Professional Advisory Services

The Group's Professional Advisory Services strives to aid clients in meeting their customer service needs, while at the same time addressing the critical issues detailed below through the application of best practices in supply chain and operations management and technology.

Focusing strongly on people development, raising client levels of education and awareness of supply chain strategies, SSM Group conducts complete assessments of the supply chain itself, as well as assessments of logistics elements within the supply chain. According to the requirements of the client, stages of the consulting process can be conducted in isolation, or as a wide ranging package of services.

SSM Group's Professional Advisory Services take into account the hands-on nature of the supply chain world. While backed by leading edge technology, SSM Group engages with clients in a personal environment, and on all levels – from physical visits to warehouses and brown paper assessments to technology driven supply chain re-design.

People are a key element of SSM Group's Professional Advisory Services offerings. A thorough skills-gap assessment and the formulation of a people development programme form an intrinsic part of our consulting process.

People, Processes & Technology

SSM Group's Professional Advisory Services are driven by three key factors, which govern the entire consulting process. People, processes and technology are the definitive elements of supply chain strategy and management. SSM Group Professional Advisory Services ensures that these three elements are central to the analysis of all client companies.

There are many constituent parts that make up an effective supply chain. The advisory process can be conducted with a focus on distinct areas of the supply chain, or it can focus on the logical analysis of all the elements within the chain.

Professional Services
In recent years supply chain and logistics strategy have moved close to the top of senior management’s agenda. The reasons for this include recognition that the difference between an efficient or an inefficient supply chain can have a considerable impact on a company’s bottom line performance. Another key factor is that with changing attitudes towards environmental issues, the supply chain is seen as a major contributor to carbon footprint.

Assessment and Evaluation of Supply Chain Performance
  • Supply Chain Evaluation:
    - Alignment with Business Objectives & Customer Service
    - 'Best Practice' Comparative Benchmarking
    - Service Performance
    - Cost Ratios
    - Operational Performance
    - Agility & Responsiveness
    - Future Capability

  • Environmental Carbon Footprint Assessment
  • Cost Structure and Customer Profitability Reviews
  • Supply Chain Planning and Inventory Assessment

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    Development and Modelling Supply Chain Strategies
    • Supply Chain Strategy -developing the vision taking into account:

      • - Business Objectives
      • - Sales and Marketing Strategies
      • - Customer and Retail Service Requirements
      • - Sourcing and Procurement Policies
      • - Manufacturing Capabilities and Strategies
      • - Environmental Policies
      • - IT and Finance Issues

    • Modelling the Supply Chain- with expertise in:

      • - Business Process Mapping
      • - Strategic Modelling from Sourcing to Customer
      • - Network Design
      • - Distribution & Warehouse Modelling
        - Inventory Planning
      • - Carbonfootprint modelling<

        We have experienced professionals ensuring realistic and achievable recommendations which take into consideration the practical aspects such as people, property, asset commitments, financial implications, and importantly, the minimisation of business risk.

    Environmental Strategies and Implementation
    While many people are talking about the environment at the moment, and some organisations are busy building detailed carbon footprint models, SSM Group have collaborated directly with companies including retailers, manufacturers and logistics companies to develop industry agreed Supply Chain Environmental Efficiency - "SCEE" indicators. These are straightforward, meaningful measures collected from data readily available within organisations; and, they not only provide a quantified basis for comparison between companies but also provide a basis for monitoring real improvements. At the same time the approach of bringing companies together to discuss the results achieved leads to companies learning from each other and identifying opportunities for collaboration.

    Distribution Centre Design and Operations
    - Greenfield Warehouse, Layout and Operations Design
    - Existing Warehouse Re-design and Re-organisation
    - Minimising Environmental Impact
    - Automation and MHE Assessments
    - Picking & Sortation Systems
    - Staffing Arrangements
    - Computerised Simulation
    - WMS Systems Expertise
    - Audits and Performance Assessment
    - Benchmark Comparisons

    Transport Planning & Scheduling
    • - Routing and Scheduling
    • - Network Re-structuring
    • - Fleet Requirements
    • - Environmental Impact of Fleet Structure and Operations
    • - Driver Staffing Arrangements
    • - Fleet and Carrier Management
    • - Back-load and Haulier Assessment
    • - Working Time Directive
    • - Fuel Efficiency
    • - Audits and Performance Assessment
    • - Benchmark Comparisons

    Contract Logistics and Outsourcing
    Assessment and Evaluation of "In House" versus "Contracted" options:
    - Contractor comparisons
    - Tendering and Selection Process Management
    - Negotiation and Contract Arrangements

    Contract Implementation:
    - Contract Performance Reviews
    - Monitoring, Auditing and Benchmarking

    Logistics Provider Support Roles:
    - Contract Bid Evaluations
    - New Contract Implementation
    - Current Operations Management
    - Strategic Business Evaluations
    - Business Development Initiatives

    Inventory & Planning Management
    • Business Process Mapping
    • Demand and Supply Forecasting
    • Procurement Policies
    • Inventory Management
    • Promotions and Sales Fluctuations
    • Supplier Reliability
    • Lead Times and Stock Availability
    • Vendor and Co-Managed Inventory
    • Inventory Simulation
    • IT Systems Selection

    Management and Successful Implementation of Change
    • - Project Structuring
    • - Detailed Planning and Timetabling
    • - Risk Assessments
    • - Budgetary Controls
    • - Communications Management
    • - Installation and Fit-out Management
    • - Staff Training
    • - Changeover Co-ordination

    Interim Management

    With a specific focus on the SME (Small and Medium sized Enterprise) sector, SSM Group are able to provide first class outsourced logistics operations in either client dedicated or shared formats that utilise the latest and proven technology.

    • - Highly Experienced Managers and Directors
    • - Strong Logistics Management Backgrounds
    • - Minimal Start Up and Learning Curve
    • - Good Communicators and Project Controllers
    • - Expertise in Change Management
    • - Excellent Capability to Manage Crisis Situations