Supply Chain Fundamentals: Understanding the Basics from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Gain an understanding of demand and the types of demand.
Learn to spot the different patterns of demand.
Learn to forecast demand using various forecasting techniques, which is the easiest method, which method will give you the best results.
Understand forecast error and how to deal with it.
Gain an understanding of manufacturing.
Learn the different manufacturing strategies and what environment is suitable for your product.
Learn about the product life cycle and how it influences the manufacturing strategy.
Learn about the various manufacturing processes and layouts in relation to the product.
Gain an understanding of production planning.
Learn the strategies for developing a production plan.
Learn resource requirements planning (rrp) to check the capacity needed for the production plan.
Gain an understanding of the master production schedule and its relationship to the production plan.
Create a master production schedule, understand projected available balance (pab).
Learn rough cut capacity planning (rccp) to check the capacity needed for the master production schedule (mps).
Learn the planning tool available-to-promise (atp) and its relationship to making commitments to customers.
Gain an understanding of material requirements planning.
Learn about a bill-of-material and its importance to material requirements planning.
Learn about manufacturing lead-time.

Understand how mrp logic works and learn the use of lead-time offsetting and exploding.
Learn how mrp software works - understand planning orders, released orders, mrp action messages and mrp exception messages.
Learn capacity requirements planning (crp) to check the capacity needed for the material requirements plan (mrp).
Learn to calculate available capacity, available time, utilization and efficiency.
Learn to calculate rated capacity.
Gain an understanding of production activity control.
Summary of manufacturing planning and control.
Gain an understanding of inventory.
Learn about customer service and safety stock.
Learn about a stock-out.
Learn about inventoy carrying costs and ordering costs and their relationship.
Understand the economic order quantity (eoq).
Learn how to manage inventory.
Learn abc analysis and pareto's law (the 80/20 rule).
Gain an understanding of meeting customer expectations.
Gain an understanding of supply chain sustainability.
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Gain an understanding of demand and the types of demand.
Learn to spot the different patterns of demand.
Learn to forecast demand using various forecasting techniques, which is the easiest method, which method will give you the best results.
Understand forecast error and how to deal with it.
Gain an understanding of manufacturing.
Learn the different manufacturing strategies and what environment is suitable for your product.
Learn about the product life cycle and how it influences the manufacturing strategy.
Learn about the various manufacturing processes and layouts in relation to the product.
Gain an understanding of production planning.
Learn the strategies for developing a production plan.
Learn resource requirements planning (rrp) to check the capacity needed for the production plan.
Gain an understanding of the master production schedule and its relationship to the production plan.
Create a master production schedule, understand projected available balance (pab).
Learn rough cut capacity planning (rccp) to check the capacity needed for the master production schedule (mps).
Learn the planning tool available-to-promise (atp) and its relationship to making commitments to customers.
Gain an understanding of material requirements planning.
Learn about a bill-of-material and its importance to material requirements planning.
Learn about manufacturing lead-time.
Understand how mrp logic works and learn the use of lead-time offsetting and exploding.
Learn how mrp software works - understand planning orders, released orders, mrp action messages and mrp exception messages.
Learn capacity requirements planning (crp) to check the capacity needed for the material requirements plan (mrp).
Learn to calculate available capacity, available time, utilization and efficiency.
Learn to calculate rated capacity.
Gain an understanding of production activity control.
Summary of manufacturing planning and control.
Gain an understanding of inventory.
Learn about customer service and safety stock.
Learn about a stock-out.
Learn about inventoy carrying costs and ordering costs and their relationship.
Understand the economic order quantity (eoq).
Learn how to manage inventory.
Learn abc analysis and pareto's law (the 80/20 rule).
Gain an understanding of meeting customer expectations.
Gain an understanding of supply chain sustainability.
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to the instructor.

The main topics that will be covered in the course.

Supply and Demand

The main goal of a Supply Chain is revealed.

The students first look at a Supply Chain.

Know the different types of Demand.

Understanding the behavior of demand becomes a step in being able to predict it.

Know the different patterns of demand.

Listing forecasting techniques available.

Exercise using a Quantitative forecasting demand technique.

Exercise using a 2nd Quantitative forecasting demand technique.

