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.
The Tennessee Employment Contract with a Project Manager of a Provider of Supply Chain Logistics is a legally binding agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the employment relationship between the project manager and the logistics provider. This contract ensures transparency and clarity for both parties and sets the foundation for a successful working arrangement. Below are the key components and important clauses often included in this type of contract: 1. Role and Responsibilities: The contract clearly defines the role of the project manager within the supply chain logistics provider. It outlines the specific responsibilities, tasks, and performance expectations that the project manager is expected to fulfill. Keywords: job description, role, responsibilities, performance expectations. 2. Compensation and Benefits: This section details the compensation package agreed upon by both parties. It includes the project manager's salary, bonuses, incentives, or any other benefits they are entitled to. Keywords: compensation, salary, bonuses, incentives, benefits. 3. Working Hours and Conditions: Specifies the standard working hours and any additional terms related to working conditions such as overtime, leave policies, and remote work arrangements if applicable. Keywords: working hours, working conditions, overtime, leave policies, remote work. 4. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Protects the supply chain logistics provider's sensitive information, trade secrets, and client data by requiring the project manager to sign a confidentiality agreement. Keywords: confidentiality, non-disclosure, trade secrets, sensitive information. 5. Intellectual Property: Outlines the ownership rights of any intellectual property developed by the project manager during the employment period and determines who retains the rights. Keywords: intellectual property, ownership rights. 6. Termination and Notice Period: This section specifies the process and conditions for termination of the contract by either party. It includes the notice period required before terminating the employment and any severance provisions. Keywords: termination, notice period, severance. 7. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation: Restricts the project manager from engaging in any competitive activities or soliciting clients of the supply chain logistics provider, both during and after employment. Keywords: non-compete, non-solicitation, competitive activities, client solicitation. 8. Dispute Resolution: Outlines the procedure to resolve any disputes that may arise during the course of employment, stating whether arbitration or other measures will be employed. Keywords: dispute resolution, arbitration, conflict resolution. There may also be variations of the Tennessee Employment Contract with a Project Manager of a Provider of Supply Chain Logistics based on factors such as the size of the organization or the specific industry. For example, in larger logistics companies, there might be separate contracts for different project manager levels or specialization areas, like transportation logistics or warehouse logistics. These contracts would generally contain similar clauses but may differ in certain details relevant to the specific role or department.
