Dear Readers,
Increasingly, we find ourselves thinking in global terms, and hence our attention is likely to be focused on such topics as the subprime crisis, climate change or the scarcity of natural resources. Whether we are considering the closure of the Nokia factory in Bochum, the possible sale of the respected British Jaguar brand to an Indian company, or the market success of European industry in China, we must agree that globalisation certainly impacts our lives.
According to the latest figures, most companies have a predominantly positive attitude regarding the transference of their production to a foreign country. 73% name an improved competitive position, 67% name lower wage costs, and 55% name better access to a new market as the main advantage. Furthermore, 14% cite an increased logistics effort as a major disadvantage.
The international alignment of company networks appears to be a long-term challenge. Flexibility versus efficiency, central versus local control, concentration versus diversification - there is no perfect path. Every company must find its own balance and constantly reappraise itself. In this issue, one can find out more about globalisation and SCM, as well as the application of new methods and continuous system optimisation.
I hope you enjoy reading the latest publication.
Andreas Müller
CEO
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TOPICS |
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CONSULTING PROJECTS |
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Sika AG: High rate of market growth and effective support
Sika AG - one of the world's leading suppliers of construction chemicals, sealing systems and watering systems - has just completed the first stage of a global SAP APO DP rollout. The 'Membranes' project group were the first with the Sales Planning, Production and Distribution departments are now benefiting from a simplified system of information exchange and an improved sales plan.
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Operational Excellence in the incoming goods department of Nycomed Oranienburg
Business is still booming after the amalgamation of ALTANA Pharma and Nycomed. A new project called 'Operational Excellence' should provide the basis for yet another long-term increase in production at the Oranienburg site. The flow of materials - from incoming goods to delivery - was subjected to a thorough examination resulting in more than 50 suggestions for ways of accelerating processes, reducing stockpiles and improving productivity.
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Advanced Nuclear Fuels GmbH: LEAN Management for every production stage
Advanced Nuclear Fuels GmbH (ANF) aimed to improve its delivery precision whilst reducing its processing times and stock quantities. ANF now intends to create a continuous and efficient flow of information and materials by employing LEAN Management methods.
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FEATURED TOPICS |
| SPECIAL FEATURE: LEAN SCM in the Food Industry |
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Freshness and longevity are central features for determining the quality of foodstuffs. Thus, a build up of large stockpiles is considered unfavourable. However, it is still possible for foodstuff producers to achieve short delivery times and continuous production through the adaption of useful LEAN SCM methods and apply them to the unique demands of the food industry.
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| EXPERT INTERVIEW: Success Factors for the global Supply Chain |
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Companies like Nokia are relocating their production to low-wage countries. Everyone is talking about globalisation. Dr. Christoph Kilger talks about the demands and chances of a global supply chain.
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NEWS AND EVENTS |
 Supply Chain Days 2008: 'Distribution of Value Added in Global Supply Chains'
The Supply Chain Days 2008, on the 4th and 5th June in Heidelberg, will provide a platform for various SCM experts and masterminds. There will be a number of distinguished speakers at the event, such as Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans-Werner Sinn, president of the ifo Institute for Economic Research, and Prof. Dr. Helmut Merkel, member of the Arcandor AG Board.
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 The Future of Supply Chains in the Food Industry
At the J&M Executive Conference for Consumer Products, on the 17th and 18th April in Heidelberg, Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG, Apetito AG, Danone GmbH and Nadler Feinkost GmbH, will be demonstrating how companies can increase the quality and efficiency of the supply chain by employing LEAN Management principles and other measures.
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 J&M is one of the best employers in Germany
The economics magazine 'Capital' has awarded one of their 'Germany's Best Employer 2008' distinctions to J&M Management Consulting. Employment Minister Olaf Scholz made the congratulatory speech during the premier gala on the 12th February 2008 in Berlin.
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 J&M's International Growth
J&M Management Consulting is committed to its policy of expansion and plans to employ a further 50 new consultants in 2008. These new consultants will join the 160 strong team who are currently employed in Mannheim, Dusseldorf, Munich, Nuremberg, Brussels, London, Shanghai and Zurich.
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 J&M with new managing director for the UK & Ireland
James Black has been named Managing Director of J&M Management Consulting for the UK and Ireland. In addition, as the Sector Leader, he has been head of J&M's international consultancy business in the Chemicals industry since January 1st.
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© 2008 J&M Management Consulting AG. All rights reserved.
In spite of carefully checking the contents, J&M Management Consulting does not accept any liability for the contents of external links. The contents of the pages referred to by link are the sole responsibility of their operators.
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