A supply chain is a network of facilities and distribution options that performs the functions of procurement of materials; transformation of these materials into intermediate and finished products; and distribution of these products to customers. As products flow down the chain, information and money flow up the chain. No product moves without an instruction to do so. (Paul James). Supply chain management spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.
According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), supply chain management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management. It also includes the crucial components of coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers, and customers. In essence, supply chain management integrates supply and demand management within and across companies. More recently, the loosely coupled, self-organizing network of businesses that cooperate to provide product and service offerings has been called the Extended Enterprise.
Supply chain management must address the following problems:
" Distribution Network Configuration: number, location and network missions of suppliers, production facilities, distribution centers, warehouses, cross-docks and customers.
" Distribution Strategy: questions of operating control (centralized, decentralized or shared); delivery scheme, e.g., direct shipment, pool point shipping, cross docking, DSD (direct store delivery), closed loop shipping; mode of transportation, e.g., motor carrier, including truckload, LTL, parcel; railroad; intermodal transport, including TOFC (trailer on flatcar) and COFC (container on flatcar); ocean freight; airfreight; replenishment strategy (e.g., pull, push or hybrid); and transportation control (e.g., owner-operated, private carrier, common carrier, contract carrier, or 3PL (third party logistics).
" Trade-Offs in Logistical Activities: The above activities must be well coordinated in order to achieve the lowest total logistics cost. Trade-offs may increase the total cost if only one of the activities is optimized. For example, full truckload (FTL) rates are more economical on a cost per pallet basis than less than truckload (LTL) shipments. If, however, a full truckload of a product is ordered to reduce transportation costs, there will be an increase in inventory holding costs which may increase total logistics costs. It is therefore imperative to take a systems approach when planning logistical activities. These trade-offs are key to developing the most efficient and effective Logistics and SCM strategy.
" Information: Integration of processes through the supply chain to share valuable information, including demand signals, forecasts, inventory, transportation, potential collaboration, etc.
" Inventory Management: Quantity and location of inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods.
" Cash-Flow: Arranging the payment terms and methodologies for exchanging funds across entities within the supply chain.
The Indiana Employment Contract with the Project Manager of a Provider of Supply Chain Logistics is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for both the employer and employee. This contract ensures a clear understanding of the expectations, responsibilities, and benefits associated with the role of a Project Manager in the supply chain logistics industry. The contract specifies various key aspects, including job title, duration of employment, compensation, and benefits. It also defines the employee's roles and responsibilities within the organization. Additionally, the contract may encompass non-disclosure agreements, intellectual property clauses, and non-compete clauses to protect the company's proprietary information and maintain a competitive advantage. In the supply chain logistics sector, there might be several types of employment contracts for Project Managers, depending on the specific requirements and objectives of the company. Some of these contracts may include: 1. Full-Time Employment Contract: This is the most common type of contract where the Project Manager works for the company on a full-time basis, typically for a fixed term or indefinitely. It outlines the standard work hours, remuneration, rights, and benefits associated with a full-time employee. 2. Fixed-Term Contract: Under this type of contract, the Project Manager is hired for a specified period, usually to manage a particular project or to cover a temporary vacancy. The contract specifies the start and end dates or the specific project duration. Terms related to extension or termination of the contract can also be included. 3. Part-Time Employment Contract: This contract is applicable when the Project Manager works less than the company's standard full-time working hours. It includes details about the part-time schedule, salary, and benefits adjusted proportionally to the reduced working hours. 4. Contractor/Consultant Agreement: In some cases, rather than hiring a Project Manager as a direct employee, the company may engage them as an independent contractor or consultant. This agreement typically contains terms related to project-based compensation, work deliverables, and duration of the engagement, as well as provisions that outline the contractor's responsibilities and legal obligations. These contract types may vary depending on the specific requirements and nature of the supply chain logistics provider. It is essential to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract before signing, seeking legal advice if necessary, to ensure that both parties are mutually protected and satisfied with the terms of employment.
