Our 2018 Top 10 List (Part 2)!

Top 10 List

As 2018 comes to a close we offer a list of the Top 10 most viewed articles that we have published over the last half of the year.

When you look at this list you will see that there is a common theme amongst most of the articles.  That theme is one of “Definitions”.

Based upon tremendous viewer interest this year we began our “What Exactly Is … ” article series to describe definitions and commentary on terms which we often see and hear but don’t always truly understand.

For instance, the term “Supply Chain Management” itself has innumerable definitions and our article What Exactly Is Supply Chain Management? 10 Different Definitions! proved to be one of our most popular articles ever.

So here it is, our Top 10 list for the second half of 2018!

10. The Baby Supply Chain

The Baby Supply Chain!

With the birth of our Grandson this year it made us think about all aspects of raising a new borne.  There is a phenomenal Supply Chain that surrounds babies and their parents that people most often don’t think of from that perspective.

9. How to Optimize Your Factory for Industry 4.0

How to Optimize Your Factory for Industry 4.0!

As understanding progresses regarding Industry 4.0 and the need to develop strategies and plans for deploying these technologies, this Guest article from Adam Robinson provides great instruction for effective implementation.

8. What Exactly is Blockchain?  And How Does it Work?  (Infographic)

What Exactly is Blockchain? And How Does it Work? (Infographic)

The first of our “What Exactly Is …” Definition series on this list is on Blockchain.  People hear about Bitcoin and Blockchain constantly.  On top of that you  hear more about Blockchain in the context of Supply  Chain.  Does that mean Supply Chain is tied to Bitcoin?  No they aren’t tied, but interestingly the core technology that is Blockchain does have great applicability for powering the Supply Chain of the future.

7. What Exactly is Procurement?  And What is Purchasing?

What Exactly Is Procurement? And What is Purchasing?

Procurement purchasing

Procurement and Purchasing are also two terms that can be used synonymously by some but they are also used to describe two different things by others.  Purchasing sounds like Buying.  Procurement sounds similar but it seems to be a loftier term in some respect.  What do they mean?

6. What Exactly is Reverse Logistics?

What Exactly Is Reverse Logistics?

Reverse Logistics

Reverse Logistics is another phrase that is not necessarily understood by all.  Many people think of it as simply the physical repair of products that have been returned by Customers.   Others see it as the entire end to end process from the time the Customer declares that they need to return the product to the time the product is refurbished, recycled or otherwise repurposed.

5. What is Big Data?

What is Big Data?

Big Data

Big Data!  What on earth is big data?  We all deal with spreadsheets and reports and information galore each and every day.  But what is “Big Data” and how is it meaningful in Supply Chain?  For anyone involved in Strategy, Process Improvement, and Productivity it is important to understand this enabling technology.

4. Blockchain in the Supply Chain is a Game Changer!

Blockchain in the Supply Chain is a Game Changer!

Blockchain

As noted earlier Blockchain is a tremendously important enabling technology for end to end connectivity in the Digital Supply Chain of the future.  This Guest article by Adam Robinson discusses how Blockchain can make a game changing impact on Supply Chain.

3. What’s the Difference Between Logistics and Distribution?

What’s the Difference Between Logistics and Distribution?

Logistics Distribution

The terms Logistics and Distribution are also used synonymously by some but mean totally different things to others.  Your company, your organization or your job may all be factors in how you consider these terms. What are the similarities and differences between Logistics and Distribution?

2. What is a 3PL?  The Ultimate Guide Including Definitions of 1PL, 2PL and 4PL!

What is a 3PL? The Ultimate Guide Including Definitions of 1PL, 2PL, and 4PL!

3PL

The phrase 3PL is also thrown around freely but there is not always a clear understanding of what it means.  This Guest article provided by Scott Leydin was extremely popular reinforcing the need for this level of clarity for those in the industry and for those who deal with these companies and with this industry.

1. What Exactly is Supply Chain Management?  10 Different Definitions!

What Exactly Is Supply Chain Management? 10 Different Definitions!

Our most popular article in the second half of 2018 was on the definition of Supply Chain Management.  We were somewhat surprised because the term Supply Chain Management has been around for some time now.  But when you research it you find that there are many, many different definitions.  Judging by the interest in this article our viewers similarly are looking for a greater understanding and clarity as to the very term which denotes this profession.

Our Top 10 List in Conclusion

We would first like to thank all of our viewers and readers.  The interest in and reach of Supply Chain Game Changer has continued to grow substantially.

As mentioned in the introduction we found that there is phenomenal interest in just the definitions of the very terms we all throw around daily.  Seven of our Top 10 articles in the second half of 2018 all involved definitions and meanings.

This reinforces the need for constant education and communication on all aspects of the Supply Chain everywhere in the world.

Again we thank you for your support and hope you enjoyed our Top 10 List!

Cheers to another great year!

Originally published on December 18, 2018.

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