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RALEIGH, NC, October 24, 2005—More than 40 supply chain executives from 26 of the top U.S. retail and consumer products companies attended the 2005 Supply Chain Benchmarking and Best Practices Executive Seminar in Orlando, FL, recently. Companies from the Retail and Consumer Products Supply Chain Consortium that participated in the seminar have combined annual sales of $450 billion, making the three-day seminar one of the largest benchmarking and best practices events to cover the two industries this year.
Facilitated by Tompkins Associates, the seminar examined key supply chain issues such as supplier collaboration, transportation sourcing, distribution center performance, international operations, and technology investments. The results of this year’s Value Based BenchmarkingSM review were also presented, allowing supply chain leaders to compare their operations and processes to those of their peers.
“The benchmarking is remarkably comprehensive, especially on the logistics, transportation and warehouse fronts,” said Robb Caseria, U.S. Chief Supply Chain Officer, Coors Brewing Company. “We’re also gaining huge insights into best practices for IT implementations, sourcing, and capital—all of which will help make us a better company. It’s a unique and flexible resource that would benefit every supply chain executive across the country."
One highlight of the seminar was a tour of the Tompkins’ Emerging Technology Center (ETC), where the group experienced the latest in picking technologies, RFID, and material handling equipment and software. They saw first-hand how people, software and equipment can be integrated to improve supply chains, boost customer service and reduce costs.
New Features: PeerNet and On-Line Analysis/Query
Since a significant benefit of the Benchmarking and Best Practices Consortium is the opportunity to network with other supply chain professionals, a new on-line feature was just launched for subscribers. “PeerNet allows consortium members to have one-on-one conversations with other members on topics of mutual interest and to share ideas and experiences,” noted John Traendly, Tompkins Associates principal and leader of Value Based BenchmarkingSM.
Other exciting new features will include on-line analysis and query tools. Members can search the benchmarking and best practices database of almost 8,000 metrics, processes and trends for information to support strategic and tactical supply chain decisions. Keyword searches target specific, relevant data. Search filters tailor investigations to companies with similar operations requirements or characteristics. And all of this can be accomplished while still maintaining the confidentiality of each participant’s data.
What Does the Logo Mean?
A new logo was developed for the 2005 Benchmarking and Best Practices Executive Seminar that will soon become the overall consortium logo. But what does the logo really mean to participants? Tompkins Associates found out by holding a contest to determine the three best interpretations. The first-place winner was Doug Head, Supply Chain Project Manager at Hallmark Cards, who likened the logo to “The Asian sun, rising quietly and brightly. It’s clear …we’re not in Kansas anymore! Old traditional supply chains, heavy and secure, give way to nimble, light and dynamic strands of high tensile solutions.” Second place went to Fred Berkheimer, Vice President of Logistics at Unilever. Scott Shea, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing/Distribution at Berwick Industries, took third place.
Companies that would like more information on the benefits of joining the Retail and Consumer Products Supply Chain Consortium may call 800-789-1257, ext. 55461.
About the Company
Tompkins Associates is the leading operations-focused consulting and integration firm, specializing in end-to-end supply chain solutions. Customers look to Tompkins' expertise to develop and implement strategies for intelligent solutions in distribution center design, warehouse strategic planning, distribution network configuration, transportation system planning, system integration and implementation, benchmarking and best practices, logistics and manufacturing outsourcing, and supply chain optimization. As consultants and integrators for more than 30 years, Tompkins offers a proven track record and deep industry expertise for solutions that reduce costs and improve overall supply chain performance. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. For more information, visit www.tompkinsinc.com.
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