Exercise using a 3rd Quantitative forecasting demand technique.

Using a 4th Quantitative forecasting demand technique.

Listing Qualitative forecasting techniques available.

Student practice exercise.

Understand the difference (or error) between the forecast and the actual demand.

Review of different forecast error measuring techniques.

Demonstration of the 1st forecast error measuring technique.

Demonstration of the 2nd forecast error measuring technique.

Demonstration of the 3rd forecast error measuring technique.

Demonstration of the 4th forecast error measuring technique.

The goal is to minimize the difference (or error) between the forecast and the actual demand.

Student practice exercise.

Understand the goal of manufacturing.

Know the different manufacturing environments.

Know the different phases that make-up the life of a product.

Know the different manufacturing layouts.

Understanding the customer is key.

Understanding the elements of Priority Planning, Capacity Planning and Execution.

Understand the goal of Production Planning.

Know the different types of Production Plans.

Demonstration exercise on how to calculate ending inventory per period.

Demonstration exercise on how to develop a Production Plan.

Know to check the capacity of the Production Plan.

What are the inputs to create the Master Production Schedule.

Demonstration exercise on creating a Master Production Schedule.

Know to check the capacity of the Master Production Schedule.

A planning tool to make commitments.

Demonstration exercise how Available-to-Promise works.

Understand the goal of Material Requirements Planning.

Understanding what is a Work Center.

Understand what is a Bill-of-Material and what information it provides.

Another format for a Bill-of-Material.

Understanding what makes up Lead Time.

How items in manufacturing are identified.

Inputs that MRP needs to function properly.

Demonstration exercise how to create a bill of material.

Major features of Material Requirements Planning.

Demonstration exercise how Material Requirements Planning works.

Demonstration exercise how Material Requirements Planning schedules orders.

Understand the functions of Material Requirements Planning.

Understanding schedules and impacts of customer changes.

Know to check the capacity of the Material Requirements Plan.

Understanding Capacity Requirements Planning.

Understanding how to calculate capacity.

Executing the plan.

Review checklist before issuing the order.

Understanding what is considered inventory.

Understanding how much is enough.

Understanding what happens when you run out of stock.

Finding the optimal quantity with the lowest cost.

Lot sizing rule that provides you the lowest cost optimum quantity to order.

Strategies for managing inventory.

Demonstration exercise how to classify inventory using the ABC analysis.

Promoting positive behavior.

Supply Chain approaches to Sustainability.

How Supply Chains can support Sustainability.

Case study on how a hotel chain embraced Sustainability.

Further examples of innovations linked to Sustainability.

Understanding the Triple Bottom Line.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers the basics of supply chain management, which is essential for individuals seeking entry-level positions in manufacturing and logistics

Explores forecasting techniques, production planning, and inventory management, which are core skills for optimizing supply chain operations and reducing costs

Assists in exam preparation by covering the basics of supply chain management, which aligns with the curriculum of many certification programs

Examines supply chain sustainability, which is an increasingly important aspect of modern supply chain management and corporate social responsibility

Teaches through examples and exercises, which allows learners to apply the principles and start using them immediately in real-world scenarios

Strengthens overall performance and optimizes an organization's return on investment, which is beneficial for professionals looking to enhance their skills

Reviews summary

Supply chain fundamentals: clear & practical overview

Learners say this course provides a strong foundation in supply chain fundamentals, particularly suitable for beginners or those needing a refresher. Students frequently praise the clarity of the instructor's explanations and the inclusion of practical examples and exercises that help solidify understanding and provide immediately applicable knowledge. While it covers a broad range of core topics like demand forecasting, manufacturing, planning, and inventory, some reviewers note it may be too basic or lack sufficient depth for more experienced professionals. It is often highlighted as useful for exam preparation.

Good overview, but maybe basic for pros.

"Good pace for a beginner, covering a lot of ground..."

"Found it a bit too basic as I already have some experience in the field."

"While it covers many areas, some topics could use more in-depth explanation."

"If you know the basics, this might serve more as a quick refresher than deep learning."

Helpful as a review for certification exams.

"This course helped me review and prepare for my supply chain certification exam."

"Found the content aligned well with the fundamental topics covered in exams."

