If you work for a manufacturer and you're struggling to get product to your customers on time, then THIS is the episode for you. Host Sarah Scudder is joined by Afif Mango to discuss how to reduce the number of past due orders. This is a very big challenge for manufacturers and retailers alike – if you miss a customer delivery, you lose a customer for life. From procurement, production and material planning, logistics and order entry, Afif has worked through the entire supply chain. Show HighlightsThe importance of buying correctlyPursuing direct materials procurementOrder entry, a rippling effectIt's not just about upsellingMeat processing and manufacturingPrice and  delivery date changesFollowing up with purchase ordersReducing past due deliveriesOn time to promised performanceWaited average lead timeDesigning and implementing production proceduresQuotes:AFIF: Listening to customers and asking secondary questions “It's not just about upselling. It's more providing them a service and a product in a way that understanding what they're asking for, making sure the team is understanding what they want and relaying clear information down the pipe.”AFIF: Career beginnings in meat processing manufacturing“Working in different industries has given me the perspective on how different industries handle procurement. So, it’s given me an added edge on looking for different solutions and providing different answers.”AFIF: Following up on purchase orders “If a buyer is sending a purchase order and not following up on it, you assume that the vendor has received it and they’re acting on it. The fact is it may have been misread, not actioned, they forgot to deal with it.” Connect with Afif and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:Afif Mango Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to:LinkedIn | Twitter | SourceDay | SourceDay.comHad fun with the podcast? Leave us a like, share our content, and subscribe! See you soon on the next episode of What The Duck?!