All posts by: Ray Moore

The term “supply chain management” was first introduced in the early 1980s and was primarily used in manufacturing to refer to the procurement of parts and systems produced by third-party suppliers versus fabrication onsite by the manufacturer. Today, every company in every industry recognizes the importance of supply chain to the organization’s success. Broadly defined, the supply chain is a system of organizations, people, activities and components involved in the movement of a product or service from supplier to customer. This includes procurement of raw materials to the actual delivery of the finished product to the customers. Technology has been …

As the company’s Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), James is used to receiving complaints and follow-up emails from different stakeholders. But today, he received an unusual message from Brent, their CEO. Daily dose of supply chain complexities Every day, James has to contend with different supply disruptions, from common events –– such as delivery delays, quality defects, and varying weather conditions –– to major events including natural disasters, supplier financial instability, and political unrest. Last quarter, he was put on the hot seat. His boss wanted to know why they failed to respond appropriately to the sudden surge in demand …

Good Customer Service in the Chemicals Industry Is Built on Good Supply Chain/B2B Automation Last month, Liaison had the privilege of attending and co-sponsoring the CCSMG (Chemicals and Allied Industries Customer Service Management Group) conference in New Orleans. This was a conference unlike any other, with a very close-knit group whose organization and leadership made the event truly worthwhile. CCSMG is spearheading the effort to dramatically improve customer service in the chemicals industry with innovative and well-structured solutions for its members. The conference had interactive break-out sessions on a number of important topics related to not only best practices for …

Intensifying globalization is opening new markets for manufacturing companies in the chemical industry. US-based chemical manufacturing companies are now distributing their products and chemicals to emerging markets. In fact, half of the $5 trillion total global demand for chemicals now originate from emerging markets. However, with new opportunities come new – and different – challenges for the chemical industry especially across its value chain. Challenge #1: Fluctuating raw materials and commodity prices Chemical manufacturing companies are highly susceptible to sudden changes in the price of raw materials, energy, and other commodities. For example, the fluctuating prices of crude oil or …