Counterpoint Podcast
Vector Consulting Group
Subscribe
Welcome to the Counterpoint podcast, brought you by the Vector Consulting Group.
Each episode will explore how systems thinking combined with rigor of causal thinking of hard sciences can be applied to design breakthrough solutions for complex and chronic business problems across industry segments. The focus of each podcast is to validate the theoretical constructs behind these innovative solutions and to discuss the practical aspects of implementing them.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Mar 20, 2023
Ep#48 Find hidden capacity in manufacturing plants
Manufacturing companies tend to be unaware of the 'Real Capacity' of their plants. Typically, companies make an estimate of their capacity based on a 'median' product mix they manufacture, capacity defined by equipment suppliers, or experience over time. This then becomes a benchmark used to measure plant efficiency. Companies may even elevate capacity when output consistently reaches this benchmark.
Through their implementations, Vector Consulting Group has consistently delivered much higher output from the existing capacity, surprising and startling plant operators. In this podcast, Achal Saran Pande, Senior Partner at Vector Consulting Group, discusses common misconceptions in calculating the 'Real Capacity' of a plant and sheds light on how to unearth hidden capacity in almost all plants.
Tune in to unravel this mystery.
playlist_add
Feb 22, 2023
Ep#47 Understanding importance of Deep Causal Thinking in Management
Vector Consulting Group has developed a unique thinking process that combines the work of great philosophers such as Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Karl Popper, scientist David Deutsche, and management guru Eli Goldratt. This approach that we call the Scientific and Systems Thinking approach, has been instrumental in helping us find breakthrough solutions for our clients.
Our commitment to sharing our knowledge and expertise with the world continues in Season II of the Counterpoint podcast. In the second episode of this season, Satyashri Mohanty, dubbed "The Coach" at Vector Consulting Group, will be explaining one of the facets of Vector's Thinking Processes - Deep Causal Thinking.
Satya provides an extremely simple example to first explain the Deep Causal Thinking approach and then describes its significance in conducting diagnostics for business situations. We encourage you to listen in and try to apply these concepts to your own environment.
playlist_add
Dec 28, 2022
Ep#46 How to ensure a successful product launch
Thanks to all our listeners for the phenomenal positive feedback that you gave us for Season 1 of the Counterpoint Podcast. We are now back with Season 2.
Companies launch new products and services frequently with the intention of offering customers new experiences while increasing their own market share. Unfortunately, there is a big risk - no one can guarantee the success of a new product. In this episode of the Counterpoint Podcast, we will examine the mystery behind new product failures, identify the core conflict underlying them and discuss steps to enable the success of every new product or service you launch.
playlist_add
Aug 9, 2022
Ep#45 Not so Agile: Part II - How to transform the software development process
In the first part of this 2-episode series on software development, we discussed the challenges posed by both Waterfall and Agile (scrum) methodologies and why using these could lead to a loss in productivity.
We had promised to come back with a new solution that can overcome these challenges and yield very high productivity jumps. So, in this episode, we have invited Anantha Keerti back to describe the new "Rapid Feature Flow Model" innovated by Vector. He discusses why adopting the model's 'flow principles' can help companies increase productivity by 70-90%, reduce rework by 50-80% and increase release frequency by 2-3 times. All this while creating a stress-free work environment for developers!
Don't miss this one, especially if this affects your industry directly or even indirectly. Tune in!
playlist_add
Jun 8, 2022
Ep#44 Meeting Fatigue: How can we make meetings add more value?
'Meetings, meetings, everywhere, no value added!'
Is this true for your organization too? Do you also have endless number of meetings every day? Do you also feel that you are just moving from one meeting to another without accomplishing anything or deciding on a concrete way forward? We know that a lot of you out there are tired of attending pointless meetings. So, in this episode we will discuss how to make your meetings more productive and which kind of meetings must be done away with totally.
Tune in!
playlist_add
Apr 22, 2022
Ep#43 All improvement projects may not add value: How to do less and yet gain more
It is not uncommon for companies to have multiple improvement initiatives underway at the same time. But very often these projects are delayed or don’t deliver the results envisaged when they were initiated! Vector has helped many companies undertake very successful transformation projects.
