Outsource Process Management

Close the loop with suppliers to improve inbound visibility Building an efficient warehouse operation starts with taking control of what is coming in the back door.   We are amazed at how frequently warehouse teams are asked to manage inbound receipts without adequate visibility of what is expected.  Without this information, it is impossible to plan […]

Collaboration is key in critical outsourcing relationships In the early part of my supply chain career, I spent several years managing key accounts on behalf of a third-party logistics and supply chain service provider.  Working with large multinational clients, we had an opportunity to learn and observe different supplier management styles.     From the demanding […]

  For most, the benefits of outsourcing are far-reaching, from leveraging specialised knowledge, to expanding your markets, channels, and service offerings.  For some the reality is challenging, and it can take more time than expected initially, to become accustomed to working together as outsource partners.   For others, challenges being experienced have begun to frustrate, and […]

Using supplier scorecards to align performance As we noted in our recent post on KPIs and metrics, a strong metrics framework is needed to manage supply chain processes on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.  Here we look at best practices in outsource supply chain governance, with some thoughts around supplier scorecards. Supplier scorecards are […]

  Selling your B2B outsource solution – the online sales meeting The arrival of Covid-19 has turned the B2B sales world somewhat upside down.   Maintaining contact with your clients and providers has moved online, international visits haven’t gone ahead, and at times it feels like the B2B channel is now almost entirely virtual. 3PLs, 4PLs, […]

Lorraine Hagerty, Principal, Client Operations, spoke at last week’s National Manufacturing and Supply Chain event in Dublin, on the topic ‘Tips for Successful Supply Chain Outsourcing’. Lorraine’s talk featured an overview of outsourcing and insourcing, internal change and what to consider for successful outsourcing partnerships.

Suppliers – Getting the most from each other Increases in steel prices, shipping delays, logistics costs and labour shortages are just some of the factors that are creating upwards pressure on input prices.  In a constrained environment, simple tender processes are unlikely to offset market pressures.  A structured approach, however, to the management of spend […]

Working with suppliers in a difficult logistics market Supply chain procurement and logistics teams are currently facing challenging times, with market prices for freight running at multiples of historic levels.   Container shortages, driver shortages, port closures due to Covid-19 restrictions, port delays due to labour shortages and an increased supplier concentration, are all contributing to […]

Assessing third party outsourcing partnerships Much of the frustration with outsource partnerships stems from poor alignment on objectives, and capabilities from the outset.  A successful outsource partnership can enable revenue, cost, sustainability, and other supply chain objectives, but it takes a mutual commitment and effort to succeed. Here are our top 7 tips as you […]

Supply chain partner selection in a travel constrained world In March, many companies paused plans to assess new supply chain partners. Our traditional processes of tenders, meetings, and site visits were disrupted, and consideration was given to waiting out the process. By April it was clear that we would be living with the impact of Covid-19 for many quarters and like many […]