"A good supplement if you're preparing for industry certifications."

Useful exercises demonstrate key concepts.

"The exercises after each section were very helpful for reinforcing the material."

"Really appreciated the practical examples given throughout the lectures."

"I learned concepts and tools I can immediately apply at work."

"The demos made complex ideas much easier to understand and visualize."

Excellent introduction to core topics.

"The instructor explains concepts clearly and simply, making it easy to follow."

"Perfect course to get a solid understanding of the basics of supply chain management."

"As someone new to the field, I found the explanations very easy to grasp."

"Helped me build a strong foundation in the basic principles."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Supply Chain Fundamentals: Understanding the Basics with these activities:

Review Basic Statistics Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of statistical concepts like mean, median, standard deviation, and distributions, which are crucial for demand forecasting techniques covered in the course.

Browse courses on Statistical Forecasting

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Review introductory statistics materials.
Practice solving basic statistical problems.
Identify areas where your understanding is weak.

Read 'The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement'

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Understand the principles of constraint management and process improvement, which are fundamental to optimizing supply chain efficiency.

View The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement -... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on the bottleneck concept.
Reflect on how the concepts apply to supply chains.
Discuss the book with peers.

EOQ Calculation Exercises

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Master the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) formula through repetitive calculation exercises to optimize inventory management.

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Review the EOQ formula and its components.
Solve a variety of EOQ problems with different parameters.
Analyze the impact of changing costs on the EOQ.

Three other activities

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Simulate a Supply Chain

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Apply your knowledge by creating a simplified supply chain model using spreadsheet software or a simulation tool to understand the flow of goods and information.

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Define the scope of your simulated supply chain.
Model the flow of materials and information.
Simulate different scenarios and analyze the results.
Document your findings and insights.

Create a Presentation on Supply Chain Sustainability

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Deepen your understanding of sustainability by researching and creating a presentation that explores the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable supply chains.

Show steps

Research different aspects of supply chain sustainability.
Develop a presentation outline.
Create visually appealing slides.
Practice your presentation delivery.

Review 'Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation'

Show steps

Gain a broader and deeper understanding of supply chain strategy, planning, and operations, complementing the course's foundational knowledge.

View Supply Chain Management Revised, 7th Edition by... on Amazon

Show steps

Read selected chapters relevant to course topics.
Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Relate the book's content to real-world scenarios.

Career center

Learners who complete Supply Chain Fundamentals: Understanding the Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Supply Chain Analyst

A Supply Chain Analyst examines supply chain operations. This includes analyzing data, identifying inefficiencies, and making recommendations for improvements. This course, focusing on Supply Chain Fundamentals, helps develop a strong understanding of the basics needed for this role. Topics such as demand forecasting, manufacturing strategies, and inventory management provide a solid foundation for analyzing and optimizing supply chains. Learning about Material Requirements Planning may be useful for managing inventory levels and production schedules. A future Supply Chain Analyst should enroll in this course to gain practical knowledge of supply chain principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Analyst

Demand Planner

A Demand Planner is in charge of forecasting customer demand to ensure that there is enough product available to meet that demand. This work includes analyzing historical data, market trends, and promotional activities to predict future sales. Since this course focuses on gaining an understanding of demand and the types of demand, one who wishes to become a Demand Planner will find it helpful. As a Demand Planner, it is helpful to learn about patterns of demand, use various forecasting techniques, and understand forecast error. A future Demand Planner should enroll in this course to gain practical knowledge of demand planning principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Demand Planner

Production Planner

A Production Planner is responsible for creating and managing production schedules to meet customer demand. The role involves coordinating resources, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery of products. This introductory course, with its deep dive into Production Planning, offers valuable insights for this career. The course covers strategies for developing a Production Plan, Resource Requirements Planning, and the Master Production Schedule. These topics may be useful for Production Planners that seek to optimize production processes and reduce lead times. The Production Planner role can benefit greatly from this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Planner

Inventory Manager

The Inventory Manager oversees the storage, control, and distribution of goods. This position requires skills in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and warehouse management. This course, exploring topics like inventory carrying costs, ordering costs, and the Economic Order Quantity, can help build a foundation for a career as an Inventory Manager. The course's coverage of ABC analysis and Pareto's Law may be useful for prioritizing inventory management efforts. Aspiring Inventory Managers can benefit from the practical knowledge provided in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Inventory Manager

