We are pleased to announce that another new feature implemented on this site is the ability for our readers to be able to get information on what we believe are some interesting upcoming conferences directly related to supply chain, procurement and operations management.

The criteria for placement of these sponsored ads will be conferences with compelling agenda and speakers, conferences that Supply Chain Matters will be participating within, as well as conferences that have made a sponsoring arrangement with this blog.

Readers can view this Conference section on the right hand panel of this site, just below the About Our Sponsors section.

Currently included is the upcoming 2011 Supply Chain World North America conference sponsored by the Supply Chain Council, where this author will be leading a pundits and influencer panel discussion involving some interesting topics related to preparing supply chains for business recovery.  Look for this agenda item appearing on the last day. Also included is the upcoming 2011 OpsInsight Leadership Forum being held in late April in Boston, where Supply Chain Matters will be providing blog coverage. By April, the snow will have melted and spring will have arrived.  A great time to visit Boston.

Bob Ferrari

I want to thank “the doctor” over at Sourcing Innovation for his unsolicited kind words in his recent posting, What About Bob?. 

In his posting, Michael makes some very astute observations regarding lots of movements in the so-termed Analyst 2.0 arena, and the emergence of many new supply chain oriented industry analyst models predicated with a web presence or sponsored research. In regards to this evolving landscape, Michael has posed the question- What About Bob? 

Here is the response.  Michael as usual, has astutely pointed out the ‘wheat’ from the ‘chaff’.  Substance and quality will often prevail over flash.  For my part, I am ready, willing and able to provide clients with my multifaceted and versatile consulting experience in global supply chain business process and information technology. I will continue to do what I do best, which may not necessarily be lots of flashy hype, but certainly experienced, honest and substantive insights when they truly matter.

By the way, if you are in need of someone with an absolute and unequivocal technology understanding behind supply souring and supply chain applications technology, Michael Lamoureux is your person.

 Bob Ferrari

February represents the first anniversary of Supply Chain Matters.  Once again, I would like to personally thank all of my readers, especially those of you who regularly bookmark this site.  When attending various conferences and events, I am heartened by the many people who come up to me and state how much they enjoy reading as well as benefit from reading this blog.  In one year, readership has climbed to over 5000 visitors per month, and this blog has become one of the premiere destinations for monitoring today’s burning issues in supply chain management.

One of my personal goals when I initiated Supply Chain Matters was to provide high quality content, content you would pay for from a paid advisory or research service.  Thus you may have noticed that many of my commentaries focus on the implications of events on your business or organization, or what you can do to be proactive in your business and supply chain management strategies.  Being an industry analyst in my former life gives me the experience and skills to provide such commentary.  This past year I have provided commentary on supply chain risk and disruption, the unprecedented global-wide recession impacting supply chains across many industries, and the constant developments in the area of information technology, in many cases before industry analyst advisory services can marshal commentary for clients.

In the next phase of Supply Chain Matters, I am considering launching a reasonably priced newsletter or research advisory format for delivering quality analysis.  My belief is that with the critical business challenges and cutbacks continuing to face supply chain operations, procurement and operations management professionals, there is even more a need to be “in-the-know” regarding business needs and threats.  Recent cutbacks in specialized supply chain industry analysts and media covering these topics has also provided a void in advisory services.

Before embarking on any new service, I need your input.  To that end, I have created a short survey that should take only a few minutes to complete. This survey will help me assess where your needs reside.  I would appreciate if you could both respond to the survey, and/or provide individual feedback.  Here is the link to access this Supply Chain Matters survey.

Bob Ferrari