Lisa Anderson

Derek Knueve and I recently appeared on the Talking Supply Chain podcast to discuss key considerations we're helping clients think through as they evaluate their supply chain design. Great time! #e2esupplychain #strategicsupplychain #supplychainoptimization #whenitreallymatters Brian Straight thanks for having us on! Clink the link below to listen: Talking Supply Chain: Think structurally for margin enhancements - Supply Chain Management Review (scmr.com)

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Supply chain expert Lisa Anderson discusses how to ready your supply chain for a surge in demand amidst the chaos on @Inc’s From the Ground Up podcast. Listen to the full episode to hear Lisa’s advice on how projecting future demand is paramount when facing a demand surge. https://lnkd.in/g7CTrb8e #FromtheGroundUp #SupplyChain #DemandSurge

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Labor strikes and tense negotiations continue to highlight vulnerabilities in supply chains, emphasizing the urgent need for resilience. This article by Lisa Anderson in Supply Chain Xchange explores how businesses can mitigate such risks by investing in flexible strategies like diversified sourcing, robust inventory management and strong supplier relationships. This shift is crucial for companies aiming to maintain stability in uncertain conditions. Check out the full article: https://ow.ly/EmQu50U54nW #LaborStrikes #SupplyChain #SupplyChainXchange

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One Great Thing That Jimmy Carter Did for the Supply Chain (And You and Me) Jimmy Carter accomplished several notable things, but the standout was deregulation. As Adam Smith pointed out, the market is far more efficient than regulatory mandates. Carter signed: • The Staggers Rail Act of 1980: which allowed railroads to adjust rates, negotiate private contracts, and restructure networks. • The Motor Carrier Act of 1980: which removed federal entry controls and facilitated rate reductions for carriers. Both measures increased competition and lowered costs for shippers and consumers (you and me). They also eliminated many inefficient operators and drove railroad consolidation. I am confident that we would not have such a vibrant economy today without Jimmy. The author with Adam Smith

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Did you know, LMA Consulting Group specializes in enhancing demand planning and supply chain performance through our consulting services? In order to best serve your unique challenges, LMA addresses key areas such as sales and operations planning (S&OP), inventory management and demand forecasting. We have a wide range of skills to support all aspects of the supply chain. Leveraging advanced analytics and technology is one of the many ways that LMA Consulting helps businesses optimize their supply chains, ensuring that they can meet customer demands efficiently and effectively. Our expertise in ERP systems and strategic planning supports companies in navigating complex supply chain challenges and achieving long-term operational success. Have supply chain challenges? LMA Consulting can help. #SupplyChain #DemandPlanning #ConsultingServices

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July Manufacturing Metrics The Institute of Supply Management (ISM) has issued its July recap. The Manufacturing PMI® dropped to 46.8%, marking the fourth consecutive month of contraction and the 20th in the last 21 months. Key metrics showed declines: New Orders Index fell to 47.4%, Production Index to 45.9%, and Employment Index to 43.4%. Conversely, the Prices Index rose slightly to 52.9%, and the Supplier Deliveries Index indicated slower deliveries at 52.6%. Imports came in at 48.6, still in contraction mode, but up a tick from June's 48.5. For what it's worth, by import friends are telling me that they feel the uptick. Overall demand and production declined, reflecting weak output and reduced headcounts. Despite this, inputs like supplier deliveries, inventories, prices, and imports were generally accommodating. The manufacturing GDP contraction expanded to 86%, with 53% of sector GDP showing significant weakness. All major manufacturing industries contracted, with only five industries, including Printing and Petroleum & Coal Products, reporting growth. Economic conditions, federal monetary policy, and other factors kept companies hesitant to invest in capital and inventory, further pressuring profitability.

