Five ways to solve supply chain problems

Five solutions to key planning problems faced by organisations with complex logistics networks are offered by supply chain planning specialist SynQuest.

Five solutions to key planning problems faced by organisations with complex logistics networks will be offered by supply chain planning specialist SynQuest at the Logistics Link 2002 exhibition.

The five solution areas - comprising software and consultancy - will cover Supply Chain Rationalisation, Sales and Operations Planning, Inbound Planning, Supply Chain Order Coordination, and Manufacturing Order Coordination.

SynQuest products use a breakthrough technology called 'financial optimisation', which enables two distinct functions to be addressed: how to model business problems and then solve them.

The financial optimisation technology enables all possible trade-off factors to be evaluated simultaneously and then to determine which combination represents the best opportunity for lowest cost or greatest profit, while at the same time meeting customer requirements and constraints.

One of the solutions to be highlighted at Logistics Link 2002 will be the SynQuest Inbound Planning Engine.

It is claimed that inbound logistics and procurement expenditure typically comprise over 50% of a company's cost of goods sold.

Logistics management is constantly under pressure to reduce these operating costs.

In an age when transportation pricing has reached the lowest point in history, how does a company find better ways to plan, improve processes and save costs? SynQuest's Inbound Planning Engine allows companies to coordinate several key activities - purchasing, transportation, and inventory - based upon the expected consumption of products.

As a result of the detail incorporated into the software, an easily implemented plan can be generated that allows management to realise significant cost savings.

The plan helps prevent issues occurring, such as large build-ups of inventory, by considering the total inbound logistics cost and operations.

"While most software products today focus purely on freight cost for inbound planning, SynQuest's solution considers the impact of transportation cost, inventory and delivery.

It goes well beyond other more typical applications by planning right down to the dock delivery schedule, supplier pickup, returnable containers, and levels of inventory of each individual product/SKU," said vice president for SynQuest's European operations, Peter Klein.

SynQuest, US, specialises in providing supply chain planning software that is designed to significantly reduce manufacturing and logistics costs and, at the same time, enable companies to meet customer requirements.

SynQuest software uses financially focused technology to solve specific, high-value supply chain problems for target markets including automotive, consumer durables and industrial manufacturers.

The company's supply chain planning solutions feature rapid implementation for a fast, compelling return on investment.

Logistics Link 2002 Exhibition.

Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, February 5-6, 2002.

SynQuest stand number 49.

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