What Interesting Supply Chain Projects Have You Done?

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of fascinating supply chain projects. Here are a few notable examples that stand out:

Hired Boats, Planes, and Helicopters for Survey Work

One of the more unconventional projects involved renting boats, planes, and helicopters for various tasks. For instance, we used survey planes for aerial photography and photogrammetric work. Helicopters were employed for a range of tasks, including the early use of inertial navigation before GPS became widely available. A particular project was the Alice Springs to Darwin railway survey, which utilized advanced technology for accurate measurements. Another notable project was working on the M4 in Australia where we saved taxpayer money by brainstorming with my team to improve a freight contract within just 10 minutes. The focus was on functional and performance issues rather than relying solely on previous methods.

One of the most successful stories involved a brainstorming session where we addressed the functional and performance issues of freight. This innovative approach led to significant cost savings and improved efficiency. The project highlighted the importance of tailoring solutions to specific needs rather than adhering strictly to preconceived methods.

Electronic Data Entry in the 1990s

Another interesting project from the early 1990s involved obtaining tender information electronically. Instead of the traditional method, which used floppy disks, we integrated spreadsheets for data entry. The freight contract mentioned above required processing 4700 prices per tender. Historically, it took 3 months to complete the data entry process, but with the electronic system, it was reduced to just 3 days.

The ability to work with electronic data was revolutionary at the time and significantly improved the speed and accuracy of data handling. This project underscores the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency in supply chain management.

Common Sense and Customized Solutions

A particularly memorable project involved procuring a forklift for Christmas Island, which is a remote location in the Indian Ocean. The initial specification for the forklift was detailed, but my colleague recognized that the loading capacity of the crane on the island was a critical factor. Upon inspecting the specifications, it became clear that a forklift to their original specifications would not be feasible for on-shore transportation. Instead, he secured a forklift that could be lifted by the crane, ensuring that the delivery was smooth and efficient. This example highlights the importance of thinking creatively and using common sense to solve problems in supply chain procurement.

Research at the Beginning Prevents Delivery Hiccups

A key lesson from these projects is the importance of thorough research at the beginning of a supply chain project. In one instance, through extensive research, my colleague identified that a specific delivery method would not work due to the capacity limitations of the receiving equipment on the island. By understanding the complete context, the project was prevented from becoming a major issue. This underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to problem-solving in supply chain management.

The projects mentioned above not only showcase the versatility of supply chain management but also highlight the value of innovative thinking and research in ensuring successful project outcomes. Whether it's optimizing transportation methods, utilizing advanced technology, or ensuring that procurement meets all necessary requirements, the key to success lies in a combination of creativity, common sense, and detailed planning.