So, in this 'less than ten minutes' episode Kiran Kothekar, Founding Director, shares a story of his meeting with the MD of an FMCG company, to illustrate why so many improvement initiatives fail and what leaders can do to get quantum improvements to happen in their organizations in the shortest possible time
To understand more about why less is more when it comes to improvement projects read:https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/systems-thinking-innovation/too-many-cooks-spoil-the-growth/
playlist_add
Apr 14, 2022
Ep#42 Not so Agile: Challenges in Software Development
In this podcast we visit the challenges posed by Waterfall and Agile (scrum), the most popular methodologies for software development.
While examining Agile, Anantha helps us question some of the assumptions behind few of its practices like - working with small ‘self-sufficient’ teams, keeping design and requirements fluid & use of standard sprint cycles.
He describes how by understanding the wrong assumptions, and by exposing the generic conflict underlying all software development processes, a truly agile software development method can be evolved. Tune in!
Read more about the generic conflict underlying all software development processes here: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/pull-solution-for-projects/not-so-agile/
playlist_add
Apr 6, 2022
Ep#41 Conversations with Business Leaders: Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors
Agri-equipment manufacturing companies tend to have a major challenge in managing operations since demand is significantly dependent on seasons, level of rainfall, festivals, etc. Mr.Antony Cherukara, discusses how by adopting a pull-based supply chain, companies can become flexible enough to adjust themselves to changing market demand in such a way that sales loss for the company can be prevented while simultaneously de-stressing operations both for themselves and their suppliers. Tune in!
To find out more about how destress supply chains by buffering it from demand fluctuations please read:
https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/equipment-manufacturing/revving-up-the-agri-equipment-business/
playlist_add
Mar 16, 2022
Ep#40 Pharma Operations: Supply Chain Challenges and Sustainable Ways to Overcome them
In this episode of the Counterpoint Podcast, we bring into focus the challenges that the pandemic has caused on the already disrupted supply chains of pharma companies in India and across the world.
Achal Pande first gives us an analogy from the way train networks function to explain the real challenge with pharma operations. This makes it super-easy to understand the core problem in this environment. He then discusses how all the challenges can be sustainably eliminated to improve lead time and increase output. This will enable companies to respond with agility to changes in demand. Tune in!
For more details please visit:
https://www.vectorconsulting.in/big-idea/accelerated-pharma-manufacturing/
playlist_add
Mar 1, 2022
Ep#39 Mystery Analysis (Part 2): Understand how to measure, detect and analyse a mystery
In the last episode on Mystery Analysis, we set the groundwork for why and how to do an analysis that would help us reveal the causality behind our post-implementation results. We also touched upon two concepts or approaches that could be used for detecting the mystery. This episode goes into details of these methods and subsequent steps to be followed. Tune in!
A useful article to read while trying to understand the nature of 'cause and effect' can be found here: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/systems-thinking-innovation/thinking-clearly/
playlist_add
Feb 15, 2022
Ep#38 Mystery Analysis: Understand the hidden causality when there is mismatch between prior expectations and post Implementation results
We are back with the Thinking Processes series. In the last episode of the series, we had promised to discuss about 'Mystery Analysis'. So, this episode elucidates the kind of analysis that is required to be done post-implementation of a change initiative if the results do not match expectations. If results are lower, then this analysis is needed to take necessary precautions in the future. It is also equally important to do the analysis if we get better than expected results. This will help replicate it in the future.
Tune in to understand why we need Mystery Analysis and the best approach for such an analysis.
playlist_add
Feb 2, 2022
Ep#37 Irrelevance of Seasons in the Fashion Industry with Anindya Ray, CSO & CHRO, Arvind Fashions Limited and Sachin Jain, Senior Partner, Vector Consulting Group
The fashion industry is known for its seasonality, for the seasons bring with it the need for change in the entire range of clothing. But for the clothing companies, this poses a big challenge, the challenge of huge inventories that are left behind with every switch of a season. Moreover, the inventories cannot be used in the subsequent year because of the fast-changing fashion trends. Hence, this poses a big concern for the entire industry and has been so for decades.
