Not that many years ago, the term Distribution was mostly used for the service within the company that was in charged for moving the goods around, according the needs of sales and customers. The supply chain concept, as we know it today, was not known at that time.
Since Warehousing was separate segment at that time, as a different function within company, the link between Distribution and Warehouse was loosed.
As the demand of the market was growing, these two functions finally merged into Logistic. Still there were warehouse and trucks, but the border was more transparent, links stronger, some assets shared, cost reduced, service to market better. It was a step in the evolution.
Finally, the next step was integration of Logistics ( Distribution and Warehouse ) with Production and Procurement into united function – Supply Chain. Now all functions that were separate not that long time ago, are now aligned in the logical sequence.
The most of the companies are utilizing five supply chain components in order to bring products to the marketplace. The five SC components are Suppliers, Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, and Consumers/Customers.
The most of the companies are utilizing all five components in order to provide products to the market. Still, not all companies are using the same SC model. Some companies are skipping the distributors component of the supply chain. These companies simply takes orders, product is manufactured and shipped directly to the consumer.
Supply chain management plays a very important role within the company, since it generates most of the costs of the company, due to the width and complexity of the function ( procurement, manufacturing, warehouse, distribution ). Any inefficiency can create tremendous negative impact to the company. On the other hand, good supply chain management can bring significant benefits to the company.
Thanks to the development of technology the different decades brought the following shifts:
1970s. Companies were focused on making internal changes, based on inventory reduction.
1980s. This decade brought three major changes in supply chain management: focus on re-engineering of supply chain cost structures to lower operating costs and assets, shift from costs reduction towards improving customer service and internal integration of logistics within companiy.
1990s. Customer service continued to be in manufacturers' focus.
2000s. New technologies continue to appear and improve.
The traditional view of the SC considers the individual companies and elements within a firm as separate units that represent "functions". This was an organization that is characterized as "silo" concept.
Modern concept of supply chain is more progressive than traditional.The companies have improved the level of integration across whole supply chain.
The supply chain is composed of different segments that are related to different activities. In order to provide the product, the supply chain needs to perform the range of activities that cover different areas, from procurement to customer service. These segments are Procurement, Order processing, Demand & Supply Planning, Inventory Management, Warehousing, Transportation and Customer service.
All these processes within supply chain can be associated with the majority of the five components of the supply chain (suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers).
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Getting a New Job
Getting a job is not the hard part. There are plenty of jobs out there it just depends on what you want to do. Finding the perfect job for you is not always easy. Keep an open mind, and maybe the dream you had when you were young will see you through into adulthood, although this is not always possible.
We all have dreams when we were young of becoming a dancer, lawyer, or police man, but not every profession suits us. I would have loved to have been a singer, but sadly I do not think that anyone would wish to hear me sing!
Whilst we are at school there careers advisors to help us with ideas, but if you could only imagine how many professions there are, it is impossible to cater for everyone.
Some people are lucky enough to have parents who can advise you, and it is quite common for a child to follow their parents into one of their careers.
University seems to be the most likely option for many young people today, but you should really have an idea of what you would like to do before venturing down that path. Four years could be spent in getting your degree (then there is which degree path to take; arts, science or commerce?), only to realise at the end of that time that you would prefer to work with your hands. Not forgetting the huge cost involved with your time at school.
Think about what is best for you and take it seriously. Write down a list of what you are good at and what you are not good at. Maybe ask a family member or someone you have faith in to do the same. Sometimes we think less of ourselves and other people can see your good points more than you can.
There are sites online which will ask you about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses. They can also give you a guide as to what you would be good at. Not only do these programs give you ideas for what job is good for you, they also give you valuable information on how to apply and study for them.
Many people overlook the importance of apprenticeships. Such as hairstylists, flight attendants, electricians and plumbers, the list is endless. There is also the military to consider. The great thing today is that the internet opens up a wide selection of careers for you to consider.
When you are ready to apply for a job take care in writing, or should I say typing out your resume. Keep it precise and try to think of something that makes you stand out from the crowd. Always consider what your social networking says about you. If you do not wish to show yourself in a certain light then think about what is online about you. Many potential employers nowadays will look you up to see if you are the person you appear to be on paper.
When you get that interview make sure you do research about the company. If you know nothing about the company who are interviewing you it will show a lack of interest. They won't expect you to know everything, but be prepared.
Finally, look the part at your interview. Dress smartly and give eye contact when you are speaking. This is your time to shine.
We all have dreams when we were young of becoming a dancer, lawyer, or police man, but not every profession suits us. I would have loved to have been a singer, but sadly I do not think that anyone would wish to hear me sing!
Whilst we are at school there careers advisors to help us with ideas, but if you could only imagine how many professions there are, it is impossible to cater for everyone.
Some people are lucky enough to have parents who can advise you, and it is quite common for a child to follow their parents into one of their careers.
University seems to be the most likely option for many young people today, but you should really have an idea of what you would like to do before venturing down that path. Four years could be spent in getting your degree (then there is which degree path to take; arts, science or commerce?), only to realise at the end of that time that you would prefer to work with your hands. Not forgetting the huge cost involved with your time at school.
Think about what is best for you and take it seriously. Write down a list of what you are good at and what you are not good at. Maybe ask a family member or someone you have faith in to do the same. Sometimes we think less of ourselves and other people can see your good points more than you can.
There are sites online which will ask you about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses. They can also give you a guide as to what you would be good at. Not only do these programs give you ideas for what job is good for you, they also give you valuable information on how to apply and study for them.
Many people overlook the importance of apprenticeships. Such as hairstylists, flight attendants, electricians and plumbers, the list is endless. There is also the military to consider. The great thing today is that the internet opens up a wide selection of careers for you to consider.
When you are ready to apply for a job take care in writing, or should I say typing out your resume. Keep it precise and try to think of something that makes you stand out from the crowd. Always consider what your social networking says about you. If you do not wish to show yourself in a certain light then think about what is online about you. Many potential employers nowadays will look you up to see if you are the person you appear to be on paper.
When you get that interview make sure you do research about the company. If you know nothing about the company who are interviewing you it will show a lack of interest. They won't expect you to know everything, but be prepared.
Finally, look the part at your interview. Dress smartly and give eye contact when you are speaking. This is your time to shine.
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