I recently spoke with Frank Camean of 4Sight Supply Chain Group about how his services can benefit businesses overall distribution and supply chain process. I came away very impressed with their background in the Supply Chain vertical and how effective the utilization of the right supply chain consultant can dramatically improve the overall process by which large distribution companies do business.
The ‘supply chain’ designates a number of initiatives, spanning many areas of a business. What kinds of companies and/or industries can use the aid of supply chain consultants?
- Pretty much all industries can benefit from the services provided by Supply Chain consultants. Over our professional careers, 4SIGHT resources have worked with companies in Food, Grocery, Retail, Third Party Logistics, Wholesale, Consumer Product Goods, Manufacturing, Automotive, and High-Tech.
Can a business of any size utilize supply chain consultants, or are the services better used by mid to large-sized businesses?
- Companies of ‘any size’ can utilize the services provided by supply chain consultants. The key is to partner with a firm that is flexible and can offer services that fit your budgetary needs and still provide value. Whether you have one (1) distribution center, or a mix of seventy-five (75) distribution centers, there are still valuable services that can be provided. At a minimum, Supply Chain consultants should be able to serve the areas of Manufacturing, Distribution, Warehousing, Transportation, and Information Technology.
Does supply chain consulting services involve physical interaction between consultant and client or does the relationship mostly exist through computer systems and automated processes?
- Don’t let anyone fool you, but the key to a successful Supply Chain consultant is the relationship he/she builds with their client. The good ones get to know the intricacies of their clients business, so that requires physical interaction with their client. Even if you are implementing an off-the-shelf software package, that still requires interaction with your client. Pretty much ALL service offerings provided by Supply Chain consultants are conducted this way. If you find yourself working with a Supply Chain consultant who offers limited face time, then you’re working with the wrong consultant.
I see a large facet of your services involves consulting in regards to computer software. Can you tell us more about the importance of software within the scope of the supply chain?
- Over the last two decades, the Supply Chain and Logistics industry has evolved significantly through the use of software. Software has enabled companies to optimize their warehousing operations and save millions in space and labor. It has allowed companies to save millions on transportation costs by optimizing their transportation network and procuring the best carriers to service their needs. Software has allowed vendors, clients, wholesalers, distributors and even customers to collaborate and share information like never before allowing you to make real-time decisions. Through the use of simulation, heuristic algorithms, and what-if scenarios, software has also enabled companies to identify the right mix of distribution centers and manufacturing plants to service customers nationwide. And with the latest trends on the internet for Cloud Computing and SaaS (Software as a Service), software will be the driving force for continued improvements throughout many Supply Chains. At 4SIGHT we recognize the important role software has on Supply Chain networks, so we offer a complimentary set of services helping clients with their software needs ranging from Software Selection to Systems Integration.
What is one, major piece of advice you can provide smaller businesses thinking about looking for outside help regarding supply chain management?
- The best advice I can give is to partner with a firm that you feel ‘comfortable’ working with and know you can ‘trust’. In many cases, these relationships can be long-standing relationships for several years. As such, partner with a firm that offers a breadth of services that you can leverage over time. Also, make sure they can implement and execute on what they propose. You want a partner who’s “been there, done that”. For example, if you’re partnering with a firm for a Software Evaluation and Selection project, make sure they have significant software ‘implementation’ experience, and not just consulting experience. Finally, partner with a firm that you know you’ll enjoy working with since it’s likely you may leverage them for other services down the road. If you have concerns whether or not you’ll enjoy working with them, you might want to pass. Find a firm with character, experience and someone you know will roll up their sleeves to get the job done who is committed to your success
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