But not anymore, we have with us today, two guests: Anindya Ray, Chief Sourcing Officer and CHRO, Arvind Fashions Limited and Sachin Jain, Senior Partner, Vector Consulting Group, and an expert at distribution and supply chain solutions. We discuss the reasons behind why seasonality is such a huge concern and how we can break free from this constraint and make the seasons irrelevant. Tune in!
playlist_add
Jan 26, 2022
Ep#36 Why individual targets do not drive accountability?
It is important for effective control of organizational activities to establish clear accountability for desired outcomes. Hence, there is a practice of using KPIs or KRAs or a related term to define individual targets. But what if we claim that these individual targets do not achieve their intended purpose. In fact, they might often result in an organization being fraught with friction between teams, blame games, poor agility and rampant system tampering behaviour. Can any sense of control ostensibly brought in by assigning individual targets be a mere mirage? Let's hear what Satyashri Mohanty has to say on this topic and lets also ask him if he can suggest a better solution to drive outcomes in companies. Tune in!
Read about a radically new approach to align people to the organizational goals here :https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/toc-leadership-paradigms/management-by-tactics/
playlist_add
Jan 19, 2022
Ep#35 End-to-End Pull Distribution | From Pilot Phase to Scale Up
In the previous episode of this series, we discussed the challenges and probable pitfalls of implementing a pull distribution strategy as against a conventional push system. We left off the discussion at the end of the pilot phase. In this episode, we chart out the journey from
the end of the pilot phase to the scale-up phase and look at how the nature of challenges change in this phase. We conclude by discussing how these can be tackled to ensure speed and effectiveness of this transformation journey. Tune in!
Find out more about implementing the pull distribution system here: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/the-road-less-travelled/
playlist_add
Jan 12, 2022
Ep#34 Is direct distribution of the full market possible?
Why is it that even though many companies realise that there is significant sales loss because they are not available in the huge number of small outlets, they still do not try for direct distribution of the full market? Is it really possible? Why is it that the industry conventionally uses weighted distribution & incremental growth and accepts incomplete distribution? Can using numeric distribution be a better and more progressive metric? Find answers to all these questions in this discussion with Puneet Kulraj. Tune in!
For more information on how to achieve 100% direct distribution without increasing inventory visit: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/100-availability-with-less-than-half-the-inventory/
playlist_add
Jan 5, 2022
Ep#33 Conversations with Business Leaders: Saket Agrawal, Managing Director, MSP Steel and Power Ltd.
Commodities like steel are a challenge to differentiate based on product features. So, conventionally, steel companies are forced to compete almost solely on price/margins to win orders from customers/dealers. Unfortunately, 'price' is very difficult factor to sustain as differentiator. However, there a way for companies to differentiate themselves using reliability of service in commoditised markets like steel.
Tune in to find out how MSP Steel and Power Ltd. transformed its strategy and operations to create a clear distinctive edge in the steel industry.
To read more about how reliability can be sustainable competitive edge for companies read:https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/equipment-manufacturing/reliability-of-delivery-brand-positioning-opportunity-for-custom-manufacturing-organizations/
playlist_add
Dec 29, 2021
Ep#32 New Product Development in Auto Sector: Challenges and Solutions
Enormous workload, high uncertainty and heavy dependence on external suppliers all have together made the task of new product development in the auto segment is very challenging and stressful. The process is riddled with rework, problems in production stabilisation, and delays in launch. However, by questioning the traditional paradigms of project management and resolving the core conflict in this environment, NPD lead times can reduce by as much as half. Tune in to find out how for more information on how Auto NPD can be managed to meet stakeholders’ expectations, click here:
https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/auto-auto-components/de-stressing-npd/
playlist_add
Dec 22, 2021
Ep#31 End-to-End Pull Distribution | Managing the challenges of transformation
The pandemic brought a totally new level of uncertainty in the business of distribution companies. Detailed plans and forecasts went haywire for many companies. But there were still that stood out from their counterparts in the industry who had unique supply chains designed for agility. These companies had re-designed their end to end supply chain, much before the pandemic, to react rapidly to vagaries of demand.
While agile or rapid reaction end to end supply chains is the need of the hour, the implementation of these concepts is not easy. Let us understand the difficulties and challenges of creating such agile supply or distribution chains. Tune in!
