A supply chain is a network of facilities and distribution options that performs the functions of procurement of materials; transformation of these materials into intermediate and finished products; and distribution of these products to customers. As products flow down the chain, information and money flow up the chain. No product moves without an instruction to do so. (Paul James). Supply chain management spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.
According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), supply chain management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management. It also includes the crucial components of coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers, and customers. In essence, supply chain management integrates supply and demand management within and across companies. More recently, the loosely coupled, self-organizing network of businesses that cooperate to provide product and service offerings has been called the Extended Enterprise.
Supply chain management must address the following problems:
" Distribution Network Configuration: number, location and network missions of suppliers, production facilities, distribution centers, warehouses, cross-docks and customers.
" Distribution Strategy: questions of operating control (centralized, decentralized or shared); delivery scheme, e.g., direct shipment, pool point shipping, cross docking, DSD (direct store delivery), closed loop shipping; mode of transportation, e.g., motor carrier, including truckload, LTL, parcel; railroad; intermodal transport, including TOFC (trailer on flatcar) and COFC (container on flatcar); ocean freight; airfreight; replenishment strategy (e.g., pull, push or hybrid); and transportation control (e.g., owner-operated, private carrier, common carrier, contract carrier, or 3PL (third party logistics).
" Trade-Offs in Logistical Activities: The above activities must be well coordinated in order to achieve the lowest total logistics cost. Trade-offs may increase the total cost if only one of the activities is optimized. For example, full truckload (FTL) rates are more economical on a cost per pallet basis than less than truckload (LTL) shipments. If, however, a full truckload of a product is ordered to reduce transportation costs, there will be an increase in inventory holding costs which may increase total logistics costs. It is therefore imperative to take a systems approach when planning logistical activities. These trade-offs are key to developing the most efficient and effective Logistics and SCM strategy.
" Information: Integration of processes through the supply chain to share valuable information, including demand signals, forecasts, inventory, transportation, potential collaboration, etc.
" Inventory Management: Quantity and location of inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods.
" Cash-Flow: Arranging the payment terms and methodologies for exchanging funds across entities within the supply chain.
Delaware Employment Contract with Project Manager of Provider of Supply Chain Logistics A Delaware Employment Contract with a Project Manager of a Supply Chain Logistics provider is a formal agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the employment relationship between the employer and the designated project manager. This contract follows the legal frameworks and regulations specific to the state of Delaware, ensuring compliance and protection for both parties involved. Keywords: Delaware, Employment Contract, Project Manager, Provider, Supply Chain Logistics, terms and conditions, legal frameworks, regulations, compliance, protection. Types of Delaware Employment Contracts with Project Managers in Supply Chain Logistics: 1. Fixed-term Employment Contract: This type of contract specifies a predetermined start and end date for the project manager's engagement with the Supply Chain Logistics provider. It clearly defines the duration of employment and any conditions for contract renewal or termination. 2. Indefinite Employment Contract: An indefinite employment contract does not have a fixed end date and allows for a continuous employment relationship between the project manager and the Supply Chain Logistics provider. The contract might outline conditions for contract termination or modification by either party with appropriate notice periods. 3. Part-time Employment Contract: This type of contract defines the project manager's work schedule and specific hours of employment. It outlines the agreed-upon number of hours per week or month, ensuring clarity regarding remuneration and benefits as per Delaware regulations. 4. Independent Contractor Agreement: Although not strictly categorized as an employment contract, this agreement outlines the project manager's status as an independent contractor rather than an employee. It defines the terms of engagement, project scope, payment structure, and other relevant provisions for the Supply Chain Logistics provider. 5. Probationary Employment Contract: In some cases, an employer may opt for a probationary period to assess the project manager's performance and suitability for the role. The contract will clearly outline the probationary timeline, evaluation criteria, and potential outcomes depending on the project manager's performance during the probation period. It is crucial for both the employer and the project manager to thoroughly review and understand the Delaware Employment Contract. This legally binding document ensures that both parties are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and how any disputes or disagreements will be resolved, promoting a mutually beneficial and transparent working relationship in the intricate field of Supply Chain Logistics.
