We hope you enjoy the October 2006 issue of Supply Chain Directions, our e-newsletter which features a short list of leading, timely and relevant articles in the areas of Supply Chain Design, Transportation Planning, and Inventory Planning.
Chainalytics Article: Peak Oil and the Supply Chain
Many economists and scientists believe we have reached what is known as "peak oil" - the point at which one-half of the world's supply of refinable oil is gone. Shippers can only hope their pain from diesel fuel prices has peaked.
By Gary Girotti and Mike Kilgore of Chainalytics 
Diageo Restructures for Success
Until last year, Diageo, one of the world’s largest makers of alcohol beverages, was duplicating efforts when it came to logistics. Then a series of developments spurred the company to restructure its logistics operations into a single organization.
By Toby B. Gooley, Logistics Management
Logistics Costs Under Pressure
17th Annual State of Logistics Report finds that rising prices and interest rates will soon push logistics costs above 10 percent of GDP.
By James A. Cooke, Logistics Management
The "China Price" and the Supply Chain
Every company’s supply challenges and opportunities are a little different, but if there’s one "metatype" right now, I think that I’ve uncovered it in recent conversations with companies struggling with a series of changes that impact both their business and their supply chains.
By Dan Gilmore, Chief Supply Chain Officer
15th Annual Masters of Logistics Survey: Strategy Shift
The 15th Annual Masters of Logistics study finds that many logistics managers are rethinking their distribution strategies in the face of relentless rising costs and declining service.
By James A. Cooke, Logistics Management
What Can be Done About the Nation’s Freight Capacity Crisis?
As import volumes continue to climb, the nation's overburdened rail, road, and waterway systems must be found. MIT symposium participants offer several short-, mid- and long-term solutions.
By Editorial Staff, Logistics Today
More Evidence Ocean Rates are Sinking
Capacity continues to increase on the seas.
By Editorial Staff, Purchasing.com
World Class Inventory Management - Beyond Cost Reduction to Strategic Advantage
A high-tech manufacturer's ability to accurately forecast future needs and efficiently manage current inventory is a key competitive weapon in keeping up with rapid advances in technology. It also gives manufacturers an edge in dealing with constant demands for new products and shrinking product lifecycle time.
By Bridget McCrea, Supply Chain Management Review
What Real-time Postponement Looks Like
Designing, making and marketing razors and other consumer products is just part of the challenge for Gillette. The Boston-based company wanted to devise a more efficient and flexible distribution network. The answer is a postponement strategy that moved custom product packaging for local markets to regional DCs.
By Roberto Michel, Modern Materials Handling (free registration required)
From Inventory Control to AIO
Today’s extended supply chains require a whole new level of nimbleness, flexibility, and visibility to align inventory demand and supply, and at the same time keep a tight rein on and reduce inventory in the pipeline. Standard planning and inventory balancing tools can accomplish inventory alignment to a degree, but many are based on averaging and don’t adequately address complex and volatile supply and demand scenarios.
By Deb Navas, Chief Supply Chain Officer