For more details, log onto https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Dec 15, 2021
Ep#30 Conversations with Business Leaders: Siddharth Bansal, Executive Director, Skipper Limited
Building any sort of loyalty in a competitive market is extremely difficult, and even more so when it comes to a commodity business. Let's hear from Mr. Siddharth Bansal, Director, Skipper Limited on how they transformed the distribution model of their polymer business-Skipper Pipes, in order to secure loyalty of channel members and influencers in the market.
We discuss the challenges they faced in abandoning the traditional volume-based schemes and implementing a pull distribution system. Also discussed is an innovative retailer/plumber loyalty program and the benefits Skipper Pipes realized from this. Tune in!
For more information about the lacuna of traditional trade promotional schemes visit:
https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/a-folly-called-trade-promotions/
playlist_add
Dec 8, 2021
Ep#29 Go-To-Market Strategy for Year-On-Year sales growth
In the last episode, we had discussed about the last mile obstacle in any typical retail environment, responsible for companies hitting a glass ceiling after achieving an initial jump in revenue and profitability by abandoning "push" mode of sales and implementing pull-based replenishment systems. We had also promised to share the solution to this obstacle so that companies can have a continuous and ever-flourishing growth model.
So, this episode is dedicated to exploring this revolutionary solution for the retail environment. Tune in!
For a recap of the "pull" mode of sales and how it leads to a big sales jump read : https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/the-road-less-travelled/
playlist_add
Dec 1, 2021
Ep#28 Retail Environments: Solving the Last Mile Obstacle for Go-To Market Strategy
The retail solution that Vector Consulting Group has implemented for its clients allows them to enjoy phenomenal growth in secondary sales. However, this pull-based replenishment flow system often hits a new saturation point every so often, which calls for a shift in the approach to unlock the next growth area.
This episode on the Counterpoint Podcast is the first part of a two-episode series on this topic. Sunil Davis, a senior consultant with Vector will first unravels how and why the market reaches such sales saturation points and then discusses the steps companies need to take in such situations, to reach for and achieve the next leap in sales performance. Tune in!
For some interesting details visit: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/pull-solution-for-distribution-and-sales/sailing-the-last-mile/
playlist_add
Nov 24, 2021
Ep#27: New Product Development: A New and Evolved Approach to Managing NPD Projects
Ensuring fast NPD or New Product Development is one of the most important activities for any organization to sustain and grow. However, despite implementing the latest project management software and techniques, interruptions, rework, and lead-times for project completion remains high in environments with very high scope variability. Many CCPM implementations fail as well.
This episode on the Counterpoint Podcast is an introduction to a whole new approach for managing NPD projects better. Satya has used many examples and case studies to help bring clarity to this new methodology.
Tune in!
View the presentation at: https://bit.ly/30WKkHo
Read for knowing more about implementing this method in pharma drug development: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/generic-drug-development-the-prescription-for-success/
playlist_add
Nov 17, 2021
Ep#26 Conversations with Business Leaders: R V Gumaste, Managing Director, Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited
Let's hear from Mr. R V Gumaste, MD, KFIL about how they sustained the innovative pull-based flow processes in manufacturing and new product development for 7 years without any violations. We discuss what challenges did they faced in implementing and sustaining the new processes.
Tune in!
For more details, visit: https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Nov 10, 2021
Ep#25 Auto-Industry OEM Spare Part Operations: Solving the Core Conflict
In an earlier episode, we had touched upon the challenges faced by the OEMs in managing spare parts availability for servicing vehicles. In that discussion, we had identified the core problem behind this challenge.
In this episode, we try to counter the conflict with a sustainable solution that enables higher availability and parts sales at much lower inventory as compared to the conventional way of managing spare parts. Also learn about how the shift to electric vehicles can impact the future supply chains of spare parts.
Tune in!
For more details of the solution visit: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/auto-auto-components/spare-parts-strategy-for-oems-in-automobile-sector/
playlist_add
Nov 3, 2021
Ep#24 Managing Job Shops: Sustainable Solutions to resolve Core Conflicts
In the last episode, we had looked at the troubles a job shop faces day-in-day-out. We also looked at the core conflicts behind these problems and ended the discussion with understanding why the most common solutions implemented to solve these concerns end up in further trouble.
