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Changes at Toys R Us: Consider the Impact Across the Supply Chain
As consumers of the toys and games carried at Toys R Us, many people I know are eager to take advantage of closeout sales as the largest independent toy seller in the United States prepares for liquidation. However, while it can be good news in the short-term for some consumers’ wallets and perhaps…
4 Key Measures and Tips to Improve your Supply Chain Planning
Knowing where you stand is the first step to finding ways to improve your organization’s supply chain planning processes. And once you understand your baseline, benchmarking enables you to identify gaps, find successful practices that drive higher performance, and then establish realistic goals…
New Year’s Supply Chain Resolution: Lower Supply Chain Planning Costs
As organizations look back on the past year’s successes and failures, too many operational leaders were saying “humbug” about how much money their companies shelled out this year on supply chain planning. How can you tell if you’re spending too much on this mission-critical function? Start by…
Looking Forward to 2018 in Finance and Supply Chain
New year, new priorities? Where will your organization be focusing your efforts in 2018? As you get ready to tackle this new year, APQC's research team wants to ensure we understand what your top priorities and challenges are for 2018. We want the research we conduct and the content we create to…
5 Tips for Better Demand Planning
If you were on social media in 2013, you probably saw one viral video that was hard to miss: A Volvo Live Test featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme performing an “epic split” between two rolling Volvo trucks. It was the sixth and final in Volvo’s series of Live Test films, which pushed the…
Recent Hurricanes Highlight Supply Chain’s Struggle With Truck Driver Shortage
“What’s the biggest supply chain challenge facing you right now?” I’ve gotten some interesting answers to that question, but last week while at the APICS conference in San Antonio, I was chatting with a supply chain leader from Sysco who lives in Houston. Her response to my question gave me…
What is Blockchain?
Much is being said these days about blockchain, also referred to as distributed ledger technology, and its impact on business. Let’s be honest with each other: are you familiar with blockchain? If you are not, then the good news is that you are not alone. And if you are extremely familiar, you are…
Nike, Microsoft, and the NFL Tackle Innovation
What do Nike, SG Helmets, and Microsoft have in common? They are driving innovation in the products used by players and coaches in the National Football League (NFL). Although the game itself hasn’t changed dramatically over the years, today’s players in the NFL can play in greater comfort and…
12 Emerging Practices in Quality Measurement
How does your organization measure quality? Is it an enterprise-wide concern? APQC recently researched how to use enterprise quality measurement to drive business value. We found that there are 12 emerging practices that exemplary organizations are leveraging to get even better results. In…
Seeking Presentations for APQC 2012 Process Conference
We want to hear from you! Submit an abstract by May 31 to be considered as a presenter at APQC’s 2012 Process Conference. The conference is October 25-26, and the theme is Block & Tackle: Leveraging Process for Results. We are looking for presentations that tell the story of business process…