Weekly Episode 25

A Global Shift: Navigating New Trends in Manufacturing and Trade

On this episode, Sarah Scudder and guest host Lindsay Smith delve into major news affecting small and mid-sized manufacturers. They discuss Apple’s significant shift to India, moving $500 million worth of production and the implications for outsourcing strategies and supply chain transitions. The conversation covers Foxconn’s new factory in India, the U.S. investment in Indian startups, and the broader impacts on global trade, including China’s growing trade surplus and India’s rising exports. Additionally, they touch on BK Yellow Freight’s major sale of freight terminals and equipment, and DHL’s stance on the Teamsters strike at their Cincinnati Hub, considering potential impacts on Christmas season freight rates.

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Weekly Episode 24

Exploring Effective Strategies for Identifying Ideal Suppliers in Today’s Market

In this podcast episode, Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith continue their discussion on supplier management, focusing on strategies to find the best-fit suppliers. They caution against relying solely on traditional methods like comprehensive commodity plans, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, or internet searches that are often cluttered with sponsored content. Instead, they advocate for seeking local, flexible, and responsive suppliers, similar to the traits discussed in their previous episode. Tune in to hear their practical approaches for sourcing suppliers, particularly for off-the-shelf commodities.

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Weekly Episode 23

6 Key Supplier Management Practices for Small-Mid Manufacturers

Get ready for a lively episode of “Another Ducking Digest” with your hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith! Today, we’re diving into supplier management for small and mid-sized manufacturers. First, we’re talking about choosing the right suppliers – it’s like finding the perfect dance partner! Then, we’ll discuss communication, performance metrics, inventory management, quality control, and risk management. In a nutshell, we’ll help you make supplier management as fun and effective as a great party. Remember, clear communication and healthy supplier relationships are key to keeping the good times rolling in your supply chain.

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Weekly Episode 22

Mastering Post-Tech Implementation: Strategies for Small & Mid-Sized Manufacturers

In this episode of Another Ducking Digest, hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith tackle the critical post-tech implementation phase for small and mid-sized manufacturers. They emphasize two key goals: first, to make the changes stick, they recommend celebrating the significance of the transformation, delivering personal and public leadership messages, and setting firm expectations for management and new process users. Second, they delve into the importance of learning from what went well and what didn’t, expecting and embracing mistakes, and assessing how the People, Process, System equilibrium has shifted. They stress the need to anticipate push-back, uncover covert naysayers, and highlight that the implementation isn’t a panacea, thus pushing for a second round of buy-in. They advise resetting and realigning the project for execution, challenging the team to acknowledge shortcomings, and seeking KPI tracking and concerns from all department managers, while rewarding superior execution. Tune in for a wealth of insights on post-implementation success.

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Weekly Episode 21

Technology Adoption for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers

In today’s episode, hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith continue their exploration of technology adoption for small and mid-sized manufacturers. They discuss three critical steps for success:

Identify, Detail, and Celebrate Interim Milestones: Recognize and celebrate progress throughout the implementation process to boost morale and motivation.

Deploy Classic Change-Management PM Discipline: Be prepared for changes to the planned changes, emphasizing the importance of proper change management.

Invest “Extra” Time Sweating the Details: Dive into revised workflows, SME interviews, UX, dashboard screens, report formats, and design details. Ensuring meticulous attention to these aspects is key for a successful tech adoption journey.

Tune in for practical insights into technology adoption and implementation strategies.

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Weekly Episode 20

Small Manufacturer Workflow Process Automation Implementation

In today’s episode, Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith discuss small manufacturer workflow process automation implementation. Current social media suggests tech implementation is straightforward solution to every problem, but there is a risk there. The more areas, departments, and individuals a process workflow change reaches, the more complicated the adoption becomes. So many of us small-manufacturer supply chain team are recognized and rewarded for “getting things done.” Technology adoption is fundamentally different, instead of “getting things done,” now we are changing the way we do things. So, what is a supply chain hero to do? Sarah and Lindsay talk through the six best practice guidelines for success.

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Weekly Episode 19

Small Manufacturer Technology Adoption

In today’s discussion on small manufacturer technology adoption, Sarah and Lindsay focus on practical steps. While envisioning the destination is straightforward, understanding the starting point and necessary actions is crucial. Small companies typically aim for improved visibility, cost reduction through task automation, and faster decision-making via data accessibility. The initial implementation often begins with a proof-of-concept. Overlooked considerations include legacy network issues and data field cleanliness. Addressing these challenges involves connecting, communicating, and gathering data. Convincing stakeholders to support these efforts is essential, as data extraction can be costly and time-consuming. Benchmarks, not estimates, should guide the process. 

