Global Supply Chain Podcast

Supply Chain Consortium: Lessons from the Leaders

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:15:00 -0500

Benchmarking and best practices, as well as peer networking and learning from others, are important parts of the Supply Chain Consortium and help members succeed with their supply chains. In this podcast, lessons from the leaders in using benchmarking and best practices are discussed by Jim Tompkins, CEO of Tompkins Associates, and Bruce Tompkins, Executive Director of the Supply Chain Consortium. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/11-3-09_podcast30-lessons-from-leaders.asp

The Supply Chain Consortium: Membership and How to Join

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:15:00 -0500

The Supply Chain Consortium has three membership tiers that work for any company, including free membership options. Learn more about membership, benefits of joining, and how to join the benchmarking and best practices forum. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/10-20-09_podcast29-membership.asp

The Supply Chain Consortium: The Leadership Forum

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500

How does a benchmarking and best practices forum work? What do members get to access, and what other benefits are there? CEO Jim Tompkins and Executive Director of the Supply Chain Consortium, Bruce Tompkins, discuss the networking opportunities, special events, web-based reporting and data tools, and other aspects of membership in the Supply Chain Consortium's benchmarking and best practices forum. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/10-06-09_podcast28-benchmarking-forum.asp

The Supply Chain Consortium: The Process of Benchmarking and Best Practices

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:15:00 -0500

The Supply Chain Consortium: An Introduction to the Benchmarking and Best Practices Forum

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:15:00 -0500

A broad mix of industries and segments are represented through the 300 member companies of the Supply Chain Consortium, the benchmarking and best practices forum where members can input data and compare operations, establishing a baseline for future success. In this podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins, along with Executive Director of the consortium, Bruce Tompkins, discuss the establishment of the consortium, who it serves, how it is led and its basic philosophies and activities. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/9-1-09_podcast26-supply-chain-benchmarking1.asp

The Great Comeback Part 4 -- An Economic Update

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:45:00 -0500

What's happening in economic situations around the world this summer, and how does it affect your industry and your company? In this podcast, Jim Tompkins explains the effect of stimulus programs in Europe, Asia and the US, the importance and status of consumer confidence, and what expectations for recovery there are for specific industries. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/8-18-09_podcast25_greatcomeback4.asp

The Great Comeback Part 3 -- Your Recession Recovery Timeframe

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 4 Aug 2009 14:45:00 -0500

In this podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins points out what economists are saying about the end of the recession. Jim also relays a recent conversation in Washington, DC with a local taxi driver who shared his point of view on the end of the recession. This podcast continues the topic of post-recession strategy for recovery, growth and prosperity, dubbed the Great Comeback. Jim provides recovery timeframes by industry, talks about the reality of lead times, and notes the upcoming 2010 budget cycle will require planning for recovery. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/8-4-09_podcast24_great_comeback3.asp

The Great Comeback Part 2 -- Five Steps to Recovery and Growth

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:45:00 -0500

Now is the time for businesses to shake off the recession funk and invest time and energy into post-recession recovery and growth; in other words, time to plan for the Great Comeback. Research shows that companies who are timid or don't stay proactive during recessions often fail to maximize their value and potential. In this podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins lays out the specific five-step plan business leaders can follow to understand what they should plan for and what they need to do right now for post-recession success. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/7-21-09_podcast23_great_comeback2.asp

The Great Comeback, Part 1: Responding to the Recession

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:15:00 -0500

The Great Comeback, or the post-recession return to recovery, growth and prosperity, is already underway for some industries. What you need to do for your company's Great Comeback as recovery begins is explained in this first of a four-part series from CEO Jim Tompkins. Jim also explores how today's global supply chains may have affected the recessionary cycle for the first time ever. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/7-7-09_podcast22_great_comeback1.asp

Energy Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:25:00 -0500

Energy cost reduction is a hot topic, affected by worldwide demand for cleaner energy and the need to reduce costs in business operations. In this podcast, Tompkins Associates' CEO Jim Tompkins talks to the co-founder, President and CEO of American Energy Mike Moore about the importance of managing energy costs and usage. Mike and Jim discuss specific issues firms face when reducing energy costs, including the effects of energy management, the role of rebate programs, and an inside look at future greenhouse emission legislation possibilites. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/6-16-09_podcast21_energy.asp

Outsourcing Logistics Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:25:00 -0500

Some logistics outsourcing partnerships succeed with excellent results and lower operational costs, while others fail and create major expenses to fix. CEO Jim Tompkins and global logistics expert Valerie Bonebrake go over the reasons for these outcomes and the ingredients for success. Taking cost into account, Valerie also explains when to outsource and how to choose a good partner. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/6-2-09_podcast20_logistics_outsourcing.asp

