Philosophy & Leadership

5 hard-earned supply chain insights from 20+ years of experience

Supply chain management (SCM) is an incredibly dynamic and critical business function, and every lesson learned paves the way for more efficient, cost-effective operations. It's about people, management, preparedness, attention to detail, and a clear business strategy. Here are 5 essential lessons I've learned from journey in this ever-evolving industry.

1. People are at the heart of every successful venture

People form the most crucial aspect of any team, and a successful outcome is a testament to their efforts. In SCM, the human factor often determines the thin line between success and failure. Engaging team members and ensuring their contribution is valued builds a strong, dedicated workforce driving your operations forward.

2. Navigating through the turbulent waves of business

Contrary to popular belief, there's no such thing as equilibrium in SCM. Instead, it is all about the management of the recurrent ups and downs. When the seas get stormy, you need a seasoned captain who can guide the ship through. In SCM, this translates into proactive management and making informed decisions in the face of constant changes and challenges.

3. Learn to Expect the Unexpected When Mitigating Risks in SCM

It's a universal rule - what can go wrong, will go wrong. The key to effective SCM lies in forecasting possible issues and implementing measures to mitigate the impact. Expect the unexpected, plan for every possible outcome, and ensure you have contingency strategies in place to tackle unwelcome surprises.

4. The Devil is in the Details: Cost-Saving Measures

In the intricate world of SCM, attention to detail can prove the difference between profit and loss. Overlooking minor details can lead to significant losses, while careful scrutiny can reveal opportunities for cost-saving and efficiency. Every detail matters – from warehouse operations to transportation logistics and customer service.

5. Knowing Your Go-to-Market Strategy is Crucial for Production Planning

A clear understanding of your go-to-market (GTM) strategy directly influences production planning. By knowing when, where and how you are going to sell your products, you can accurately determine the quantities to produce. An effective GTM strategy lays down a clear road map, reducing overproduction, underproduction, and associated costs.

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Announcing: Supply Chain Ups and Downs

I'm thrilled to share with my LinkedIn community that I'm writing a book packed with the knowledge I've gained from years of experience working in this incredibly exciting industry. Here's the book description:?

"Supply Chain Ups and Downs" by Kerim Kfuri unveils the intricate world of Supply Chain Management (SCM) with the finesse of a seasoned industry veteran. Kfuri, boasting over two decades of experience in cross-border trade and SCM leadership, offers readers a compelling mix of personal philosophy, practical leadership advice, and riveting real-life anecdotes. He draws upon his Lebanese heritage - a resilience and adaptive mindset so vital in SCM.

The journey begins with Kfuri's forward, where he introduces his SCM philosophy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of SCM components. He likens SCM to a see-saw, highlighting the delicate balance necessary for success. Before diving into specifics, Kfuri underscores the importance of grasping the SCM landscape.

Chapter One sets the stage, drawing parallels between SCM and a see-saw's dynamics, stressing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the SCM terrain. In Chapter Two, Kfuri navigates through the RFQ process, prioritizing dependability and reliability over cost, and emphasizing education and project synthesis.

Chapter Three unveils Kfuri's three-tier supplier selection system, designed to mitigate risks in mass production and SCM. He advocates for finding the right supplier, assembling the ideal team, and implementing third-party quality control.?

Each subsequent chapter is a treasure trove of practical insights derived from Kfuri's rich experience and peppered with real-world examples.

From pre-production nuances to the role of AI and machine learning, Kfuri's insights resonate with authority and applicability. "Supply Chain Seesaw" transcends a mere guidebook, a transformative tool poised to revolutionize SCM approaches.

Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking to refine strategies, a student delving into SCM intricacies, or a newcomer aiming to build a robust foundation, Kfuri's book offers invaluable insights propelling readers toward SCM success.

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Sneak Peak: AI as a Mentor

In the coming weeks, I'll be featured in an article in USA Today where I challenge us all to begin thinking of AI as a mentor. Imagine this: your educational content is tailored to your individual learning and comprehension styles, helping you understand and apply what you've learned more quickly.

In the article, I explore the wide-reaching impacts of AI to expand human learning and cognition, potentially leading us to a "renaissance" of unprecedented intellectual and creative growth.

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In Case You Missed It:

I post every weekday on LinkedIn on a variety of topics related to Philosophy & Leadership. Here are a few recent hits in case you missed them:

• Having tough conversations can be difficult- especially in remote working environments. This post highlights my RESPECT Framework to help you confidently conduct effective conversations.
• I recently visited the Alibaba HQ's in China where I was interviewed about my experience as the first U.S. verified supplier. I'm sharing a series of video posts with interview excerpts. Here's the second in the series.
• There's been a lot of buzz around my recent feature in Fast Company where I pose the question: Are we outsourcing pollution? Read the article and my post on this important subject.

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