Topics for Tailoring:
· The trap of traditional practices
· Long range supplier planning and visibility
· Supplier scheduling for streamlined communication and synchronization
· Simple replenishment tools such as demand pull, Kanban, etc.
· Vendor managed inventory (VMI)
· Managing relationships and time zones
· Reducing supplier lead times for mutual benefit
· Organizational effects of new scheduling practices
· Working with suppliers and carriers to lower transportation costs
· Total purchase costs vs. invoice price
· Reducing costs and paperwork
· New concepts in negotiation
· Improving supplier flexibility / agility
· Involving suppliers in new product design and development
· Supplier consolidation
· Business-to-business, e-commerce, EDI – using the internet to improve the accuracy and timeliness of communication
· Performance measurements – constructing a “supplier report card”
· Supplier certification programs