Finding supply chain leaks

Finding supply chain leaks       I enjoyed your editorial, 'Innovation of necessity,' (June American Shipper, page 48), and agree with a vast majority of its content and intent, and I offer a few thoughts.
      Especially in the international field, small to mid-sized companies (up to 20,000 TEUs annually), and even some larger companies, have a lot to learn about 'local' issues on the other side of the world. They think they know the trade because of what they read and pick up on their once-a-year, two-week whirlwind tour.
      But it isn't enough to truly understand the local issues. That takes time and knowing who to talk to about what. Consultants can really help; but consultants who are hired and work for the customer/shipper and not a third-party logistics provider or 4PL.
      Logistics/supply chain people are not in favor of this approach because they fear they will be viewed as less than professional when savings are found. And I'm not talking pennies, but dollars.
      There are always paradigms. The biggest are in the minds of those who are in charge of the functional activities. They can't believe they have holes in their supply chain leaking dollars, and many don't want someone else to find them.

Gary Ferrulli
principal, Global Logistics & Transport Consulting LLC
Chandler, Ariz.