Learn, lift and lead: Dr. Manrodt gives insight on the road to profitability in supply chain management

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Dr. Karl B. Manrodt, director of Georgia College Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management program and Dr. Mary C. Holcomb (Associate Professor of Logistics at the University of Tennessee) have joined together to provide information on freight communication.

 

In the March edition of Learn. Lift. Lead., they review what makes EDI an “Old School” technology, application programming interfaces, dynamic pricing, and more!

 

“Transportation executives are taking notice of how web service APIs are reshaping freight communication, and the tangible benefits just around the corner.”

 

 

Georgia College and State University Online Logistics/SCM program graduate talks logistics in recent Atlanta Business Chronicle article

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Charlie Fiveash, graduate of the Georgia College Logistics/SCM program and current principal at Lavista Associates, recently deemed metro Atlanta a logistics “super-hub” in an article written for the Atlanta Business Chronicle. 

“The Georgia ports enhance global trade and support over 369,000 jobs in Georgia. Transportation and distribution jobs across the state add another half-million jobs to the Georgia’s workforce, pushing total employment in the logistics sector toward the 1 million mark.”

 

Read his full article below: (click article to enlarge)

 

Charlie Fiveash talks logistics in Atlanta Business Chronicle

 

Dr. Karl B. Manrodt talks quality and metrics in the 2016 Supply Chain Management Resource Guide

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Dr. Karl B. Manrodt, director of Georgia College Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management program, joins Assistant Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Donnie Williams in discussing the lack of alignment between operational level and corporate strategy.
 

“Operational metrics are not aligned to a strategy. The top ten measures used by each strategy were virtually the same. By looking at the measures, one couldn’t identify which strategy was being used. Worse yet, there were very few statistically significant differences in actual performance between the strategies. Operationally, the firms were all the same. This means that regardless of strategy, everyone uses the same measures.”
 

To read more of his article, click here!

 

Dr. Karl B. Manrodt reviews transportation management in the 2016 Supply Chain Management Resource Guide

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Director of Georgia College Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management program, Dr. Karl B. Manrodt, has studied data indicating that more procurement professionals are responsible for negotiating with carriers.
 
“In companies where transportation has more strategic role and a greater impact on organization, procurement peers often do not have the depth of understanding needed to navigate the economics and operational distinction found in transportation.”
 
To read more of his article, click here!
 

How to Be More Effective in Warehouse Operations

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young man improving warehouse operations

Improving distribution center operations is an ongoing task, and effective distribution managers continually review and update procedures to stay competitive. It is important to keep processes at peak performance and employees motivated to work efficiently and effectively to keep the firm profitable. Whether you review your facilities on a monthly, quarterly or a bi-annual basis, examining each section of your process is critical in maintaining a productive distribution center. Distribution technology is developing rapidly, and discovering what changes can improve your operations is always critical.

In What Areas Should You Improve?

 

Automation

Automation cannot only improve the speed with which your line moves, it can also be cost-effective. Conveyors, AS/RS, and AGVs do not tire or get moody, and they stay on task efficiently. However, tools like this can’t do all the work, and putting them in place is a costly up-front investment. Consider this option from all sides before making the change.

Productivity

Communicating with employees can help optimize your production rate and allow you to be more profitable. Many jobs cannot be done by automation, because a human is needed to make judgment calls. Collaborate with supervisors to incentivize your team for peak labor performance.

Maximize Space

Space is both horizontal and vertical, and it is probable that your vertical space is not being maximized. In conjunction with automation, look up to get more room to allow you to get things done.

Education

Implementing a robust training program to help staff understand the “whys” of your distribution center processes will get them excited about contributing to the firm. This type of training will multiply as your staff discusses new ways to improve old processes.

Safety

Invest in the safety of your employees by organizing workstations and optimizing them for the most comfort to avoid straining legs, back and neck. Workers who are uncomfortable or even in pain will not be able to put in their best work. Ergonomic workstations reduce absences and improve labor efficiency.

If you have any questions or are thinking about a Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, contact us here.