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𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧* Whether you are happy or not with this morning's result, you are likely trying to understand its impact on your supply chain, both the risks and the opportunities. The below article from CNBC provides some analysis on what is and could happen 👇 ▪️Companies are front-loading deliveries to get ahead of any potential tariffs ▪️Based on 2018 data front-loading of shipping contributed to the 70% inflation in freight rates ▪️ Potential tariffs provide cost risk on global supply chains ▪️Increased demand for containers and freight could drive shipping costs ▪️Uncertainty around USMCA renegotiation in 2026 potentially impacting trading with Canada and Mexico It is going to be an interesting few months. Have you built these scenarios into your commodity/category strategies? What factors are you considering in your supply chain with this news? #macroeconomics #tariff #categorymanagement #catman

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Are you managing major changes within your distribution or manufacturing operations? e go beyond just identifying continuous improvement opportunities; we help build a lasting framework and culture within your organization to manage future improvements. Our team designs and implements comprehensive change control management processes to ensure every improvement delivers the desired positive impact. Partner with us to drive significant operational improvements and build internal capabilities for managing future initiatives. #supplychaintrends #supplychainmanagement

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Gartner recently asked recruiters, "What Are the Top Five Supply Chain University Programs that you recruit from?" The University of Arkansas topped the list in response to this specific question. I recognize that rankings of academic programs can be controversial, and I respect the varied perspectives on this topic. My intention here is not to debate the merits of such rankings, but to share a personal reflection. As the founding Chair of the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas, this particular result resonates deeply with me. Our program began very modest in size, both in terms of students and faculty, with a focused group of recruiting firms. Our vision was clear: to excel at graduating students with the academic knowledge and practical skills highly sought after in the market. This wasn't just a professional goal—it was a personal mission. The subsequent department chairs, Brent D. Williams and Brian Fugate, along with our dedicated faculty, generous benefactors, and supportive alumni, all shared and nurtured this vision. Seeing our collective efforts acknowledged in this way is truly gratifying. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in building and maintaining our program. After serving as Dean of University of Arkansas ­- Sam M. Walton College of Business for 8 years, I've returned to a faculty position. While I'm no longer in administration, my commitment to fostering robust academic-industry partnerships for our Department remains unwavering. My passion for seeing our students and alumni achieve even greater success is as strong as ever. Thanks to all of you who helped us along this journey! #SupplyChainManagement #SupplyChainU #WooPigSooie

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Things that require speed require proximity. That's the post-- something to consider when designing your Supply Network. #Reshoring #Onshoring #Nearshoring #InventoryManagement #Procurement #SupplierManagement #Agility Thoughts?

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The experts at Gartner shared highlights from their Supply Chain Symposium/Expo last month. You can check out the opening keynote, areas of focus, and top trends in the industry coming out of the event. For me, the standout takeaway was Ankur Mehta‘s discussion on the need for better real-time decision execution in the face of disruptions. With only 7% of supply chain leaders reporting successful real-time decision execution, it’s planning solutions like those from Valizant, Inc. that are most needed in the industry. https://lnkd.in/gJzWw32v #gartner #supplychainleaders #supplychain

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So many shocks can happen to your supply chain and to the demand for products in the queue. Can you ever truly prepare? Listen to Lisa Anderson talking with Inc. on Preparing for Demand Shocks, now: https://ow.ly/FECm50SKqvN #SupplyChainShocks #DemandShocks #LMAConsulting

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Why Inventory Management Often Gets Overlooked One of the biggest blind spots in many companies is the lack of a stated value for inventory carrying costs. This oversight can lead to a fundamental disconnect in how inventory is managed, especially when it comes to inventory turns. In fact, I’ve had buyers and planners ask me, “What are inventory turns?” when I inquire about their metrics. It’s a telling sign that the focus is often skewed towards immediate, visible results—like filling customer orders—over strategic, long-term considerations like inventory optimization. Let’s face it: when push comes to shove, most buyers and planners will err on the side of overstocking rather than risking a stockout. Why? Because they know they’ll catch heat from sales or customers if an order can’t be fulfilled. On the flip side, having too much inventory rarely raises alarms. But here’s the kicker—this mindset exists because of where inventory appears on the financial statements. Inventory doesn’t show up on the income statement—it’s a balance sheet item. What does this mean? Well, while inventory does tie up cash and space, it doesn’t immediately affect reported profits, so it tends to get less scrutiny. The focus on income statements, where sales and cost of goods sold (COGS) are tracked, means that the urgency of inventory management is often underestimated. However, the implications are significant. When inventory is allowed to balloon unchecked, it creates hidden costs that can erode profitability over time. These include increased carrying costs, risk of obsolescence, and reduced cash flow—all of which can strain a company’s financial health. Yet, because these costs don’t hit the income statement directly, they often go unnoticed until they become a much bigger problem. This is why it’s crucial to educate and align your teams on the importance of inventory turns and carrying costs. By doing so, you can shift the focus from just filling orders to managing inventory more strategically—balancing the need to meet customer demand with the necessity of maintaining financial discipline. #MaterialsManagementMonday #SupplyChain #InventoryManagement #OperationsExcellence #FinancialDiscipline

