Oct 9 2007 9:14AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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Two weeks ago I attended Professional Builder’s Benchmark Conference outside of Atlanta, Georgia. I have been attending these conferences religiously for the past fourteen years and I must say that each year I learn something new as a result of my attendance. 

This year I was fortunate since I was asked by Bill Lurz of Professional Builder to participate on a panel discussion on the Supply Chain with two builders. Although the subject we were discussing was broad the builders in the room seemed to focus on the day-to-day issues concerning the supply chain. You know pricing, margins, capacity, etc. My mind, however, was on broader issues regarding the supply chain, things like selling the builder direct, imports, software, just-in-time delivery, the concept of the “super sub”, etc. So, I adjusted my thinking and focused my comments on those issues that were at the top of the builders’ mind. 

I don’t really know what to take from this disconnect but I do know that there is a great opportunity to make today’s supply chain more efficient and more cost effective and, someone or some group will figure out how to change the supply chain while most of us are focusing on surviving in today’s market. I don’t know who it will be, but some force(s) will make some big changes in the way we bring materials to market. Keep your eyes and ears open!