The Systems-Operations Divide

For tonight as I ride the train home, jammed fairly full of people, I am pondering the divide I have noticed increasingly more and more between systems people and operations people; especially given the tremendous negative impacts this divide can have on a project like the one I manage.

This is one of the reasons I decided to switch to a position with an SCM systems vendor versus continuing on in an operations role. Even with what I have learned in just under four months, I already feel the advantage of having this experience when combined with my operational knowledge. The fact that Manhattan has a great team right now in Japan also has enhanced the timing.

I look forward to being a bridge between systems and operations on a regular basis.

Posted from My Mobile

Comments

[K]

sry, but wat you mean by system and operation guys?

[Shawn in Tokyo]

Hi K,

By systems people, I mean those that develop and implement technology for the supply chain. This could be the hard (racking, conveyers, scanning tools) or the soft (applications) technology.

By operations people, I refer to those responsible for the processes involved in the physical movement of goods.

Basically, in my post, I am referring to those who are quite functional and thus don't have significant experience with both managing systems and operations.

As I have written before, my belief is that a true supply chain professional understands both.

Thanks for the comment!

Shawn

[Eric]

Im always amazed that it is possible to post to a blog from a PDA or mobile phone or email. Very cool, but I cant think of many times where I would do it with my own blog.

Those methods dont really allow formatting or any inclusion of supporting artwork etc. But its still very cool technology.

There were some blogs that served as primary news sources during the "shock and awe" phases of the Iraq war. The ability to send a mobile message from a bunker in that case, is really very valuable.

As far as your definition of a "true supply chain professional", I agree that that person better understand both the hard movement and storage of goods as well as the technology to keep track of it. Without true understanding of both, there is limited ability to make informed decisions while the product is flowing in the chain.

Eric