Head of Materials Department, learn from me

Author: Li Guangtai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: This series of "On-the-Job Management Experience Books for Three-Capital Enterprises" is compiled with the purpose of sharing practical experience. The methods, concepts, ideas, and cases presented are entirely derived from the practices of production lines in some international enterprises and have been thoroughly tested and proven—truly "every aspect has its origin, and every item can be traced." The goal is to provide readers with tangible, actionable, and effective experiences that can be immediately applied, rather than fictional stories or empty theories. This series is highly suitable for on-site supervisors in the business world and those striving to become supervisors. Of course, the term "supervisor" here refers merely to the title of a position, while terms like "manager," "director," "department head," "section head," "specialist," etc., all fall under the same category. The experiences covered in this series span multiple industries, including electronics, plastics, metal, machinery, printing, and chemical industries. The content is designed to be comprehensive yet accessible, with a style that is both illustrated and engaging, and a principle that emphasizes practicality and effectiveness. Whether these features are truly achieved is yet to be determined by the broader readership.
1) Logistics Value Addition. In the past, when information was scarce and transportation was inefficient, goods often increased in value when transported from one place to another. For example, in a remote mountain village, there are many apricots, but due to lack of market access and transportation difficulties, the price of apricots in the local area is only a few cents per kilogram. However, once transported to Shanghai, they can sell for 8 yuan per kilogram. Meanwhile, the average transportation cost from the village to Shanghai is only 4 yuan per kilogram. This clearly shows that logistics can significantly add value to goods. With the advent of the internet, information has become more accessible, and transportation has become more efficient, making such situations almost impossible. The result of logistics is now primarily transportation costs, with very few opportunities for value addition. In less developed ancient societies, logistics tends to add more value, whereas in more developed societies, it adds less.
2) Timely Application of Advanced Technology. It is essential to keep up with social trends and apply cutting-edge, stable advanced technologies to stay ahead of competitors and meet the needs of competition and development. For example, the following are some applications of advanced technologies:
☆ Advanced planning management technologies, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), MRP II (Manufacturing Resource Planning), and CIMS (Computer-Integrated Manufacturing System).
☆ Advanced management control technologies, such as image surveillance systems and sensor controllers.
☆ Advanced operational technologies, such as coding system management and barcode technology.
3) Enhancing Personnel Awareness.
☆ Awareness of teamwork. In logistics operations, problems often arise due to interpersonal communication errors, making teamwork particularly important. For example:
—— Sincerity in communication and interaction;
—— Standardized use and understanding of language;
—— The impact of civility and etiquette on work.
☆ Work spirit of personnel, including:
—— Responsibility and attitude toward work;
—— Operational quality;
—— Work ability.
4) Improving Logistics Equipment Standards. Using high-quality logistics equipment to enhance the efficiency of logistics operations, aiming for speed, accuracy, error prevention, and safety. The measure to improve logistics equipment standards is to continuously update logistics equipment, specifically including the following aspects:
☆ Transportation equipment and tools, including:
—— Land, sea, and air transporters, such as ships, cars, and airplanes;
—— Specialized transport tools, such as pipelines, containers, and refrigerated trucks.
☆ Handling equipment and tools, including:
—— Transmission tools, such as hoists and conveyor belts;
—— Lifting tools, such as cable cars and elevators;
—— Transfer tools, such as flatbeds, hand trucks, and trolleys;
—— Loading and unloading tools, such as forklifts and specialized loading vehicles.
☆ Packaging equipment and tools, including:
—— Packaging tools, such as banding machines and sealing machines;
—— Identification tools, such as numbering machines;
—— Counting tools, such as calculators and counting machines.
☆ Information flow equipment, including:
—— Network facilities, such as websites, email, information platforms, and resource managers;
—— Communication facilities, such as telephones, faxes, and walkie-talkies;
—— Data management equipment.