaking, who wouldn't want to do that? Waste is bad. However, I've found that there is a time when doing it right the first time is NOT the path to success [...]
Published January 16, 2015 One of my clients had three sets of ERP system demos this week in a quest to select the best system to meet their business objectives. Not only is it a vital part of selecting the optimal system, I also find that it is always [...]
Published January 9, 2015 I started writing this about supply chain strategy, and I might go back to that topic next week as I was preparing to teach an APICS CSCP (certified supply chain professional) class tomorrow; however, I was diverted on a conference call that compelled me to [...]
Published January 2, 2015 On the 2nd day of 2015, I'm reminded of the power of relationships. I just finished a lunch with a wonderful, 20-year friend and former colleague, and this topic is top of mind. What could be more important in our personal and business lives? The [...]
