The Thomas Blog

Easing The Supplier Transition Process Through Dual Sourcing

Bringing in a new supplier can be a challenge for any organization. However, adopting a dual sourcing strategy could make the process a lot more efficient and effective.  

4 Lean Procurement Strategies For Small And Mid-Sized Businesses

Many small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) don't have dedicated procurement teams in place. In fact, thanks to limited resources and tight budgets, sourcing responsibilities often fall on the shoulders of one or two individuals — many of whom juggle responsibilities other than procurement. As a result, monitoring existing contracts and sourcing best-in-class agreements can be a tremendous challenge for these SMBs.  

So how can SMBs optimize their procurement efforts despite the lack of resources? The key is to be Lean.

5 Ways To Keep A Supplier Engaged And Build Supply Chain Partnerships

Whether you are looking to place an order, source something new, or just get an update on overall account status, businesses expect their suppliers to address these needs. But what do your suppliers expect from you? 

Choosing The Right Supplier: Advice For Procurement Professionals

When it comes to sourcing materials for a manufacturing project, vendor qualification is an important consideration that will leave a lasting impact. A precision metal stamping vendor, for example, is very different from a thermoforming vendor. To hone in on the best candidate for procurement, utilize custom, concise questionnaires specific to each vendor’s particular service area.

Finding The Right Contract Manufacturer: Single- Versus Multi-Station Production Processes

It seems logical that when developing a product with multiple process requirements, you would search for multi-station equipment, and single-station equipment for a one-process operation. However, this common screening process can actually yield less than optimal results.

5 Topics U.S. Procurement Professionals Are Talking About On Social Media Right Now

As you know, social media runs rings around traditional media in terms of early access to news, unadulterated commentary from all levels of the workforce, and providing an interactive forum for discussing, rather than just reading about, the biggest issues facing our profession.

5 Supply Chain Lessons We Can Learn From The Summer Games In Rio

More than 10,500 athletes from 200 countries will compete in front of the cameras at the Summer Games in Rio. But those numbers pale in comparison to what’s going on behind the scenes, where two warehouses spanning 105,000 square meters will store more than 30 million items. These items include 10,000 smartphones, 54 boats, 32,000 tennis balls, 250 golf carts and 70,000 tables. Making it all possible is a team of almost 7,000 employees and 70,000 volunteers who will handle everything from registering and recording the arrival of the goods to organizing their final delivery.

A Look at the Top 10 Container Ports in the U.S.

David Allen of Shell Oil Talks Mentorship, Millennials & Supply Chain

Some of the brightest lights taking the reigns of the industry are already making a name for themselves at some notable companies, but supply chain rockstars don't always get the industry-wide recognition they deserve.