When dealing with day-to-day manufacturing requirements, customer demands, inventory and sourcing challenges it can be difficult to assess continuing and developing organisational needs, and to future proof your supply chain systems. This systems process can rejuvenate and help transform your SCM.

Revitalise your supply chain systems with a three-step approach

 

An overhaul in your systems and procedures should be geared to increasing efficiency and productivity in production processes and implementation. A comprehensive three-step approach ensures discovery and assessment of these.

1: Process Analysis and Systems Requirement
2: System Selection and Procurement
3: System Implementation

The definition and analysis phase looks at current business processes and pinpoints opportunities for enhancement or replacement of legacy processes. Is it better to introduce incremental improvements or is a more radical solution available and viable to put into practice.

Improving procurement and inventory supply requires assessment and evaluation of materials, parts and the supplier network. Once this is addressed, execution of the right service levels, pricing, availability, quality and other relevant criteria need to be factored in. At Acorn we specialise in consolidating these activities and providing an expert all-in-one solution to manage this.

Careful attention needs to be taken in all phases: set-up, testing and transition, to live execution (sunsetting legacy systems along the way). Rushing the implementation phases to 'off load' this organisational area once the reevaluation and solutions have been identified is a rookie error that should be avoided. This is a key phase that needs to be expertly managed to mitigate risks and provide as seamless as possible on-boarding of new processes and supply chain activity.

Whether you require a complete transformation, a need for local or timely provision based on market demands, or help in developing new capability, Acorn can provide in-depth knowledge, solid experience and the breadth of skills needed to apply to your needs.

Key questions to ask of your supply chain management

— Do opportunities exist through implementing better systems?
— Are we capturing enough data to measure and improve performance?
— Is communication with suppliers and customers effective?
— What areas do we need to develop for cost reduction and service improvement?
— Can we unlock competitive advantages with new approaches and reorganisation?

Advantages of new requirements and resourcing systems

— Upgrade of technologies and processes in line with latest industry advances
— Clearer purpose and remodelled processes that are more defined to organisation goals
— Cleaning of 'cruft' and legacy processes to streamline activity
— Gain clarity and intent in how suppliers, materials and parts are managed