Thomas M Roman

I/T helps companies to better measure and understand their processes. By measuring inefficiencies and waste a company can cut down on both and become more environmentally aware. Also in the age of social media platforms, companies are continuously in the spotlight forcing them to improve ethical initiatives to be seen as benevolent in eyes of consumers.

Starbucks is advancing their supply chain into a more supplier relationship heavy setting. They have realized the value of sustainable farming of their beans for taste, quality, and future viability.

Starbucks gets better product and the farmers get suatianable relationships and support from green organizations and Starbucks themselves.…[Read more]

In the final lecture I took away that its important to keep in mind what you’re measuring and who you are measuring for. If you’re measuring the wrong things then you’re not going to get the results you had in mind. Also, what gets measured gets done. If you’re not implementing KPI’s into daily operations and using them for review processes will…[Read more]

Unfortunately Amazon does not own all of its distribution network and has to outsource their excess to contractors like LaserShip. The fault is not Amazon’s, other companies also ship using services like LaserShip. However, if Amazon wanted to protect itself in a PR situation and be a champion for workers rights they do have options. The first…[Read more]

Amazon has done a great job adapting their business models throughout the years. They started strictly as a books marketplace but have evolved into a distribution and reseller giant. Amazon has adapted their distribution and product lineup perfectly across the countries and cultures. They have pioneered and continue to influence the logistics…[Read more]

Drones are definitely an emerging factor in transportation industries. The use of them to deliver time sensitive items almost immediately coincides with the speed at which we expect our technology to move these days. I thought the technology seemed a little gimmicky at first but after thinking of practical applications I believe the future is now.…[Read more]

Week 8 Reflection:
Understanding the flow of creative content through its respective SC is just as important as understanding the SC of physical goods through theirs. The digital distribution of content is an ever changing landscape that requires quick adaptation to changes in consumption and competition. In order to stay competitive companies…[Read more]

RFID tags are becoming a more realistic and effective option as the cost of implementation goes down and the reliability of the technology goes up. RFID tags can lead to faster, more accurate operations with potential for long term cost savings. The future of item level tracking seems to lie in RFID tagging.

It’s important to weigh out the…[Read more]

The beer game simulation does a great job demonstrating the effect of lead time on orders. Having to constantly order before you have even received previous quantities ordered. I can see now how this adds to the bullwhip effect. It would seem collaboration is key as well as using the same metrics on the same raw data.

Takeaways from Week 2:
For most companies having one good product isn’t good enough because it cannot secure the companies future success. Companies have to be constantly evolving their processes to add greater value, become more efficient, and add additional products for different demographics. Crocs has done all of these things well and is why…[Read more]

Thomas Roman
Supply Chain Management / Senior
Intern with BDP International (a 3PL)
I work on exports for chemicals.

Thomas Roman (tuf40490)