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.
Phoenix Arizona Employment Contract with Project Manager of Provider of Supply Chain Logistics: In Phoenix, Arizona, the employment contract with a project manager in the field of supply chain logistics is a crucial document that outlines the professional relationship between the employer and the project manager. This contract comprises various terms and conditions that govern the employment, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties. The Phoenix Arizona Employment Contract with a Project Manager of a Provider of Supply Chain Logistics includes the following key components: 1. Job Title and Description: The contract clearly specifies the project manager's role, responsibilities, and duties within the supply chain logistics provider. It includes a comprehensive job description that outlines the scope of work and expectations. 2. Duration of Employment: This section outlines the duration of the contract, whether it is for a fixed-term project or an ongoing employment arrangement. It may also specify the probationary period, if any. 3. Compensation and Benefits: The contract discusses the project manager's remuneration, including salary, bonuses, incentives, or other forms of compensation. It also covers employee benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, vacation days, and sick leave provisions. 4. Working Hours and Schedule: This section outlines the standard working hours, including any flexible or irregular work arrangements. It may also specify whether overtime work is expected and the corresponding compensation for such hours. 5. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: The contract emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive or proprietary information regarding the company's supply chain logistics operations. It may include non-disclosure clauses to protect trade secrets, intellectual property, and client information. 6. Termination and Notice Period: This portion outlines the conditions under which the employment contract can be terminated by either party. It may include provisions for notice periods, grounds for termination, and any severance pay or benefits. 7. Intellectual Property Rights: If the project manager is involved in creating or developing intellectual property as part of their role, the contract will detail the ownership and rights to those creations — whether they belong to the employer or can be shared jointly. 8. Code of Conduct and Ethics: The contract may include a clause emphasizing compliance with the organization's code of conduct, ethical standards, and protocols to ensure professional behavior in the workplace. Different types of Phoenix Arizona Employment Contracts with Project Manager of Providers of Supply Chain Logistics: 1. Fixed-Term Contract: This type of contract is established for a specific period or duration, often tied to a particular project's timeline or completion. 2. Ongoing or Indefinite Contract: This contract has no predetermined end date and continues until either party terminates the employment as per the agreed-upon terms. 3. Contract-to-Hire: This arrangement initially begins as a fixed-term contract but has the potential to transform into a permanent employment contract based on satisfactory performance and mutual agreement. 4. Independent Contractor Agreement: In some cases, the project manager may be engaged as an independent contractor rather than an employee, with specific terms and conditions tailored for such arrangements. It is important for both the employer and the project manager to review the employment contract carefully before signing to ensure that all terms and conditions are agreeable and in compliance with Phoenix, Arizona's legal requirements.
