Are You Looking for a Problem?

In the 1980’s, Procter & Gamble had a cost improvement program dubbed “Deliberate Change.”  The purpose of the program was to tap all levels of the P&G organization to find ways to reduce cost.  The Deliberate Change program encouraged P&G employees to look for ways to reduce costs.  There were extensive training programs focused onContinue reading “Are You Looking for a Problem?”

How Realistic is a Supply Chain Vision?

Many entrepreneurs have invented all kinds of applications for a variety of uses.  We have apps to help in our finances, make music, learn new languages, find places we’ve never visited, make reservations, book rides, and buy tickets.  The one app we (still) don’t have is the one that makes & delivers products.  I wouldn’tContinue reading “How Realistic is a Supply Chain Vision?”

Solving Problems, Cultivating Ideas Together

I worked for Procter & Gamble Philippines in the late 1980’s.  I was a production manager who oversaw the food packing lines of the company.  As production manager, I was invited at times to join the food brand team meetings led by marketing managers, who were responsible for their respective products’ success.  P&G is famousContinue reading “Solving Problems, Cultivating Ideas Together”

What is a Supply Chain, Really?

The first time I heard about supply chains was when I was working as a production planner at P&G Philippines in 1989.  P&G’s top management had just reorganised the multinational consumer goods corporation’s operations worldwide, integrating manufacturing, purchasing, and logistics under one group: the Product Supply Organisation or PSO, for short.  The aim of theContinue reading “What is a Supply Chain, Really?”