The Benefits & Pitfalls of Commodities Trading

A commodity trader at a food company observed that prices of coconut oil, an ingredient in most of the company’s products, was forecast to trend higher.  He, therefore, ordered more than two (2) months’ supply of coconut oil, buying from several vendors who offered the lowest prices.  When the coconut oil price indeed increased daysContinue reading “The Benefits & Pitfalls of Commodities Trading”

Solving Problems in the Midst of Crises

We who are supply chain veterans have encountered many crises in our operations.  Over the decades since Keith Oliver (and Mr. Van t’Hoff) coined the term, supply chain management, we have had our share of challenging crises.  But even as many enterprises recognise their critical importance, supply chains remained a not well understood branch ofContinue reading “Solving Problems in the Midst of Crises”