Roanoke, VA–Members of the Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club (ALC) know that supply chain issues are causing hardships and a researcher offered ways to lessen the impact.
Purdue University Assistant Director of Extension and Agricultural and Natural Resources Program Leader Dr. Henry Quesada spoke at the recent ALC meeting at The Hotel Roanoke. He recently resigned from Virginia Tech for the new position at Purdue and spoke about the research completed in Blacksburg, VA.
Freight delays and complications in 2021 and 2022 are causing many companies to look for better ways to streamline their operations. Quesada said Supply Chain Management (SCM) is defined as the integration and management of all activities in the supply chain related to the flow of information and transformation of raw materials into value-added products.
Specific issues for the Hardwood industry include:
•Access to timber
•Waiting for parts for repairs
•Inconsistent supply of raw materials
•Fuel, truck availability
•Labor
•Market pressures
Successful companies look for ways to identify and understand their supply chain and identify or eliminate sources of waste. Quesada said managers must assess the impact of actions and determine if they worked or is there room for improvement.
Companies should also understand their costs of doing business. These include:
•Carrying costs
•Capital investment
•Damage
•Obsolescence
•Inbound and transportation
•Receiving, shipping and warehouse operation
•Procurement
•Supplier and customer relationships
More information about ALC meetings and events is available at www.lumberclub.org.
