Tap into sourcing solutions, resources, and tools to meet today’s challenges. As OEMs and suppliers work to fulfill orders with strong market fluctuations, knowing how to navigate supply chain disruptions is key to competitiveness.

Paul Ericksen writes one of the best-read monthly columns for IndustryWeek. He draws on his decades of supply chain experience, sharing some eye-popping facts in this “top 10” column.

OPTIMIZE = Optimize operations. Purchase locally. Train your staff. Invest in new technology. Monitor efficiency. Innovate. Zoom calls. Execute on the data. An expert with 40 years of experience in the machine tool industry shares his thoughts on improving competitiveness.

Options for rethinking a supply chain approach include lean, agile, or a combination of the two, sometimes called “leagile.” Here’s a quick introduction to all three, plus a stress test to help spot supply chain vulnerability.

We’re surviving tariffs, trade wars, and COVID—by the time the next disruption inevitably strikes, will you have created a more resilient supply chain? Options for rethinking your approach include lean, agile, or a combination of the two sometimes called “leagile.”

Lean principles, lean math and taking the long view. In Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Jim Womack, father of the lean movement, IMTS reviews the state of the U.S. supply chain, discusses JIT vs. MRP, media hype and solutions for our chronic unpreparedness for disruptions.