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.
Washington Employment Contract with Project Manager of Provider of Supply Chain Logistics: A Washington Employment Contract with a Project Manager of a Provider of Supply Chain Logistics is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment between the employer (the provider of supply chain logistics) and the project manager in the state of Washington. This contract aims to protect the rights and interests of both parties involved, ensuring a smooth working relationship throughout the duration of the project. Keywords: Washington, employment contract, project manager, provider, supply chain logistics Types of Washington Employment Contracts with Project Managers of Providers of Supply Chain Logistics: 1. Fixed-Term Employment Contract: This type of contract specifies a predetermined project duration, outlining the start and end dates of the project manager's employment. It clearly outlines the tasks, responsibilities, and expectations from the project manager throughout the specified period. 2. At-Will Employment Contract: Unlike a fixed-term contract, an at-will contract does not specify a definite duration. It allows either party, the employer or the project manager, to terminate the employment relationship without notice or reason. However, it still outlines the job scope, responsibilities, compensation, and other terms relevant to the employment. 3. Full-Time Employment Contract: A full-time contract specifies that the project manager is expected to work a standard number of hours per week, typically 40 hours. It outlines the compensation, benefits, leave entitlements, and other terms applicable to a full-time employee, along with the specific responsibilities and expectations related to the supply chain logistics project. 4. Part-Time Employment Contract: This type of contract is applicable when the project manager's employment is limited to a certain number of hours per week, which is less than the standard full-time hours. It defines the number of hours the project manager is expected to work, the compensation, and the responsibilities associated with the project. 5. Independent Contractor Agreement: In some cases, a project manager may be engaged as an independent contractor rather than an employee. This type of contract outlines the terms and conditions under which the project manager provides their services to the provider of supply chain logistics as an independent entity. It typically includes details about payment terms, project scope, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and other relevant factors. In all these types of contracts, it is essential to include provisions regarding non-disclosure agreements, dispute resolution mechanisms, intellectual property rights, termination conditions, and any specific regulations required by Washington state employment laws. Note: It is advisable to consult with an employment law expert or attorney to ensure compliance with relevant federal and Washington state laws when drafting an employment contract.
