Dive into the dynamic world of supply chain management with What the Duck?! Another Supply Chain Podcast, where host Sarah Scudder is joined by the insightful Dyci Sfregola. Together, they unravel the complexities of direct material procurement and the transformative power of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Dyci, a seasoned growth consultant, shares her wealth of experience and actionable strategies for small to midsize manufacturers to streamline their processes and boost ROI. With a focus on the essential CIPO framework and practical tools for operational clarity, this episode is a treasure trove for those looking to refine their approach to supply chain before the year's endBottom of Form. SHOW HIGHLIGHTSDyci’s Journey Working in Sales/ Marketing to Transitions to Supply ChainThird-Party Logistics (3PL) and Its Role in Supply ChainChallenging Experiences in Direct Materials Supply ChainImportance of SOPs in Supply Chain ManagementStrategies for Managing Processes Efficiently Digital Transformation and Software ImplementationThe Necessity for Knowledge Transfer and Contingency PlanningChallenges in Selecting and Implementing Software MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDDYCI: On the Importance of SOPs and Process ManagementSo, first of all, why it's important is because it allows you to be proactive and set a cadence and a pace of the business that is not always reactionary, and it's not always firefighting. Because when things go the way that we expect them to go, which, you know, rarely happens, everyone's fine like, 'Oh, this is what it's supposed to happen when I come to work today.' But, because in the world of supply chain operations, nothing ever works the way that you expect it to do. Well, if you don't have the SOPs that govern the way you do business, the way workflows happen, the way approvals happen, then it becomes just everyone running around trying to figure out, 'Okay, well, who's going to do this? DYCI: On Digital Transformation and Software Implementation And what they actually realized is that they didn't really have a process for new product introduction. So, we were working with items that were being phased out, and, you know, these were finished goods. And then, if you're thinking about, "Okay, well, the finished good is being phased out, you need to now have a forecast for the finished good, the cannibalization, etc., for the new item." But on top of that, all of the components—which are your direct materials—that you need to actually build the new... "Okay, well, how do we now come up with a forecast for that? And determine safety stock, and work with the supplier for lead times, and, you know, all of that?” So, that project recently stands out to me because it's the most recent, and I'm like in it right now, trying to figure it out. Connect with Dyci and learn what she’s been duckin’ around with:Dyci Sfregola | New Gen ArchitectsConnect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up toLinkedIn |Twitter |SourceDay |SourceDay.com Had fun with the podcast? Leave us a like, share our content, and subscribe! See you soon on the next episode of What The Duck?!