This episode is the second part of the same discussion to discuss what are some of the most concrete solutions which not only solves the core conflicts, they are also sustainable and shall continue to be so in the future to ensure smooth operations.
For more details, visit: https://vectorconsulting.in or write to us on our social media handles.
playlist_add
Oct 27, 2021
Ep#23 Managing Job Shops: Why is it so difficult?
Job Shops are one of the most complex manufacturing environments to manage. With frequent expediting, month end skew, delayed customer orders, and poor coordination between functions, many job shops are wrought with challenges and complications.
In a bid to solve these, companies commonly alternate between solutions like capacity enhancement, line dedication and finite scheduling software but for most these are wasted efforts and problems continue. Time to understand the core problem . Tune in!
For more details, write to us at https://vectorconsulting.in/
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Ep#22 Auto-Industry OEM Spare Part Operations: Key causes for challenges
Imagine buying a vehicle and then facing high waiting time for servicing and repairs! Availability of Spares play a major role in the time it takes to get a vehicle out of the service station. Unfortunately, managing inventory of a huge range of spare parts is an Achilles heel for most OEMs.
This episode takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by the OEMs and by extension everyone in the supply chain until the customer. We also zero down on the core problem from which all the issues germinate. Tune in!
To read more details about how OEMs can manage spare parts availability, read: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/auto-auto-components/spare-parts-strategy-for-oems-in-automobile-sector/
Write to us at https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Oct 13, 2021
Ep#21 Conversations with Business Leaders: Sharan Bansal, Director, Skipper Limited
Manufacturing industries are marred by many common problems which obstructs flow of inventory like unreliable vendors, frequently missing components for manufacturing, inventory pileups, shifting bottlenecks and finally unhappy customers. In this episode with Mr. Sharan Bansal, Director at Skipper Limited, we discuss the learnings from a transformation of the operating model that was undertaken at Skipper, using flow principles of theory of constraints.
For more details, check out the article: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/equipment-manufacturing/get-more-out-of-less/
You can write to us on our social media handles or at https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Oct 6, 2021
Ep#20 Throughput Accounting: Taking Decisions using Financial Metrics
We had discussed problems with the current system of financial decision-making across companies in an earlier episode.
In this episode we discuss why it is crucial for all organisational decisions to be taken with a clear assessment of their global impact on the firm. Also discussed is, why the techniques like marginal-costing and absorption-costing, does not suffice for this purpose. A new method is offered which not only overcomes the pitfalls of these traditional methods but also takes into consideration uncertainty of demand and effect of a decision on the system constraint, to arrive at a holistic financial impact of any decision.
Tune in to also learn about the software tool developed by Vector to facilitate this holistic decision-making process in any organisation.
For more details on this topic, you can check out the article at: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/nuances-of-toc-concepts/throughput-accounting-an-introduction/
For any further queries, please write to…
playlist_add
Sep 29, 2021
Ep#19 Leadership Skills: Are Leaders Born or Made?
'Is leadership an art or a science?' is a perennial debate. A leader's true nature is witnessed at times of transformation and the challenges it brings along.
In this episode, we discuss and analyze why Leadership is a science and not an art and also go further to describe the three important tactics to be effective as a leader. Tune in!
You can also check out the link below, for more on Kiran's views on leadership:
https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/toc-leadership-paradigms/leadership-styles-and-organization-culture/
For any queries or concerns, reach out to us at https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Sep 22, 2021
Ep#18 TOC Thinking Process: A tool for thinking clearly (Part 6)
Causal reasoning behind problems in organizations can reveal a circular loop structure, where A causes B but at same time B also boomerangs back to A at some point. Some of these loops can be very "sticky", forcing an organization to stay with the same problems for a long period.
If transformation initiatives ignore the existing causal loops at play, there can be a huge waste of time and capacity. This is one of the main reasons of failure of many organization wide #transformation initiatives. Tune in!