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Weekly Episode 18

Budgeting for Manufacturing Supply Chain Success

In today’s episode of Another Ducking Digest, Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith delve into the intricacies of manufacturing supply chain department budgeting. Each manufacturer’s unique supply chain warrants distinct budget models, influenced by factors like industry, expenditure levels, market dynamics, commodity characteristics, sourcing methods, pricing contracts, and tariff implications. The budgeting process can be as intricate or as simplistic as desired, ranging from a comprehensive assessment of historical data and market demand trends to cost considerations, technology integration, risk management, supplier relationships, and workforce development.  They emphasize the importance of aligning the budget with both corporate objectives and 2024 supply chain strategies, engaging key stakeholders, and staying informed about industry developments and peer use cases.

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Weekly Episode 17

Navigating Challenges and Strategies in 2023

Delve into the evolving landscape of supply chain management alongside Sarah and Lindsay. They dissect the intricacies of effective supply chain practices, from sourcing and cost-saving tactics to coping with constant flux. Recognizing the importance of transitioning from tactical to strategic thinking, they advise against office complacency. Instead, focus on solutions, tackling MRP issues, and promoting collaboration. Continuous learning is vital, with a nod to AI, ERP enhancements, and sharpened technical skills. Keep a vigilant eye on China Dynamics and freight rate shifts. Success hinges on robust communication, sharing experiences, and fostering cross-departmental cooperation to maximize your role’s impact in this ever-changing field.

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Weekly Episode 16

Made in America and Onshoring

Welcome to Another Ducking Digest! In this episode, Lindsay and Sarah tackle the complexities of “Made in America/Onshoring.” Lindsay explores three incentives: agility and faster market entry, focusing on core technical competency, and reducing fixed and variable costs. They examine real-world examples, emphasizing the importance of supplier selection and cost modeling. Lindsay and Sarah also share best practices, including clear problem statements, documented processes, and effective communication. Join us for valuable insights into onshoring strategies.

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Weekly Episode 15

PO Chaos: Recovering from Oversized Orders

Join Lindsay and Sarah as they dive into the intriguing world of Purchase Order mishaps. They’ll explore what happens when a PO goes way off track, resulting in colossal orders that could have easily been avoided. Using a humorous example of a $6 connector ballooning into a $200,000 purchase, they’ll cover the occurrence, detection, and the chaotic aftermath.

Discover the recovery process, from escalated discussions to creative agreements, and how to salvage supplier relationships. Lessons learned include the importance of user-friendly ERP data, meticulous PO approvals, and utilizing critical ERP reports to prevent future mishaps. Don’t miss this insightful session! 

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Weekly Episode 14

The Impact of PO Errors in Procurement

Today, Lindsay and Sarah explore the impact of PO errors in procurement. Successful buyers excel in detail-oriented work, recognizing the inevitability of mistakes. They multitask adeptly, overseeing exceptions and KPIs efficiently. Thoroughness defines them, emphasizing verification over assumption. Purchasing Management must support buyers working in imperfect scenarios, fostering empathy and process improvement. Errors vary in severity, from incorrect orders promptly flagged during MRP regeneration to non-approved suppliers noticed during audits. Receipt quantity errors also disrupt operations. Effective strategies involve audits, MRP adjustments, streamlined correction steps, and precise coordination channels. Timely recovery is crucial to avoid compounded issues.

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Weekly Episode 13

Navigating Purchase Order Pitfalls: Lessons from Manufacturing

In this episode of Another Ducking Digest, Sarah Scudder and Lindsay delve into the intricacies of Purchase Orders (POs) within small and mid-sized manufacturers. They explore the common pitfalls that can plague these businesses. Inaccurate info led to delays, financial discrepancies, and even audits. Lindsay shares 10 all-too-familiar mishaps from his manufacturing supply chain experience, including expedite errors, unauthorized spending, supplier woes, pricing mismatches, and communication breakdowns. Listen in to learn about solutions like process adjustments, effective secondary procedures, and vigilant compliance.

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Weekly Episode 12

Effective Small Manufacturer Supplier Management

In this episode of Another Ducking Digest, Host Sarah Scudder and Lindsay discuss effective small manufacturer supplier management. They cover managing about 200 suppliers with a $10-20 million spend, handling 20-30 daily PO lines, and the four categories of suppliers: strategic, tactical, operational, and commodity. They also delve into five supplier types and the baseline for management. They explore a basic management model driving improvements and the importance of communication both internally and externally. Additionally, they touch on HP’s Supplier Management model. Don’t miss out on leveraging suppliers to improve the organization.

