Existing amenities are not enough to store, and deliver a large volume of vaccines within a short time, say experts. The governments are considering banking on the existing cold chain as a supply chain and logistical issue for storing, transporting, and distributing coronavirus vaccines while some professionals say the main challenge will be to manage such a large volume with the existing capacity. On November 5, 2020, the Bangladesh government signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Serum Institute of India and Bangladesh’s Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd to get three crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines from Serum, keeping in mind the existing cold chain. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines being developed may need ultra-cold storage and transportation temperatures as cold as −70 °C (−94 °F), requiring what has been referred to as a “colder chain” infrastructure. Disruption of a cold chain due to war may produce consequences similar to the smallpox outbreaks in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. The distributed vaccines were inert due to a lack of temperature control in transport. There are no uniform global practices to follow, customs, legal, and compliance issues, effects on the environment, supplier-related risks, issues with cold chain delivery — packaging, hardware issues, vehicle breakdown, etc. Besides the usual elements of risk that plague normal supply chains, cutting-edge cold chain logistics has its own exclusive set of problems such as product sensitivity, the increasing cost of freight, and growing regulatory hurdles.
Category: Supply Chain Management
How Does the International ship and Port Facility Security Code Enhance Supply Chain Security?
Each ship must develop a unique plan to protect against security threats. The plan must be approved by the ship’s flag state. Port facilities must also develop a security plan to protect port infrastructure. The plan outlines the responsibilities of port facility personnel and how to respond to potential security breaches. The ISPS Code introduces a three-tiered system of security levels: Level 1: Normal security measures, Level 2: Additional security measures due to an elevated threat level, and Level 3: The highest level of security measures is activated in response to a specific threat or a known risk. Each ship and port facility must appoint a Ship Security Officer (SSO) to maintain the security plan and coordinate actions with relevant authorities. Regular training and drills are mandated for both ship and port personnel to ensure personnel are well-prepared for potential security incidents. The code sets guidelines for information sharing and cooperation between all parties to enhance maritime security. The ISPS Code has significantly improved supply chain security, particularly in the global maritime industry. It reduces the risk of terrorist attacks and piracy, enhancing the security of ports that transport goods across international borders. It encourages risk mitigation and threat assessment, enhancing the security of cargo and fostering international cooperation. It improves monitoring and surveillance, requiring port facilities to implement surveillance systems and ships to be equipped with tracking systems. It requires both ships and port facilities to have contingency plans in place in the event of a security breach or a threat. It provides guidelines for the protection of critical infrastructure against physical attacks or other types of sabotage. The ISPS Code instills confidence in global trade and by ensuring consistent security maintenance using International ship and Port Facility Security Code.
What is a Supply Chain Management Job and Career?
In a case study, based on US-based companies, first-level management is of about 0-4 years. To understand the supply chain management job and career we can remind ourselves about the example of leaf cutter ants. APICS, founded in 1957 as American Production and Inventory Control Society and re-branded as The Association for Supply Chain Management in 2018, launched their CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) programme in 2006. Institute for Supply Management, founded in 1915 as the National Association of Purchasing Agents, launched its CPSM Certified Professional in Supply Management programme in 2008. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, founded in 1963 as the Council of Logistics Management, launched their SCPro programme in 2011.For Supply Chain Management roles, “Process Engineer”, and “Supply Chain Analyst”. For Supply Chain Systems Manager roles, “Supply Chain Manager”, Vice President, Supply Chain Management”. For Sales and Customer Service roles, “Account Specialist”/ “Customer Service”, “Customer Service Manager”, “Account Manager/Supply Chain Sales” etc.
What is the Role of Inventory in Supply Chain Management?
In Supply Chain Management (SCM), efficient inventory management is the result of a combination of interdependent procedures that work together to promote robustness and efficiency. Making wise decisions is necessary for inventory optimization in order to preserve equilibrium, reduce carrying costs, and avoid stockouts. Warehouse management uses sophisticated warehouse management systems and tools like SAP MM to guarantee effective product storage, retrieval, and dispatch. Shipping administration, which integrates technologies for route optimization, real-time tracking, and effective returns management, is essential for the efficient, dependable, and quick delivery of goods. Understanding and projecting customer demand is a key component of demand planning and forecasting. Our future product demand predicted by combining historical sales data, market intelligence, forecasts for raw materials, and predictive analytics. By proactively adjusting production schedules, procurement tactics, and supply plans, businesses can avoid stock-outs and guarantee that capital is not tied up.
What Makes Toyota’s Supply Chain Management a Benchmark for Excellence?
Toyota has an effective supply chain strategy that puts value and efficiency first. It has adopted the Just-In-Time (JIT) system, which guarantees on-demand delivery of materials and components while cutting waste and inventory expenses. By employing a tiered supplier system and incorporating employees at all levels in cooperative improvement initiatives, Toyota also cultivates long-term relationships with its suppliers. The Toyota Production System (TPS) maximizes efficiency while reducing waste and overproduction. To match production schedules with market demand, the organization employs sophisticated demand forecasting systems. Toyota also uses buffer stockpiles for essential components and dual-sourcing tactics to proactively manage supply chain risks. For improved supply chain monitoring and predictive analytics, the business incorporates cutting-edge digital technologies like IoT and AI.
What is Cycle View of a Supply Chain? Is it Useful? |
The processes in a Supply Chain are usually divided into a series of cycles, each performed in the interface between two interrelated successive stages of a Supply Chain. Sub-processes in each Supply Chain Process Cycle I.e., each cycle comprises six sub-processes, supplier stage markets a product, buyer stage places order, supplier stage receives order, supplier stage supplies order, buyer stage receives supply, buyer returns reverse flows to a supplier or the third party.
A discussion about Unilever’s Supply Chain Management : A Case Study |
Unilever’s vast operations require a robust SCM to manage the flow of materials across continents and the company is committed to sustainable sourcing practices. Unilever’s supply chain management includes advanced technologies and lean manufacturing principles to optimize production and minimize waste. The company also uses a sophisticated logistics network for timely delivery of products and is embracing digital technologies to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency, including the use of IoT sensors, AI-powered analytics, and blockchain. Unilever is a pioneer in sustainable practices, such as palm oil sourcing and achieving zero waste to landfill status in many factories, showing its commitment to environmental sustainability. Suppliers who meet Unilever’s criteria for climate leadership can sign the Unilever Climate Promise to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.