Archives for

Supply Chain is now a household name

Last year, as grocery store and retail shelves went empty, “supply chain” became a household name. In 2022, this new level of visibility will influence the way supply chain and logistics managers approach their jobs. We’ve looked to the experts and, from their wealth of knowledge, compiled our picks—trends to look for in the coming year.

Trend #1: Recruiting will become more strategic.

A simple job posting isn’t enough to attract qualified candidates anymore. To find outstanding talent, hiring teams must be innovative.

Consider forging relationships with supply chain organizations, like APICS or CSCMP.
Why not partner with colleges that feature supply-chain-related degree programs?
Or how about advertising on a niche job board like supplychaincareers.com?
Start weighing the benefits of transferrable skills.
Create internships and make them available through local colleges and job centers.
Be forward thinking when it comes to recruiting qualified talent. This means reviewing your plans for targeted hiring, compensation planning, and retention strategies.

Trend #2: Supply chain agility will be an advantage.

To satisfy customer expectations and remain competitive, an agile supply chain will enable you to quickly react to delays and changes. Steps to boost your agility include:

A greater emphasis on risk management
Increased end-to-end visibility
Physical changes to the supply-chain footprint
Diversifying inventory storage
Automation of order processing and shipping
Data-driven decision making

Trend #3: ESG and sustainability practices will be imperative.

Since the early 2000s, stakeholders and consumers have looked to companies that proactively address environmental and social concerns. The pandemic accelerated this trend, moving sustainability from “good to do” to “imperative.” In 2022, this will include an increased emphasis on supply chain transparency, including:

How was a product sourced, handled, shipped, and delivered?
Were the manufacturing processes ethical?
Did they impact the environment?

Sustainability is now essential in creating supply chain processes, and all enterprises will eventually need to create programs to address these concerns.

Trend #4: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies will continue.

AI and IoT technologies are on the rise, with AI playing a growing role in IoT applications and deployments. Able to perform tasks previously done only by human hands, these technologies have been especially useful in addressing the global worker shortage of the last two years. Major providers now offer integrated AI capabilities, such as machine learning-based analytics. The value of AI in this context is its ability to quickly wring insights from data.

Trend #5: Reverse logistics will play a critical role.

As online sales increase, the need for a robust reverse logistics process is imperative. This service directly supports all circular economy initiatives. Besides enhancing sustainability, a solid reverse logistics strategy and reuse offering will improve customer loyalty. It will also reduce cost, retain revenue, and allow for growth opportunities and custom integrations.

As fallout from the pandemic continues, savvy supply chain leaders will continue to keep an eye on trends, adapting and innovating as they look toward the future.

Ready to take your supply chain and logistics processes to the next level?

Partner with PRIDE Industries to streamline your operations, drive customer satisfaction, and improve your bottom line.

Learn More

by barb

From virtual, to hybrid, to in-person conferences, here are 10 events that supply chain and logistics managers should be aware of in 2022:

JumpStart 2022:
January 24-26, Atlanta, GA
(In-person)

Join in-depth panel discussions focused on supply chain trends, transportation regulations, emerging technologies, and infrastructure. The lineup is tailored to provide carriers, shippers, 3PLs, and other professionals with a full picture of the multimodal supply chain.

Manifest:
January 25-27, 2022, The Paris, Las Vegas, NV
(In-person)

Manifest 2022 will bring together the most comprehensive ecosystem of innovation and transformation in LogisticsTech and end-to-end supply chain.

18th Annual RLA Conference and Expo:
February 7-9, 2022, Las Vegas, NV
(In-person with pre-events starting the evening of February 6)

This conference is designed to bring RL professionals together for three days of powerful keynote speakers, content-driven panel discussions, and an ample amount of networking opportunities.

America’s Procurement Congress:
March 17-18, 2022, Eden Roc, Miami, FL
(In-person)

Embrace the new value drivers propelling the function to deliver business impact.

Modex 2022:
March 28-31, Atlanta, GA
(In-person)

From illuminating education to next-generation technology and equipment in action, MODEX lets you see what’s coming — and take advantage of it to power your supply chain with more possibilities for years to come.

American Supply Chain Summit 2022:
May 3-4, Dallas, TX
(In-person)

The Supply Chain Summit serves as an annual platform to exchange ideas and collaborate on the impact of market dynamics and new technologies for current and future supply chain and operations leaders.

Reuters Supply Chain Execution 2022:
June 2022, Chicago, IL
(Hybrid format. Check website for June date.)

With supply chain execution now central to business-success, supply chain executives must embrace a digital mindset and accept that this isn’t just a buzz phrase but a requirement for a modern, data-driven, customer-centric supply chain execution process.

Garter Supply Chain Symposium:
June 6-9, 2022, Orlando, FL
(In-person)

Delivering the must-have insights, strategies, and frameworks for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) and supply chain leaders to think big, make bold moves, and drive real impact within their organizations.

ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference:
September 18-20, Chicago, IL
(Hybrid Event)

As the largest non-profit association for supply chain, ASCM is an unbiased partner, connecting companies around the world to the newest thought leadership on all aspects of supply chain.

CSCMP Edge Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition: September 18-21, Nashville, TN
(In-person)

The global landscape has fundamentally shifted. Connect with your global supply chain community to discover the latest innovations, new strategies, and best practices like never before.

Ready to take your supply chain and logistics processes to the next level?

Partner with PRIDE Industries to streamline your operations, drive customer satisfaction, and improve your bottom line.

