December 30, 2016
I took the APICS CLTD (certified in logistics, transportation and distribution) exam yesterday (and passed!); therefore, I have been knee deep in logistics topics this week. Who knew logistics was such a BIG topic? Well, we have been excited at APICS-IE to start teaching this certification class as it is critical to manufacturing, distribution and transportation success. Since taking on CLTD, we have noticed an increased interest from people like the Wall Street Journal and, of course, the proactive supply chain professionals in Southern CA! If you don’t have the right product, at the right place, at the right time, in the right condition at the right cost etc., etc., your business will lose profits and potentially customers – quite a big deal!
Did you know Southern CA is #1 in NOT only manufacturing but also logistics in the U.S.? Are you thinking about logistics or does it just “happen”?
One tip to implement this week:
As I said, logistics is a large topic. There are 4 LARGE books for the CLTD exam. How about starting by taking an assessment of your area (such as Southern CA) or your company? Find out how important logistics is to your area and your company. It certainly HAS to be related if you move anything anywhere, have inventory etc. And, if you live in an area like Southern CA, it is vital to your life. Logistics is cornerstone to the economy and has global implications. Certainly the LA and Long Beach ports are the BIG daddy of all ports. The #2 port is a FAR smaller second in comparison. We have massive distribution centers, and manufacturing is nothing to blink about as #1! Imagine the opportunities.
Have you noticed how often paying attention can go a long way to starting progress?