Procurement

Energy Policy Affects US Manufacturing Competitiveness

Energy Policy Affects US Manufacturing Competitiveness

Cheap and abundant energy is one factor that has helped the US manufacturing competitive position relative to global alternatives.  Reshoring has been enhanced by that very factor.  Over the past year we have all seen a number of factors influencing that position.  It’s not clear who’s gaining or losing, other than apparently Russia’s oil and gas revenue has not changed much. Or perhaps that’s not true.  It’s difficult to sort out the wheat from the… Read More

Achieving Procurement Happiness

Achieving Procurement Happiness

When a new manufacturing supplier is needed, how do you get a good candidate?  This becomes a greater problem with distance and project complexity, not to mention specialized certifications that might be required. Perhaps you wish to reshore something?   Or get a supplier for a startup? We at Proficient Sourcing LLC can help with all these.  There is no cost, there’s no obligation, either.  Our mission is very simple: to provide supplier recommendations (yes, often… Read More

Supply Chain Problems: Just the Beginning?

Supply Chain Problems: Just the Beginning?

The past year has witnessed all manner of economic disruptions due to supply chain problems.  We have seen how these problems have interrupted and delayed manufacturing supply systems, and possibly given reshoring efforts an unexpected boost. Manufacturing over the past 50 years or so has required ever more sophisticated and complex use of new minerals to produce defense systems, computers and other electronic devices, exotic superalloys are now needed for many specialized purposes.  Among others,… Read More

Labor Shortage Solutions – Out of the Box!

Labor Shortage Solutions – Out of the Box!

Just about every day we hear news of labor shortages in this business or that business, and seemingly everywhere. Is there a retail business or fast food restaurant, or any restaurant for that matter, that’s not seeking employees? There are some unorthodox steps available to some businesses, and many of these are things we have direct experience in times past. Some were quite successful! When we attended a retirement party at a very large corporation,… Read More

Procurement Practices Contributing to Supplier Performance Problems? Can it be True?

Procurement Practices Contributing to Supplier Performance Problems? Can it be True?

Do any of these apply to you and your company and it’s procurement practices? OEMs are trying to become more flexible in order to respond more rapidly to market conditionsand opportunities. They are relying more heavily on their suppliers to perform manufacturing operations formerly done in-house. At the same time they are trying to reduce the number of suppliers in their supply base. As a result, OEMs are growing more concerned with improving the performance… Read More

Energy Policy — What’s Going On These Days?

Energy Policy — What’s Going On These Days?

At Proficient Sourcing we are always interested in the subject of energy.  Cheap, reliable and abundant energy is vital to manufacturing in the US, and represents one of the primary competitive advantages we have to encourage reshoring.  But current events are unusual enough to jeopardize US energy advantages. Interestingly, 2021 will see the first increase in coal fired power generation in the US in several years, per the Energy Information Agency.  The primary reason is the… Read More

Proficient Sourcing Provides Supplier Recommendations

Proficient Sourcing Provides Supplier Recommendations

Why call Proficient Sourcing?  Because you need a new supplier for some metal or plastic part or assembly.  You would like a fast answer, and don’t want to deal with new costs. We specialize in providing supplier recommendations.  Usually within a day or two, and sometimes we can offer multiple candidates with excellent credentials. The good news is you pay nothing until you deal directly with the supplier, as we will make that connection as… Read More

Possible Supply Chain Help

Possible Supply Chain Help

Proficient Sourcing LLC  is in the business of providing supplier candidates for OEM’s looking to improve their supply chains of outsourced manufacturing.  Generally, our candidates are domestic and usually Midwest.  We cover almost all capabilities with shops who’ve demonstrated excellence in satisfying customers over many years.  Read on—maybe we can help your supply chain. This year we’ve expanded our capabilities for enhanced startup and new products, along with small parts manufacturing.  We are also exploring… Read More

Rare Earths – An Update

Rare Earths – An Update

Rare earths, those 17 elements critical for many industries (defense, electronics, smart devices, etc) are a continuing global supply chain issue.  2 years ago we wrote an article, that summarized the situation as of mid-2019.  Now there’s more news. Both Trump and Biden administrations have made some noise to improve the US supply of these minerals.  Currently, China provides about 80% of worldwide rare earths.  Fortunately, several other countries are ramping up supply efforts, particularly… Read More

Recovering US Manufacturing Competitiveness

Recovering US Manufacturing Competitiveness

The March 25, 2021, article on Market Watch discusses how the US can regain it’s former position as the world’s most competitive manufacturer. The compelling thought is the US has the world’s primary position in scientific research and discovery, which should drive manufacturing innovation. Why, then, haven’t US manufacturers been able to translate that big advantage into a global competitive advantage? And why have countries such as Germany and China become so prosperous with inferior… Read More