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.
Illinois Employment Contract with Project Manager of Provider of Supply Chain Logistics An Illinois employment contract with a project manager of a provider of supply chain logistics is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a project manager in the state of Illinois. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the employment relationship and sets forth the rights and responsibilities of both the employer and the project manager. The main purpose of the employment contract is to establish a clear understanding of the job requirements, compensation, benefits, and other important aspects of the employment. It ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding their expectations and obligations. Keywords: Illinois employment contract, supply chain logistics, project manager, employer, project manager responsibilities, job requirements, compensation, benefits, employment relationship. Different types of Illinois Employment Contracts with Project Managers in the Provider of Supply Chain Logistics may include: 1. Fixed-Term Employment Contract: This type of contract is for a specific duration, such as a fixed number of months or years. It outlines the project manager's employment period and the conditions under which the contract may be terminated before its expiration. 2. At-Will Employment Contract: This type of contract does not have a specified duration and allows either party to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as long as it complies with legal requirements. 3. Full-Time Employment Contract: This contract specifies that the project manager is hired on a full-time basis, typically working a predetermined number of hours per week. It outlines the salary, benefits, and any other entitlements associated with full-time employment. 4. Part-Time Employment Contract: This contract is for project managers who are hired to work less than the full-time schedule, typically with reduced hours and proportionate compensation and benefits. 5. Independent Contractor Agreement: In some cases, providers of supply chain logistics may hire project managers as independent contractors rather than employees. This type of agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the contractor's services, including payment terms, project deliverables, and intellectual property rights. It's important to note that these contract types may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the company's policies and practices. It is recommended that both parties seek legal advice to ensure compliance with Illinois labor laws and regulations when drafting or signing an employment contract.