Supply Chain IT Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:25:00 -0500

With the weakened economy's effects, companies looking to upgrade or change their supply chain IT should understand the pressure vendors are under and allow for no compromises in comparing what's available. IT expert Matt Wilkerson and CEO Jim Tompkins talk about the possibilities in this podcast. Learn how companies in today's environment can work with vendors to increase their competitive advantage, the latest trends in solution usage in today's market, and about cost reduction opportunities in the areas of demand planning, transportation planning and global trade management. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/05-19-09_podcast19_it_cost_reduction.asp

Inventory Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:05:00 -0500

Both a liability and an asset, inventory needs to be balanced so that an appropriate level of customer service is met while keeping down the cost it creates. In this podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins and inventory expert Ralph Cox find ways to reduce inventory and address its costs, both in up-front capital and other necessary investments into storage and other needs. They also examine how to reduce costs within three aspects of inventory: safety stock, cycle stock, and stocking policy. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/05-05-09_podcast18_inventory.asp

Material Handling Systems Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:10:00 -0500

If your material handling equipment is between five and ten years old, you most likely have an extra five to ten percent of capacity -- or more -- waiting to be tapped. Extra capacity can be found, which is especially important to reduce costs and capture that trapped capital in your systems. The reasons why efficiency drops in the first place, as well as specific ways to audit your systems and operations, are explored in this podcast by host Jim Tompkins and guest Paul Faber, MHE systems and implementation expert. Included is a real-life case study which illustrates what can be done to bring down costs with little up-front capital investment. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/4-21-09_podcast17_material_handling_systems.asp

Distribution Operations Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:27:00 -0500

In the distribution center, volume and growth can obscure a multitude of inefficiencies. Now is the time to correct the bad habits and rushed decisions of yesterday, especially in the DC, where there is great potential for higher efficiency and cost savings. In this podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins and distribution expert Brian Hudock explore how to find cost reduction in space utilization, labor, materials, energy and equipment, and by applying best practices. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/04-07-09_podcast16_distribution.asp

Transportation Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:50:00 -0500

How do you avoid cost reduction in transportation that cuts the wrong things and ignores tactics and strategy? Getting this balance right to reduce transportation costs is a hot issue, especially considering the volatility of the market. Vice president of transportation services Don Anderson joins CEO Jim Tompkins to discuss the opportunities in taking an aggressive approach, working within the framework of your existing strategies, deploying your resources in a way that produces success momentum, and adding resources both externally and internally. Among these strategies, Don includes a case study where a multi-million cost savings was found. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/03-17-09_podcast15_transportation_cost.asp

Asian Sourcing Cost Reduction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:15:00 -0500

Companies can find cost reduction in their Asian sourcing operations, as the global economic meltdown is creating unique stresses and opportunities for China, its industries, and its Western buyers. Steve Ganster, managing director of Technomic Asia, and Jim Tompkins, CEO of Tompkins Associates, explain in this podcast how a Western buyer can look to China for low-hanging fruit and more long-term cost reduction with the right response to the conditions currently in place. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/03-03-09-podcast14_asian_sourcing.asp

Supply Chain Cost Reduction as a Strategy

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:15:00 -0500

In this installment of the Global Supply Chain Podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins ushers in a new ongoing series on cost reduction. With this introductory podcast, Jim outlines the specific ways a company can intelligently and aggressively reduce costs while enabling future growth. A strategy is needed for cost reduction, instead of a blind 'cut, cut, cut' reaction that will only make things worse in the long run. He also encourages business leaders to remember that although the economic situation is tough right now, change and renewal are all a part of the natural circle of life. A full text transcript of this podcast and listening options are available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast/transcripts/02-17-09-podcast13_cost_reduction_strategy.asp

The 'Sell' Component of the Global Supply Chain

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:45:00 -0500

What does a supply chain have to do with selling? Isn't that the role of merchandising, marketing, retailing, and customer service? CEO Jim Tompkins hears that question a lot and asked Ralph Cox, an expert on the topic, to talk to him about the answer in this podcast. Not only do supply chains fill a crucial role in the planning and execution of the sell component of business, they are a key part of keeping customers satisfied and even delighted. A text transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

The 'Store' Component of the Global Supply Chain

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:13:00 -0500

There is much more to the store component of the supply chain than pallets going in and orders going out of the distribution center. In this podcast, Brian Hudock talks to CEO Jim Tompkins about the implications of storage, including considerations about inventory, the needs of the customer, and even the entire distribution network design. A text transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