For more details on this topic, check out the article https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/systems-thinking-innovation/ignoring-the-future/
For any queries, write to us on https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Sep 15, 2021
Ep#17 Financial Decision Making: Common Mistakes and Fallacies
This episode on the Counterpoint Podcast focuses on the decision making with financial implications.
When it comes to anything financial, organisations typically depend on a department specialised in it - the finance department.
Dr. Anil Lamba, a financial literacy activist, discusses with us how this fact is the very reason why companies, at times, take disastrous decisions.
Listen to this episode to understand why financial know-how and know-why is important for every manager and what happens when wrong decisions are taken. Tune in!
For more details, you can write to us on our social media handles or at https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Sep 8, 2021
Ep#16 What is a Constraint? | Difference between Limitations, Obstacles, and a Constraint
What really is a ‘constraint’ as referred to in Theory of Constraints? The dictionary defines a constraint as a limitation, a restriction, or an obstacle. Taking it literally, many misunderstand theory of constraints to be the art of overcoming obstacles and hinderances which come in the course of work. This is NOT Theory of Constraints.
Listen to this episode to find out how to identify a constraint in a system, exploit it and gain higher productivity.
For more information and details: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/nuances-of-toc-concepts/know-your-constraints/
You can write to us on https://vectorconsulting.in or any of our social media handles.
playlist_add
Aug 25, 2021
Ep#15 Conversations with Business Leaders: Anil Mathur, COO, Godrej Interio
We received a lot of requests to share some client stories and learnings from their business transformation journeys. So, here we are with Mr. Anil Mathur, COO at Godrej Interio. He talks about how they solved the perennial conflict for sales bandwidth between converting current enquiries and developing new leads by releasing significant capacity for business development from the existing team. In B2B companies, on the one hand sales teams must meet new customers to develop new business, and on the other they must focus on support activities and current leads to ensure monthly order booking and sales targets. Most of their capacity tends to be taken up by the second. However, if this conflict is not addressed, a company cannot expand customer base and increase market share beyond a threshold without increasing the sales team! Tune in to find out how they solved this conflict!
You can watch the video version and read more about this transformation at: https://www.vectorconsult…
playlist_add
Aug 18, 2021
Ep#14 TOC Thinking Process: A tool for thinking clearly (Part 5)
Chronic problems stay unresolved due to inherent conflicts in resolving them. Conflicts manifests as design contradictions (example: fuel efficiency vs power) or in interpersonal issues (I want to do x, while my partner doesn’t want to do it).
Is there an approach to resolve these conflicts and contradictions? What kind of mindset is required to deal with conflicts and contradictions? This episode talks about mindset required to solve conflicts and the underlying techniques.
Listen to the episode and click on the link below to get more understanding on the topic.
https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/systems-thinking-innovation/theory-of-constraints-and-the-thinking-process/
playlist_add
Aug 11, 2021
Ep#13 Multi-tasking - A Myth?
Multitasking is considered an important skill to achieve more in less time. But is it really the most effective way to get more output?
The episode takes a deep dive into this topic and includes an interesting DIY activity to help you check if Multi-tasking does or does not work. Keep a pen, paper, and your phone ready before you begin listening.
Tune in and enjoy!
Another example of how multi-tasking can ruin your output: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/engineering-industry-insights/stop-digging-if-you-are-already-in-a-hole-2/
You can also watch a video version at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCEYAs-57y4
For more details, visit us on https://vectorcomsulting.in/
playlist_add
Aug 4, 2021
Ep#12 Supplier Bull Whip Effect: Why it happens and the Way out
We have either mentioned or discussed the supplier bullwhip effect in many of our previous episodes, especially the ones around the supply chain and operations solutions. We received many messages from our fellow listeners, and so we thought it high time we must take this topic up.
Supplier Bullwhip is basically an ill effect of a supply chain practice of OEMs who use a combination of monthly forecasting and daily expediting to manage their assembly lines. The suppliers down below are the ones who bear the brunt of it, the further down in the chain the more severe the effect, which also means that the smallest guy in the chain is the worst hit. But it all does come back to the OEMs too indirectly. Listen to the episode to understand in detail.
