Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Supply Chain Vendor

Are you searching for a new supply chain consulting service? It's never an easy process. You need a vendor who can meet your needs, deliver on your schedule, and fit within your budget. Very often, you can't really know whether a vendor will meet all of your criteria until after you have already started working with them.

During your search phase, how can you tell whether a vendor really aligns with your objectives? It's helpful to have a plan in place before you start talking to potential vendors. Define your top priorities. Identify potential red flags as warning signs. Have a clear idea of what you want and what is most important to you.

Tips for an Efficient and Stress-Free Manufacturing Plant Relocation

Do you have a plant relocation in your future? Considering a new facility that is more affordable or perhaps higher quality? Or do you need to move for logistical and operational reasons?

No matter the reason behind your move, there’s no doubt that a plant relocation is a complex and time-consuming undertaking. Even if things go well, you’re facing a temporary disruption to operations. If things go poorly, you could suffer equipment damage, lost revenue, and possibly long-term business consequences.

Damage, Dunnage, and More: Do You Know the Risks of Packaging DIY?

The current situation is tough for builders, manufacturers, and anyone who needs to purchase raw materials. Lumber prices are up over 300% in the past year. While there has been a slight pullback since May, the futures contracts price per thousand feet of two-by-fours is still more than three times pre-pandemic levels.

The pricing surge isn’t specific to lumber. Steel prices are also up more than 300%, and the prices for foil, fasteners, and other materials have also surged. While there has been some stabilization in recent months, a price drop doesn’t appear to be coming anytime soon.