Finding fault throughout the supply chain

[Randy Littleson]

The latest edition of IndustryWeek’s Manufacturing Business Challenge is now available here. This month’s challenge focuses on a company that has outsourced its manufacturing and is now struggling with unexpected supply chain risks coming from its suppliers. The company is being asked by its customers to mitigate supply chain risks and develop an overall supply chain risk management strategy.


There are two solutions proposed - one by yours truly and the other by Beth Enslow, senior vice president, supply chain risk practice, Marsh.


Randy Littleson is a Vice President for Kinaxis, provider of the on-demand RapidResponse service that empowers multi-enterprise manufacturers with the collaborative and integrated demand-supply planning, monitoring, and response capabilities.

[dreck]

I'd have to say that the "case" and responses skim the surface of risk management. Beth's response is good at first, then unrealisitic...most suppliers are not going to tell you if they are in financial trouble.

I can't say that this would really be helpful in developing an overall risk management strategy because of the narrow focus.