For more details, visit https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/auto-auto-components/rally-with-your-allies/
Write to us at https://vectorconsulting.in/
playlist_add
Jul 28, 2021
Ep#11 TOC Thinking Process: A tool for thinking clearly (Part 4)
In the past 3 episodes on the Thinking Processes series, we have discussed how the philosophy goes to the deepest level of a problem at hand, how it buids the logic around it and how it identifies the root cause to take a stab at it.
Hence, it makes an extremely helpful tool for anyone, especially managers and leaders. However, it takes some amount of practice to become proficient in using the tool. It has some very easy-to-follow starting steps which can help one get started on the journey of using it.
This episode is dedicated to laying the foundation for starting on a journey to build simple logical constructs of cause and effect. It gets really interesting and extremely exciting from here on. Tune in!
For more details, reach us out on our social media handles or write to us at our website. More details on the topic at: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/systems-thinking-innovation/theory-of-constraints-and-the-thinking-process/
playlist_add
Jul 21, 2021
Ep#10 Discover hidden capacities in your Plant
Many plants are often marred by poor efficiencies, late deliveries, and a perpetual fire-fighting mode. After decades of efforts, most of them have given up on solving the chronic problem. But there is a way out, an easy one, if one can understand the core conflict. This episode takes through understanding of the problems, core reasons for these problems and solutions which can literally turn around the plant performance.
Don't miss this one.
More details, visit: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/equipment-manufacturing/get-more-out-of-less/
For any doubts or queries on the topic, please write to us on our social media handles.
playlist_add
Jul 14, 2021
Ep#9 TOC Thinking Process: A tool for thinking clearly (Part 3)
Find out how to overcome bias in decision making by using the right thougt-ware. Bad decisions can have long standing consequences. So, in order to avoid bias, managers tend to rely on data. Unfortunately, data is does not always help differentiate between truth and perception. For instance, two managers might have two different interpretations of the same data; or two opposing views can have fully reliable data supporting them. Sometimes, there is no data at hand. How can managers go beyond data and use a more systematic and rigorous approach to decision making?
This episode is a continuation of the two previous podcasts on Thinking Processes and explains how to use deductive reasoning to avoid common traps in analysing problems and making decisions. Tune in to find out more!
For more details, you can visit us at: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/systems-thinking-innovation/going-beyond-data-for-decision-making/
playlist_add
Jul 7, 2021
Ep#8 JIT: Just In Time - Still Relevant OR A Solution of the Past?
JIT is a methodology first developed and implemented in the 70's at Toyota Manufactuing Plant. Since then, it has been replicated and implemented across various manufacturing and supply chain companies across the word. All in a bid to keep their operations lean and reduce the failures, delays and cost stuck up in inventory or other resources. However, with uncertainities and high demand variability, due to natural calamities, increasing competition, changing technology and regulatory norms and hence systems like JIT might need to be re-looked at. This episode on the Counterpoint Podcast is a discussion to explore the shortcomings with JIT and if this methodology still holds relevance in the current conditions or do we need to evolve and move to a better and sustainable solution.
For more details, visit us at https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/auto-auto-components/auto-supply-chain-in-india-a-mishmash-of-push-and-pull-methods/
playlist_add
Jun 30, 2021
Ep#7 TOC Thinking Process: A tool for thinking clearly (Part 2)
If we can identify the problem, we can solve it! However, the challenge with most root cause analysis techniques is that it is difficult to tell if you have reached the real root cause or not, especially since after some layers, data may not be available to observe the causal entity directly. So, most analyses are unknowingly limited to a superficial point! TOC Thinking takes a very different and much deeper approach to reach the core issue involved.
Listen to this episode as a continuation of the first part on Thinking Processes philosophy and learn why a mindset of 'synthesis' is imperative to find the core conflict of a system and to design breakthrough solutions.
Find more details at: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/blog/systems-thinking-innovation/thinking-clearly/
Part 1 to this episode: https://anchor.fm/counterpoint-podcast/episodes/Ep6-TOC-Thinking-Processes-A-toolkit-for-thinking-clearly-Part-1-e139nj9
For more details, visit or write to us on https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add
Jun 23, 2021
Ep#6 TOC Thinking Processes: A toolkit for thinking clearly (Part 1)
Tune in to find out how we can think clearly and develop breakthrough solutions. Being a physicist Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt adopted the traditions, constructs, and rigor of the hard sciences, when he introduced a set of thinking tools to serve as a framework to raise questions regarding existing paradigms, identify problems in any environment (not necessarily business), converge on to the root cause of these issues and build robust solutions.
