SCMI Hosts ISM Meeting on Functional Alignment Throughout the Supply Chain

The Supply Chain Management Institute hosted the November meeting of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), bringing experts and professionals in the supply chain field to the UWM campus for presentations and discussion on the theme of “Functional Alignment Throughout the Supply Chain.”  The keynote speaker was Gaurie Rodman, Director of Development Services at Direct Supply Aptura, who leads a cross-functional team that delivers strategic planning and development management services to Aptura client’s in the senior living market.

Rodman described how changing demographics within the senior living market impact the company’s supply chain strategy.  In the United States, 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 each day, she noted.  The Baby Boomers grew up with more wealth, more technology, and more independence than The Silent Generation that preceded them, compelling senior living communities to cater to the various lifestyle choices of its new “Boomer” residents.  In turn, Direct Supply’s supply chain team is continually adjusting to maintain functional alignment with its senior living clients’ needs.  Technology, she said, also plays a bigger role today than it ever has, adding another layer of complexity.

The keynote address was followed by a panel of experts who further explored the topic, including Craig Meyer, Assistant Director of Purchasing at Marquette University; Tom Schmitt, Purchasing Agent at Stanek Tool Corporation; Laurie Giles, VMI Manager at Rockwell Automation; and John Strong, Principal at JOHNSTRONG LLC.

While at UWM, the audience also had the opportunity learn about current research projects of SCMI-affiliated faculty.  Dr. Kaan Kuzu, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management, described his research on ticket queues.  Dr. Matthew Petering, Associate Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, presented his research on container port efficiency and car sharing.  Finally, Dr. Anthony Ross, Rockwell Automation Chair of Supply Chain Management and Director of the Supply Chain Management Institute, provided an update on the institute’s recent activities and projects.