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If you are considering ESG or sustainability goals for your 2025 budgets, we offer solutions that are within your control and can significantly boost your bottom line. Damaged and returned shipments not only represent a substantial cost for many companies but also have a considerable negative impact on the planet. #Sustainability #Packaging

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I have been trying to explain Supply Chain Management to high schoolers. It’s not that easy. Parents like to see this: the number of US job postings for supply chain managers on LinkedIn more than doubled between 2019 & 2022: https://lnkd.in/gyWH5gxt. The U.S. supply chain accounts for 37% of all domestic jobs, according to the Harvard Business Review: https://lnkd.in/gbV_aMT7. WMU SCM grads have a median wage range of $65-$75K. https://lnkd.in/dkGr4_uX. Good ROI, right? Which College Degrees Have the Best Return on Investment: https://lnkd.in/e_7Ge3qG. Not becoming a victim of technology?...The ultimate SCM minor…Business Data Analytics: https://lnkd.in/eqiqSMRb & https://lnkd.in/gwHynAZB & https://lnkd.in/dtqV-HqE. Are students satisfied with their college experience?...Students have overwhelmingly positive reactions to their college experience: https://lnkd.in/gR5pNeDe. How To Become A Supply Chain Manager: Salary, Education Requirements And Job Growth: https://lnkd.in/gtXUfBJg. Goals of an internship (it’s not job shadowing): https://lnkd.in/gMtdr92u. Women in Supply Management: https://lnkd.in/g8bpMTq9. If you look at this 2020-2030 job growth chart closely, all things supply chain related scored VERY well: https://lnkd.in/g8n-dCz2

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inflation mitigation strategies in supply chain Explore effective inflation mitigation strategies in supply chains, including supplier diversification and technology adoption for cost stability. The post inflation mitigation strategies in supply chain appeared first on Tier 1 HUBZone Certified Woman-Owned Office and Industrial Supplier.

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#MaterialsManagementMonday: The Halloween Candy Supply Chain Scare With Halloween just behind us, let’s dive into the supply chain behind the treats. Ever wonder why the candy aisles start filling up so early? Managing a seasonal, high-demand product like Halloween candy is no small feat, especially when demand peaks on a single night. Here are a few key moves that ensure shelves are stocked for October 31: Forecasting Tricks and Treats: Candy makers forecast demand months ahead, balancing last year's sales data with current trends. A single miscalculation here can mean empty shelves or wasteful surplus. Early Manufacturing and Storage: To handle the seasonal surge, candy production ramps up as early as July. This requires precise materials management—sourcing ingredients and packaging well in advance and optimizing storage for a short-term spike in volume. Distribution Challenges: Halloween candy has a short shelf life on store displays but not in the warehouse. Distributors manage inventory rotation closely to avoid melt risks or spoilage. By early October, products are moving fast from distribution centers to retailers. Avoiding Tricks in Last-Mile Delivery: The final push to stores is crucial. Last-mile delivery services increase capacity to meet demand, while retailers aim to avoid overstocking to prevent post-Halloween markdowns. This seasonal supply chain dance provides a powerful example of managing high-stakes, time-sensitive inventory. Each piece—forecasting, production, storage, distribution, and delivery—must align for the smooth flow of goods in and out of stores. What other seasonal products do you think could benefit from similar precision in materials management? Let me know your thoughts. 🎃🍬 #MaterialsManagementMonday #SupplyChain #HalloweenSupplyChain #InventoryManagement #SeasonalDemand #LastMileLogistics #CandySupplyChain #SupplyChainChallenges #OperationsManagement

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