Purchasing groups in large companies are becoming more centralized than de-centralized? Why?

Having centralized purchasing can cut down on the labor force needed to perform the tasks of purchasing. It provides economies of scale since all requirements for many locations can be combined for negotiations. Policies and procedures can be unified and help reduce costs. It provides a high level of visibility into the products being delivered to each of the manufacturing facilities. It helps in making components common within the Engineering Development Design process. Why reinvent the wheel again?

Though, local buyers can also be of benefit. They realize the and appreciate the local needs and preferences for certain items. They can also help out with supply base contingency plans and provide insight into the items that uniquely effect that facility from a purchasing standpoint.

I believe that a mixture of having centralized and decentralized purchasing groups can help a company realize the benefits of both. Especially since we have become so advanced with the different means of communication available to us over large distances in little time.

What is the biggest road block that prevents a supply chain from working together to become more Lean and optimized?

I have found that often suppliers don't like their customers making such suggestions due to the fact that the supplier wants to appear as the expert and authority on what they do and how they do it.

Another issue is Money. Suppliers don't like leaving money on the table for their customers to take. They feel cheated when this happens.

It takes careful negotiation and clear communication by the customer to help the supply base see how implementing Lean strategies will positively influence their business and help them grow. One motivation could be through making them a preferred supplier. etc... It will also help them if they see high value in their relationship with their customer.

Should a company use a supplier who can perform all of their procurement tasks for them? Is this a smart strategy to use within the business model?

I find that there are certain situations where using a supplier to Purchase an item for you, can actually be a benefit to a company. A situation where the supplier has a larger buy volume for instance, allows them to be able to leverage lower costs.

However, you still need to keep a watchful eye on your supplier. As these suppliers are looking to make money. Having a middleman, can be an added cost in many ways. ( wolf in hen house scenario )

I would NOT suggest giving them full control over all of your commodities. If you can get something such as a Fastener cheaper through your supplier who buys the same part number for other companies also, then by all means do it and get the better cost. This could also create a better Logistics scenario.

Be careful when making choices like this. What are your risks? Manage them properly!!

Do I really need to rehearse my interviewing skills and answers?

While doing some personal research on interviewing techniques, I have come across some very good information pertaining to ones ability to communicate well during an interview. From the very moment you are able to see your interviewer, your body language begins to send a message. They are already starting to form an opinion about who you are to them and whether or not your a good fit for the position.

It's important to NOT try and "WING" an interview because you think you know what they are going to ask you. You need to prepare a list of common questions that you have been asked in the past and of items that would be important to an interviewer. One way to figure out what your interviewer wants is by studying their Job Post Description. Look at what it says. Pay particular attention to the items that are repeated over and over. These are the items they really care about - A LOT. Make sure that you prepare your answers to questions about these items. You may end up using these items to tailor your discussion as you explain your qualifications. Make sure that you are truthfully representing yourself.

Use a video camera and watch your body language. Have a friend do an interview with you and video record it. Look at how you are sitting. Listen to the tone of your voice as you answer questions. Look at your gestures. Do you appear Happy? Evaluate yourself. Would you hire you? Ask your friend to provide feedback on what their thoughts are. Pick someone who would be a good critic.

You need to to develop your "A Game".

We need to interview at a level that is more professional and proactive in today's economy than ever before. We need to be Masters of communication and perform to a higher standard.

If you would like more information on issues such as body language and communication, please check out "Impact Hiring Solutions" on LinkedIn. They are a great source for this type of information and are ready to help.

Job Search Relationships....

Are relationships really that important when one is trying to find a job?

I spoke with a contact of mine the other day over the phone. He was recently hired into a new position this past week.

On the phone we discussed what his search was like and how it concluded with his newly acquired position.

Alan was on his search for 8 months. Last February 2009 he spoke with an HR manager who was interested in him but didn't have a job to offer him.

Alan continued his search and kept in contact with this HR manager. Over time he built a relationship with this person, exchanging emails etc.

Recently Alan got a phone call to come in and do a face to face interview with the same HR manager he kept in contact with back in Feb.

The end result was that Alan now starts work on Monday Sept 21, 2009.

Alan is no longer unemployed!

Relationships are important and will get you your next Job!

Here I am.....

Welcome to my Blog.

I have started this to share my thoughts on manufacturing and job searching. Our current economic situation has not been a very fun ride. Though, it sure has opened many people up to the fact that every market and industry is interdependent on each other.

The guy making an important business decision at the Manufacturing company impacts the guy working at the local Hobby shop and so forth.....

It's interesting that the action which popped the bubble (our 2009 economy) all relates to people being given loans they could not afford to pay off along with High Prices for items such as Fuel. ( Debt & Over Spending )

As a country we now have more debt than ever before. We owe China and other countries a tremendous amount of money. I wonder how much more the US Dollar will drop in value. Why don't we just start paying the debt off? Why do we keep digging the hole deeper?

I thought the US Dollar was created so we could spend it on things we needed!?

This idea of people "Spending it even if they don't have it", has gone too far!

Don't you work HARD ENOUGH for your money? Then why go into debt?!?

This country needs to get back to it's roots and live within it's means. Live debt free.


We have an awful lot of debt to be thinking we are the wealthiest nation.

How much more wealthy would we be if we were debt free?!?


Anyway.... Not really what this blog is about. But those are my thoughts.

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In this BLOG I would like to touch on different topics involving different aspects of Manufacturing and Job Searching in our current Market.

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