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Weekly Episode 11

Career Development in the Small Manufacturer Supply Chain (SC)

Today, Sarah and Lindsay discuss career development in the small manufacturer supply chain (SC) field. Effective career development is vital for operational efficiency and business growth. Building a cohesive SC team enhances productivity, cost-efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Here are the ten SC career development best practices for small manufacturers: roles and skills, growth focus, training, cross-functional exposure, mentoring, performance management, continuous improvement, recognition, work-life balance, and engagement monitoring.

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Weekly Episode 10

Coping with Unplanned Events

Our weekly news show for supply chain peeps working in manufacturing is back. Our expert Lindsay Smith spent the month of June in Europe. He’s back and ready to talk supply chain. Today’s show topic: Coping with unplanned events in small manufacturer environments.The idea of process immaturity is more common in larger manufacturers. But more common in small and mid sized manufacturers: ERP isn’t fully implemented, some reports don’t run, ERP breaks, bad/dirty data, IT has limited support, ERP is not universally trusted across the organization (not the universal single source of truth), limited budget for supply chain process refinement, organizationally supply chain empathy, less support and more.

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Weekly Episode 9

Demand Planning & Budget Prep

Another episode of our short weekly show What the Duck?! Another Ducking Digest. Join our hosts Sarah Scudder and Jeff Brown as they talk about a direct materials supply chain newsworthy topic for small and mid-sized manufacturers for ten minutes to kick off your week. Wanna watch it live? Sarah Scudder hosts the show on her LinkedIn page every Monday at 10am CT.

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Weekly Episode 8

The Impact of the Chinese/Taiwan Conflict on Manufacturing

Another episode of our short weekly show What the Duck?! Another Ducking Digest. Join our hosts Sarah Scudder and Jeff Brown as they talk about a direct materials supply chain newsworthy topic for small and mid-sized manufacturers for ten minutes to kick off your week. Wanna watch it live? Sarah Scudder hosts the show on her LinkedIn page every Monday at 10am CT.

Listen | Follow Jeff Brown | Follow Sarah Scudder | Transcript

Weekly Episode 7

How to Accelerate Your Supply Chain Career –Part 2

Another episode of our short weekly show What the Duck?! Another Ducking Digest. Join our hosts Sarah Scudder and Jeff Brown as they talk about a direct materials supply chain newsworthy topic for small and mid-sized manufacturers for ten minutes to kick off your week. Wanna watch it live? Sarah Scudder hosts the show on her LinkedIn page every Monday at 10am CT.

Listen | Follow Jeff Brown | Follow Sarah Scudder | Transcript

Weekly Episode 6

How to Accelerate Your Supply Chain Career – Part 1

Another episode of our short weekly show What the Duck?! Another Ducking Digest. Join our hosts Sarah Scudder and Jeff Brown as they talk about a direct materials supply chain newsworthy topic for small and mid-sized manufacturers for ten minutes to kick off your week. Wanna watch it live? Sarah Scudder hosts the show on her LinkedIn page every Monday at 10am CT.

Listen | Follow Jeff Brown | Follow Sarah Scudder | Transcript 

Weekly Episode 5

Supply Chain Burnout – Part 2

Another episode of our short weekly show What the Duck?! Another Ducking Digest. Join our hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith as they talk about a direct materials supply chain newsworthy topic for small and mid-sized manufacturers for ten minutes to kick off your week. Wanna watch it live? Sarah Scudder hosts the show on her LinkedIn page every Monday at 10am CT.

Listen | Follow Lindsay Smith | Follow Sarah Scudder | Transcript

Weekly Episode 4

Supply Chain Burnout & Talent Shortages

Another episode of our short weekly show What the Duck?! Another Ducking Digest. Join our hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith as they talk about a direct materials supply chain newsworthy topic for small and mid-sized manufacturers for ten minutes to kick off your week. Wanna watch it live? Sarah Scudder hosts the show on her LinkedIn page every Monday at 10am CT.

Listen | Follow Lindsay Smith | Follow Sarah Scudder | Transcript

Weekly Episode 3

JIT Supply / Inventory Planning

Another episode of our short weekly show What the Duck?! Another Ducking Digest. Join our hosts Sarah Scudder and Lindsay Smith as they talk about a direct materials supply chain newsworthy topic for small and mid-sized manufacturers for ten minutes to kick off your week. Wanna watch it live? Sarah Scudder hosts the show on her LinkedIn page every Monday at 10am CT.

Listen | Follow Lindsay Smith | Follow Sarah Scudder | Transcript