Supply chain conundrum to be exposed

Balancing the opposing forces of strategic procurement versus operational logistics – getting the right product in the right place at the right time – is the subject of next month’s supply chain conference in Manchester. Organised by The Manufacturing Institute (TMI), it features John McFadzean, head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, and speakers from Deloitte USA, BAE Systems, Bentley Motors, Hewlett Packard, Heinz, IBM, Airbus, Xerox, Sun Microsystems and Pilkingtons. These will tell delegates how they cope with what Chris Beadsworth, TMI commercial director, describes as the minefield of directors focusing on offshoring, for example, while operational people struggle to make it work after the event. On the IT side, Beadsworth says there will be a focus on RFID, in particular passive tags, with practical engineering examples. Meanwhile, he says TMI will be focusing more overtly on IT for manufacturing and supply chains next Spring. “We’re setting up collaborative arrangements with a major IT group in Manchester now,” he says. He says that as more manufacturers enquire about appropriate IT, TMI wants to move into independent research in advance of providing guidance along the lines of its current Manufacturing Advisory Service engagements. “We need to see what are the key issues, and what products and services would be beneficial in the North West. We hope that will lead to an IT event next Spring.” The Supply Chain Conference is being held at Salford Quays on October 5 and 6. Tel 0161 872 0393 for details.