By Michael Graska—Professional Logistics Group, Inc.

I define logistic quality as the ability to deliver the right item, in the right condition, in the right quantity, at the right time, and with the right supporting information. (April 2012, Wind System magazine)

I am often asked how important quality systems are in logistics. I always answer by saying that it depends on the scope of the transportation. If the scope of transport is relatively noncritical, then the need is less that for critical transport. For example, a simple LTL—or “less than truckload”—transport requires less of the attention than of a critical just in time delivery. It is a lesson I learned in school; the importance of precision in your work. More importantly, the amount of that precision required versus the costs required to obtain that precision. “What is the acceptable level of precision required” is a question that I always asked myself while planning for projects. Continue Reading

By Michael Graska—Professional Logistics Group, Inc.

The contract is finally signed, and everyone lets out a sigh of relief. Six months of hard negotiations hammered home an agreement. The only problem now is that we only have two months allotted time to start the project ramp up, when even in ideal situations it takes four months. Hey, we got the contract, we can do it! Even though the contract should have been signed three months ago. Sound familiar? For me it’s an example of “been there, done that, and even got the t-shirt.” I call this the neglected cost of indecision. Every plan, schedule, contract, and project is a decision. It happens on all sizes of projects during the planning and execution. Sometimes the cost is little, but oftentimes it is not. In the above case, the client paid a  premium for acquiring materials.

 (March 2012, Wind Systems magazine)

First let me define what I mean by indecision. Continue Reading

By Michael Graska—Professional Logistics Group, Inc.

With the New Year comes new resolutions, and like many of you I have made a resolution to lose some weight. My quest led me to read Michael Pollen’s book Food Rules, which provides a healthy approach to food and diet. I really like this concept of “simple to live by” rules, and it got me to thinking about whether there are such rules for logistics. So here are a few simple rules of my own applying to logistics, and I encourage you to add your own to the list.

 (February 2012, Wind Systems magazine)

Good people mean good results. Talented, inspired people left to do their job will result in excellent outcomes. When all is said and done, the team with the most talent wins the game. This applies in sports, and it applies in business. But it’s not only important to have talented people, because it’s equally critical to create an environment where they can succeed. Continue Reading

By Michael Graska—Professional Logistics Group, Inc.

I was attending a supply chain networking event recently when the discussion turned to problems within supply chains. Several of the senior executives at the table were complaining about spending millions on software and other technologies and still not seeing the results they’d expected. A friend at the table who knew my background asked what I thought. Of course I explained that I was not sure of all the issues concerning each of the companies at the table, and so I hesitated to give a succinct answer. I listed numbers issues that could affect supply chain efficiency, but my friend pinned me down and asked “what is the one thing that causes the most supply chain problems?” I paused and thought for a moment before responding. “Well, if I can only state one issue and only one, then I would say it’s variability.” Those at the table asked me to explain further, so I continued. Continue Reading

By Michael Graska—Professional Logistics Group, Inc.

As the seventh consecutive day of rain was drenching me in the middle of a project, causing delays and running up costs, I thought of a line by Longfellow—“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” No matter how well you plan, Mother Nature can and will push back. But couldn’t we do a better job of anticipating this? I like to think of this as “Logistics in 3D,” visualizing the challenging and sometimes exciting elements during a project.

 (December 2011, Wind Systems Magazine)

As logistic professionals we plan, lay out schedules, craft contracts, and constantly communicate data. Call this “Logistics in 2D,” which is flat like a sheet of paper while 3D reminds us of the movie industry. Recognizing that a normal (flat) film lacks pop, a movie company will film it in 3D. It certainly adds excitement, but it also adds complexity and cost. Continue Reading

By Michael Graska—Professional Logistics Group, Inc.

Companies often forget seemingly simple things while handling the logistics of wind components within North America. What is assumed within U.S. borders doesn’t necessarily hold true for Canada or Mexico. These assumptions can have painful consequences, especially with time-sensitive cargo.

 (October, 2011, Wind Systems Magazine)

I have found that often companies have less difficulty importing from another continent than across U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico. While distance and time required for trans-ocean shipments focuses the reality of what is required to execute the transaction, often this is not the case within North America where the cargo is most likely transported by rail or truck. One can easily assume that since rail or truck is being used, trans-border shipments should be straightforward. There are a couple of reasons why companies make such assumptions. One is NAFTA and the perception that all rules and regulations are the same for all three countries. Continue Reading