It's time to circle the supply chain wagons: Should you start by cutting costs or cutting revenue?
12-15-2008
"To make smart cuts to your supply chain, you should first understand which elements represent the core of your business," said Burkitt. "Which customers are the most profitable and which are expendable? Which products do customers truly care about and which are just window dressing? What level of service quality do key customers need and expect?
"Ironically, the best way to start cutting costs may be to start cutting revenue -- specifically the 'bad' revenue that undermines profitability. Decide which revenue streams are not worth preserving and then target cost reductions," said Burkitt.
The idea of cutting revenue in a downturn might seem crazy, but simply put, some customers are not worth serving and some products are not worth selling. The shrinking margins that accompany an economic slowdown often only make the problem worse. Executives need to use top-down revenue cutting and bottom-up cost cutting approaches.
Project Announcements
Kikkoman Foods Plans Jefferson, Wisconsin, Operations
04/26/2024
BWX Technologies Expands Cambridge, Ontario, Nuclear Production Operations
04/26/2024
Greenheck Group Plans Knoxville, Tennessee, Operations
04/26/2024
Local Bounti Plans Pasco, Washington, Indoor Agricultural Operations
04/26/2024
Innovative Construction Group Plans Siler City, North Carolina, Production Operations
04/26/2024
Crystal Window and Door Systems Plans Mansfield, Texas, Headquarters-Production Operations
04/25/2024
Most Read
-
2023's Leading Metro Locations: Hotspots of Economic Growth
Q4 2023
-
2023 Top States for Doing Business Meet the Needs of Site Selectors
Q3 2023
-
38th Annual Corporate Survey: Are Unrealized Predictions of an Economic Slump Leading Small to Mid-Size Companies to Put Off Expansion Plans?
Q1 2024
-
Making Hybrid More Human in 2024
Q1 2024
-
Manufacturing Momentum Is Building
Q1 2024
-
20th Annual Consultants Survey: Clients Prioritize Access to Skilled Labor, Responsive State & Local Government
Q1 2024
-
Public-Private Partnerships Incentivize Industrial Development
Q1 2024