Supply Chain Advice!

[kc120904]

My company is rethinking supply chain, structures, processes, etc., and I've been tasked with researching consultancies. In my research, I've come across TONS of service offerings (from companies like AMR, Aberdeen Oliver wight, SCEB, Deloitte, IBM, PRTM, etc...) but what I would really like is some feedback about experience. Knowledge, how well respected are the different organizations, how much money did you save using the service, were your teams able to use the resources?.. etc.
Any thoughts appreciated (esp. re: the companies listed above!)

[Dollarwave]

Have you tried talking to some 3PL agencies?

[Starbucks Junkie]

Originally Posted by kc120904

My company is rethinking supply chain, structures, processes, etc., and I've been tasked with researching consultancies. In my research, I've come across TONS of service offerings (from companies like AMR, Aberdeen Oliver wight, SCEB, Deloitte, IBM, PRTM, etc...) but what I would really like is some feedback about experience. Knowledge, how well respected are the different organizations, how much money did you save using the service, were your teams able to use the resources?.. etc.
Any thoughts appreciated (esp. re: the companies listed above!)

KC,

Welcome to the forum..

I am a little unclear as to what you are trying to outsource..

Some of the companies you have referenced are IT systems focused whilst others are purely training and development...

Can you be a little more specific as to what you are trying to achieve..

Thanks

SJ

[kc120904]

What we are really looking to do is not outsource or implement a new technology (well, we will if we have to...), but really find a provider of best demonstrated practices for all of the above-IT, talent management, Leadership development, benchmarking (doesn't necessarily have to be within industry). One may bring consultants in, but another alternative is to join an industry organization or another group that lets you benchmark across industries. But the fact of the matter is, there are so many to choose from, and I'd really like first hand feedback from actual users/participants.

Hope that makes sense...
Thanks!
k

[Starbucks Junkie]

Originally Posted by kc120904

What we are really looking to do is not outsource or implement a new technology (well, we will if we have to...), but really find a provider of best demonstrated practices for all of the above-IT, talent management, Leadership development, benchmarking (doesn't necessarily have to be within industry). One may bring consultants in, but another alternative is to join an industry organization or another group that lets you benchmark across industries. But the fact of the matter is, there are so many to choose from, and I'd really like first hand feedback from actual users/participants.

Hope that makes sense...
Thanks!
k

In that case then I would recommend Oliver Wight, I have used them in the past and found them to be very professional and thorough.

Hope that helps.

SJ

[kc120904]

Thanks for your thoughts, sj!
Now, I'm curious to understand, what are thoughts on PRTM's supply chain benchmarking services?

Thanks,
K

[Starbucks Junkie]

Originally Posted by kc120904

Thanks for your thoughts, sj!
Now, I'm curious to understand, what are thoughts on PRTM's supply chain benchmarking services?

Thanks,
K

K,

I unfortunately cannot offer any insight into this, perhaps other members can offer this insight.

Open to others for comments.

SJ

[Loggie]

Originally Posted by kc120904

Thanks for your thoughts, sj!
Now, I'm curious to understand, what are thoughts on PRTM's supply chain benchmarking services?

Thanks,
K

Have not used PRTM but have used these guys. http://www.benchmarkingsuccess.com/ They are very good.

[kvinaysagar0511]

Every other consultancy will have a different approach towards your business , and a fact would be that it be an impact of the project leaders last project ,the team may try to compare your organizational process , standards, models to the last project handled and may turn out to give you a way out what they provided
to their last client .Which may or ,may not be suitable to your organization or the best idea they could have if they fail to analyze they may suggest to outsource your SCM. I have a presentation of supplychain if u want i would send it to you check it out .kvinaysagar0511"attherate"yahoo.com

Originally Posted by kc120904

My company is rethinking supply chain, structures, processes, etc., and I've been tasked with researching consultancies. In my research, I've come across TONS of service offerings (from companies like AMR, Aberdeen Oliver wight, SCEB, Deloitte, IBM, PRTM, etc...) but what I would really like is some feedback about experience. Knowledge, how well respected are the different organizations, how much money did you save using the service, were your teams able to use the resources?.. etc.
Any thoughts appreciated (esp. re: the companies listed above!)

[rsaunders]

KC,

I can't help but caution, you should be very careful before pulling in a consultant for such a broad topic. You must be very clear on what you're trying to accomplish. What question/s are you trying to answer ?

Seems logical (and maybe simplistic) to point this out, but I have seen companies spend too much time and money with consultants because they did not have a specific enough focus.

Are you looking to improve forecasting, reduce SKU complexity, decrease manufacturing lead times, reduce costs (manuf/transportation), improve distribution/fulfillment, etc... etc...

Depending on your needs, you might need various consultants... or you might find that some things can be done with some good internal project management and focus.

all the best,