Learn More

by barb

Infor recognizes the social enterprise for exceptional use of cloud technology in the Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing category

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, has been awarded the Infor Customer Excellence Award for Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing by Infor, the industry cloud company. These annual awards recognize customers that drive innovation and showcase exceptional business results. Award winners and finalists from around the world were acknowledged during Inforum Digital, Infor’s flagship event for customers, partners, and special guests, Jan 25-26.

“To succeed in our mission to create employment for people with disabilities, we must be as competitive in price, quality, and delivery as any for-profit business,” said Alan McMillan, Chief Information Officer at PRIDE Industries. “This award is validation that we are a business-driven as well as a mission-driven company. At PRIDE Industries, we strive to benefit our customers with innovative solutions, so it is gratifying to be acknowledged for our operational and business excellence.”

PRIDE Industries’ Aerospace and Defense line of business offers ITAR-registered manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution services to the aerospace and defense industry. Since 1987, PRIDE Industries has been a trusted partner to the U.S. government and federal contractors.

In 2020, PRIDE Industries faced the challenge of maintaining dozens of customizations that were created in previous on-premises solutions. By implementing Infor CloudSuite Aerospace & Defense, the company optimized its business processes and eliminated dozens of customizations while gaining the ability to quickly respond to customer, supplier, and regulatory needs. The company’s IT resources are now able to execute on multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously, and operational efficiency has improved considerably.

“Infor is proud to award PRIDE industries the Infor Customer Excellence Award for Aerospace and Defense,” said Infor EVP & Global Chief Customer Officer Nancy Mattenberger. “It is always great to see an existing customer recognize the wide array of advantages that come through digital transformation. We look forward to helping PRIDE Industries continue to grow while simultaneously prioritizing employee safety.”

Infor provides critical enterprise applications to 65,000 customers in more than 175 countries. For this award, a panel of Infor solution and industry experts selected customers that grew their business, improved their customer experience, and drove change in their industry. Nominees were evaluated on scope and depth of performance improvement, quantifiable business benefits, customer focus and satisfaction, and technology use and innovation.

“Thank you, Infor, for selecting us and highlighting our business capabilities for the Aerospace and Defense industry,” said McMillan. “PRIDE Industries is on a journey to implement many of the application accelerators provided by Infor to help manage all aspects of supply chain logistics and manufacturing.”

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, aerospace and defense manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and staffing and recruitment services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Learn More

Take your business performance to the next level

Partner with PRIDE Industries for cutting-edge aerospace and defense manufacturing services. Find out how we utilize the latest technology and trusted quality control to serve your business.

Learn More

Media Contact

Kat Maudru

(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

by barb

“Early on, we discovered Ramon’s talent for making boxes and making them quickly,” says Matt Weiss, Distribution Manager of HP Operations at PRIDE Industries. “The fact is, folding boxes isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are a lot of complex folds—it can be pretty confounding.”

According to Scott Lacey, Director of Production Operations for PRIDE Industries, Ramon is so fast and accurate in making and filling boxes that it takes two or three people to fill his shoes when he’s absent.

“The way Ramon moves, the fluidity of what he does—how he knows which materials will fit which cubic volume—it’s a very fast process,” says Scott. “He thinks fast. He moves fast. And he moves things through the operations so efficiently that there’s no backup. He’s one of those people that, when he’s not here, you know it.”

According to Scott, when an incredibly high amount of volume flows through, Ramon’s speed and accuracy enable us to keep operations flowing smoothly. And he achieves this high level of performance even though—like most employees at PRIDE Industries—he has a disability that once made it difficult for him to find work.

Resilience at Work

At the young age of ten, Ramon was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments, the tumor subsided. However, the battle cost Ramon much of his teen years. It also took away his sight in his right eye.

“My left eye is okay, but the right one … I cannot see with it,” says Ramon.

Years later, after his family relocated from Mexico to the United States, Ramon found employment in the fast-food industry. However, he was unable to see the order boards and had to leave that line of work. Then in 2004, he found his way to PRIDE Industries—where, after demonstrating his skill and commitment, he was offered a permanent position in 2007. Since then, he’s continued to be an outstanding employee at our HP Operations Facility in Lincoln, Calif.

Employing People with Disabilities Makes Sense

Ramon’s story proves what the job coaches at PRIDE Industries see every day—people with disabilities have as much to contribute to the workplace as anyone else. In fact, people with disabilities consistently boast impressive statistics when it comes to employment, including higher retention rates and lower absenteeism than average.

As for Ramon, he embodies these traits—not only on the shipping floor, but also in the classroom and beyond it. Once he accepted his position with PRIDE Industries in 2007, he was determined to effectively communicate with coworkers, so he studied conversational English at night school—while employed full time. He then took the citizenship test and passed, becoming a United States citizen the same year.

Ramon’s employment story wouldn’t be complete without one additional element: travel time. Due to his vision loss, Ramon can’t drive. So, he relies on public transportation. Although he lives only 15 minutes, as the crow flies, from his workplace, the journey can take up to three hours a day—including time spent transferring from one bus to another. Yet, to Ramon, the journey is worth it because, in the end, he arrives at a place where his extraordinary talents are fully appreciated.

Tenacity. Dedication. Skill. And a great attitude. An employer couldn’t ask for more, and that’s what Ramon delivers every day.

Make a social impact

PRIDE Industries builds inclusive, diverse work environments where people with disabilities can thrive. Is your company seeking well-trained, reliable employees? Join our Employment Partner Network today.

Learn More

“He thinks fast. He moves fast. And he moves things through the operations so efficiently that there’s no backup. He’s one of those people that, when he’s not here, you know it.”