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Featured Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics  Article, emerging markets aerospace
The growing role of emerging markets in aerospace

April 2008

Manufacturers in developing markets are already helping aircraft makers in developed ones to cut costs. That's just the beginning.

Featured Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics  Article, prediction markets crowd intelligence
The promise of prediction markets: A roundtable

April 2008

Although they draw together widely dispersed information, prediction markets face organizational and legal challenges.

Featured Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics  Article, business management strategy
Premium Content
Understanding Latin America's supply chain risks

May 2007

Few executives in the region—or elsewhere—feel confident that their companies can manage these risks successfully.

The Archive

2007
Better logistics in European consumer goods Premium Content

January 2007

Performance-based logistics allowances can unlock potential savings for manufacturers and retailers alike.

2006
Understanding supply chain risk: A McKinsey Global Survey

October 2006

Executives believe they face growing risk from disruptions to their supply chains—yet many are unprepared to manage those risks.

Coping with competition in European postal markets Premium Content

July 2006

To fend off attackers, incumbent postal services must learn to act more like private businesses.

Recapturing your supply chain data

March 2006

Outsourcing parts of the supply chain has disrupted the flow of critical data. Targeted IT investments can restore what's missing.

2005
Can US auto suppliers stay ahead of Chinese rivals?

September 2005

Chinese parts producers do have one advantage—cheap labor—but that isn’t the whole game.

When to make India a manufacturing base

September 2005

Multinational corporations are starting to see the country's potential.

Getting more from call centers Premium Content

April 2005

Used properly, they can be strategic assets.

The onshoring option Premium Content

March 2005

California can do more than dream about retaining manufacturing jobs.

Lean cuisine

February 2005

Proven techniques from manufacturing might be the recipe for improving productivity in restaurants.

2004
Getting sourcing right in China Premium Content

December 2004

Three issues hold the key to working successfully with Chinese suppliers.

When offshore manufacturing doesn't make sense

November 2004

Your company could be at sea if it doesn’t stay close to home.

North American auto suppliers: Beyond the Big Three

August 2004

Pressure is growing on auto suppliers to diversify their customer base. Are they up to the task?

Tough times for toolmakers Premium Content

May 2004

The developed world’s tool manufacturers, no longer able to consistently trump competitors in emerging markets on price or quality, face painful choices if they are to survive.

Supply chain champs

February 2004

A new survey shows that consumer goods companies can streamline their operations without compromising customer service.

2003
Smart tags for your supply chain Premium Content

November 2003

A new tracking technology is being touted by retailing and consumer product companies as the next big thing, but it isn’t ready for prime time.

Growing pains for logistics outsourcers

May 2003

The customers’ demands are outpacing the logistics providers’ ability to meet them.

Getting supply chain software right Premium Content

February 2003

A study of early adopters of supply-chain-management software shows that it works best where it is needed most—but is no use as a bandage over flawed processes.

2002
The unexpected return of B2B Premium Content

August 2002

Suppliers put off by open business-to-business exchanges might find that the newly emerging private ones offer a better deal—as well as four ways to play.

Moving goods in China Premium Content

June 2002

China’s transportation and logistics market remains rudimentary and inefficient. Filling in the gaps could be a lucrative opportunity.

Freight expectations Premium Content

May 2002

Freight transportation companies have moved slowly to keep up with modern business practices. Risk and revenue management could provide the boost the industry needs.

The other side of outsourcing Premium Content

February 2002

Despite the difficulties, there is money to be made running routine operations for other companies.

2001
Make or buy?

November 2001

Before putting your assets in play, put them in order.

The false promise of mass customization Premium Content

August 2001

Build to order will be hugely expensive and challenging, and its benefits are uncertain. But there is a cheaper alternative.

Getting smart about supply chain management Premium Content

June 2001

B2B exchanges can't improve the efficiency of every element of the supply chain. An improved information flow is what they really have to offer.

2000
Best practice in logistics Premium Content

August 2000

IT systems are as common as forklifts in modern logistics. “Best practice in logistics” describes a report showing that the best logistics services providers and their customers, going beyond the tracking of shipments by computer, are investing in highly integrated systems across internal and external supply chains.

The duel for the doorstep Premium Content

May 2000

On-line vendors must offer customers complete satisfaction or lose them to off-line rivals

The other end of the supply chain

February 2000

By tweaking the demand-supply chain, suppliers can offer their customers completely new value propositions and improve their own operations—without having to weigh the benefits of customer service against its cost.

1996
Nobody calls me General anymore! Premium Content

August 1996

An interview with Gus Pagonis, Executive Vice President for Logistics, Sears.

Retail logistics: One size doesn’t fit all Premium Content

May 1996

Low-cost retailers discovered the power of logistics: now even high fashion leaders are paying attention. Different incentives and no cooperation. Do not minimize costs at the distribution center.

1995
Are you going out of fashion? Premium Content

August 1995

PC and fashion producers face the same key challenge: balancing the cost of lost sales and obsolescence. Milanese fashion houses and Silicon Valley have made remarkable improvements.

Making logistics alliances work

August 1995

Logistics alliances—formal or informal relationships between companies and logistics providers—are rapidly emerging in Europe, North America, and, increasingly, East Asia. A McKinsey survey shows that their success depends on six best practices.

The Russian consumer revolution Premium Content

May 1995

Three keys to success: distribution, distribution, distribution.

1994
Logistics alliances: The European experience Premium Content

February 1994

An early report on the development to date of one key building block of the coming “network” economy.

1993
Harnessing the power of your suppliers Premium Content

August 1993

Companies that effectively involve suppliers in their internal product development achieve a new strategic advantage.

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