To maintain a well-oiled supply chain, manufacturers have to balance the needs
of carrying lean inventories with the risk of having parts shortages. This
article illustrates how some manufacturers are maintaining flexibility and
efficiency by optimizing their distribution and logistics networks, while
realigning the purchasing function with an eye toward supply chain management.
June: Global Hot Spots
With the rush to globalization, multinational manufacturers are
looking to every corner of the globe to set up shop. This article examines why
manufacturers are expanding their global supply chains into specific, and
sometimes under-publicized, areas of the world. It also reveals what impact
this expansion has on suppliers, customers and material providers.
August: America's Role in the Global Supply Chain
Globalization has thrust a large number of compliance issues on U.S.
manufacturers, from labor management to obtaining raw materials to product
liability. This article looks at how manufacturers are identifying their own
standards of global compliance in order to make their products attractive to a
global market, while maintaining as cost-effective operations as possible. IW
also examines the practice of in-sourcing, where companies are bringing some of
their manufacturing capacity back to the United States.
38% of plants used materials or products from China in 2006.
89% of plants incorporate imported components into their finished products.
84% of IW readers report that their companies export products.
Between 1972 and 2004, the percent of manufactured products bought in the U.S. increased 300%.
September: China's Role as a Global Manufacturer
This article looks at why U.S. companies continue to rely on China as a
preferred offshore source for low-cost manufacturing, while revealing the
progress China has made in improving its infrastructure. It also examines the
biggest threats to China's continuing growth, and what threats (such as product
defects and recalls) could derail a U.S. manufacturer's global sourcing
strategy.
December: India
India has achieved almost mythical status as a fastgrowing, attractive market
for U.S. manufacturers. While India is still challenged by basic infrastructure
issues, some market projections say India could outpace China in terms of
economic growth within the next 10 years. This article explores various options
U.S. manufacturers have when planning out an Indian strategy.