By the way, this episode has a small but interesting test that you can apply at your workplace to understand any problem, better.
For more details, read at: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/theory-of-constraints/the-scientific-basis-of-theory-of-constraints/
playlist_add
Jun 16, 2021
Ep#5 Managing Supply Chains: A simple yet powerful solution
In the last episode we did a breakdown of typical supply chain problems and how they are all linked to the practice of manufacturing as per forecasts. In this episode we propose a solution by going back to the basics of inventory management. This simple solution can ensure that the right product is available at the right place at the right time. Then, the company does not have to lose a single customer. Tune in to understand how to implement a simple solution to ensure continuous availability of products in the market so as to not lose a single customer! Write to us in case you have questions or find any loopholes with the proposed approach.
For more details, visit https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/managing-distribution-chain-is-there-a-better-way-than-gazing-the-crystal-ball/
playlist_add
Jun 9, 2021
Ep#4 Managing Supply Chains: Understanding the core conflicts and issues
Try to visualize this - a phone manufactured in China must reach an Indian retailer just before a consumer walks in demanding that make and model. If it arrives too late, it’s a lost sale. If it arrives too early, it adds to the inventory carrying cost of the retailer. Is it possible to ensure that no customer is ever disappointed, while also keeping your retailers happy? If we understand what prevents us from achieving both these objectives, maybe seamless availability of a product can be guaranteed? In this episode, we take a deep dive precisely into the root cause of this perplexing issue - why do supply chains often fail, despite the numerous people and the cutting edge technologies it has at its disposal?
You can find more about the topic at: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/managing-distribution-chain-is-there-a-better-way-than-gazing-the-crystal-ball/
Please share and subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcasting app an…
playlist_add
Jun 2, 2021
Ep#3 Influencer Loyalty Programs
In the last episode we discussed how to win long-term loyalty of retailers. However, in many product categories there can be other influencers for a purchase- it could be architects/ carpenters for furniture, masons/engineers for construction products, mechanics for automobiles and so on. These influencers can strongly and positively sway the end customers towards a specific brand.
So, as we promised in the last episode, we have come back to discuss how we can nurture a strong bond with these influencers, how such a bond can be competitive edge for the company, and why we claim it cannot be replicated or copied easily by a competitor. Tune in!
playlist_add
May 26, 2021
Ep#2 Re-inventing Retailer Loyalty Programs
Most companies try hard to win retailer loyalty through various temporary offers and schemes. However, these standard, time bound, volume-slab wise, schemes do not promote any real loyalty (retailers opportunistically shift between different schemes to secure the best possible deal); these schemes exclude small retailers almost completely (as they cannot pick up enough volume to qualify); and often promotes self-dumping (due to greed to qualify for schemes). Consequent results are disruption of price hygiene in the market and poor ROI for channel partners.
Listen to this podcast to find how firms can truly bond with retailers without any of these issues!
You can read more at: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-goods-and-retail/a-folly-called-trade-promotions/
Please share and subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcasting app and help us with your feedback on our social media handles.
playlist_add
May 4, 2021
Ep#1 Month-End Skew
In the first episode, we present to you the ubiquitous Month-End Skew in sales. In distribution companies the usual sales pattern is 10:20:30:40 over the four weeks of a month. This sales pattern is popularly described as the “Hockey Stick” sales syndrome and is accepted as a normal industry phenomenon. It is not often realized that this hockey stick does huge damage in terms of lost sales and prevents faster growth of sales. In this episode we discuss why this happens and how can we solve for it.
For more details on this topic, you can check out the article at https://www.vectorconsulting.in/research-publications/consumer-industry-insights/straightening-the-hockey-stick-in-sales-and-distribution/
Please share and subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcasting app and help us with your feedback on our social media handles.
playlist_add
May 4, 2021
Trailer | Counterpoint Podcast
https://vectorconsulting.in
playlist_add