Transportation: The 'Move' Component of the Global Supply Chain

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:46:00 -0500

A global supply chain by definition can't be global without transportation, making the 'move' component essential to get right. Jim's guest for this podcast focusing on transportation and related assets is Don Anderson, Vice President of Transportation Services. Don explains some of the surprising aspects of transportation and other 'move' services that are often overlooked by executives, as well as ways to reduce costs in this area while improving service levels and the impact of volatile fuel costs on a transportation strategy. A text transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

Manufacturing: The 'Make' Component of the Global Supply Chain

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0500

How do you compete with the trend of outsourcing manufacturing to low-cost countries? It can be as simple as increasing productivity. The best way to evaluate productivity and other benchmarks of competitive improvements is to measure, because you cannot improve what you cannot measure. Jim Tompkins, CEO of Tompkins Associates, invites Hans-Georg Scheibe, a CEO of ROI Management Consulting, based in Germany, to discuss thoughts on lean manufacturing, the importance of increased productivity, how to measure the right goals and more manufacturing issues. A text transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

The 'Buy' Component of the Global Supply Chain

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:05:00 -0500

Out of the five components of the supply chain -- from buy-make-move-store and sell -- the one cornerstone that will affect the success of all the others is 'buy'. In this podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins and Steve Ganster, CEO of Technomic Asia, discuss the important questions to ask and the planning needed to create a buying strategy that ensures quality, low cost, speed-to-market, consistency and safety. Jim and Steve touch on keeping the relationship between buyer and supplier strong, assessing China as a place to buy, and analyzing how buying decisions are being made today. A transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

Supply Chains In The Global Economic Downturn

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:38:00 -0500

As everyone wrings their hands over the global economic uncertainty affecting virtually every business in every country, Jim Tompkins sat down with global supply chain expert Gene Tyndall to discuss what business leaders can do to cut supply chain costs while continuing to serve customer needs. There is no doubt that we live in challenging times. But far from endorsing a 'wait and see' approach, Jim and Gene suggest that now is the time to act, and in this podcast they discuss how the supply chain can be the place to create competitive advantage. A transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

Supply Chain Partnerships And Supplier Relationship Management In Asia

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:52:00 -0500

When it comes to buyer-supplier relationships, cultural misinterpretations and miscommunication between West and East can be dismal, with disastrous effects on the supply chain. Misunderstandings originate from both sides of the ocean, creating costly and unexpected challenges that could have been avoided. In this podcast, CEO Jim Tompkins interviews Steve Ganster, CEO of Technomic Asia, based in Shanghai, China, who helps explain what is missing and how Supplier Relationship Management can fill the gaps for a solid partnership. A transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

The Rest of the Supply Chain Assessment Story

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0500

The supply chain story isn't over until it is improved by benchmarking processes against the best practices in the industry. CEO Jim Tompkins examines how he defines benchmarking and best practices and what makes them not only worthwhile, but essential. Jim interviews the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Consortium, an organization with nearly 200 member companies who use the consortium's tools to identify gaps and needed initatives in their operations. A transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

Identify the Correct Supply Chain Opportunities

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

Stuck in London's Heathrow airport, his flight canceled, with a to-do list 40 items long, CEO Jim Tompkins began to think about how his situation -- constant change, chaos all around, no time to finish everything and no way of prioritizing -- may symbolize how executives and supply chain leaders feel in today's globalized business environment. Jim interviews his business partner of 30 years, supply chain expert John Spain, about how this pressure can be best dealt with, while answering the question: Where is the best place to spend your time and energy in the global supply chain? A transcript of this podcast is available at http://www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast

Globalization: Separating Facts from Fiction

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0500

Jim Tompkins, CEO of Tompkins Associates, noticed that there seemed to be more misinformation available than truth about globalization and business in China. In this podcast, he touches on three reasons why manufacturing won't return to the US, the impact of fuel costs on transportation in a supply chain, quality and recalls, and other myths.

Having a Great Global Supply Chain

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:10:00 -0500

Two possibilities can exist for a company's global supply chain: It can either be the key to victory in the marketplace or the Achille's heel of the organization. Listen to the podcast for Jim Tompkins' tips on creating a strong global supply chain.

Stop Debating Globalization: It's a Reality

info@tompkinsinc.com (Tompkins Associates) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:14:30 -0500

Jim Tompkins, CEO of Tompkins Associates, offers his first podcast with an exploration of globalization facts versus fiction and the burning reasons your company needs a strategy to compete. Click the link to listen, or for a text transcript, go to www.tompkinsinc.com/podcast, where you can also register to win the book Bold Leadership by Jim Tompkins.