Supply Chain Manager

The Supply Chain Manager oversees the entire supply chain process, from procurement to distribution. The role requires a broad understanding of supply chain principles, including logistics, inventory management, and demand planning. This introductory course, covering the basics of Supply Chain Management, can serve as a helpful starting point for a career as a Supply Chain Manager. The course touches on all of these, so that you may lead an effective and efficient supply chain. A new Supply Chain Manager can benefit from the knowledge provided in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Distribution Center Manager

A Distribution Center Manager oversees the operations of a distribution center, which includes receiving, storing, and shipping goods to customers. This position requires skills in logistics, inventory management, and transportation. This course, with its focus on supply chain fundamentals, may be useful for a Distribution Center Manager, especially regarding inventory management. A Distribution Center Manager should enroll in this course to gain practical knowledge of distribution center management principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Distribution Center Manager

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes and systems. This role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing principles, equipment, and materials. The course's coverage of manufacturing strategies, processes, and layouts can help build a foundation for a career as a Manufacturing Engineer. Material Requirements Planning may be useful for ensuring that materials are available when needed. A Manufacturing Engineer will benefit from the practical manufacturing knowledge provided in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Warehouse Manager

A Warehouse Manager oversees the operations of a warehouse, which includes receiving, storing, and shipping goods. This position requires skills in inventory management, logistics, and team leadership. This course, with its focus on inventory management and supply chain principles, may be useful for aspiring Warehouse Managers. The course's coverage of inventory carrying costs, ordering costs, and ABC analysis can help optimize warehouse operations and reduce costs. A Warehouse Manager should enroll in this course to gain practical knowledge of warehouse management principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Warehouse Manager

Materials Manager

The Materials Manager oversees the flow of materials into and out of an organization. This work ensures that production processes have the materials they need when they need them. This course, with its focus on Material Requirements Planning, helps build a foundation for this role. You may examine bill-of-materials, manufacturing lead-time, and MRP execution. A Materials Manager should enroll in this course to gain practical knowledge of supply chain principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Manager

Logistics Coordinator

The Logistics Coordinator organizes and oversees the transportation and storage of goods. The role requires knowledge of logistics principles, including routing, warehousing, and transportation modes. This course, though broad, touches on elements of logistics, making it potentially useful for aspiring Logistics Coordinators. The course's coverage of inventory management and supply chain sustainability may be useful for optimizing logistics operations and reducing costs. A new Logistics Coordinator may find this course helpful as a starting point.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Coordinator

Procurement Specialist

The Procurement Specialist sources and purchases goods and services for an organization. This involves negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement. This course's overview of the entire supply chain may be useful for understanding the broader context of procurement. A Procurement Specialist, while more focused on the early stages of the supply chain, should enroll in this course for the supplementary overall supply chain knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Procurement Specialist

Operations Analyst

Operations Analysts assess and improve organizational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. They analyze data, identify problems, and recommend solutions to streamline operations. The introductory course on Supply Chain Fundamentals may be useful for Operations Analysts working in manufacturing or supply chain-related industries. The course's coverage of manufacturing strategies, production planning, and inventory management provides a foundation for analyzing and optimizing operational processes. While general, the Operations Analyst may find value in the course content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

Quality Control Inspector

A Quality Control Inspector examines products and materials to ensure they meet quality standards. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of quality control procedures, and the ability to identify defects. The course's overview of manufacturing processes may be useful for Quality Control Inspectors seeking to understand how products are made and what types of defects can occur. A Quality Control Inspector may find this course helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Inspector

Sales Operations Analyst

A Sales Operations Analyst optimizes sales processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This includes analyzing sales data, identifying trends, and recommending improvements to sales strategies. This course's coverage of demand forecasting may be useful for Sales Operations Analysts seeking to improve sales forecasting accuracy. While the course's focus is on manufacturing and supply chain, the principles of demand forecasting are applicable to sales. A Sales Operations Analyst may find the demand planning portions of this course to be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Operations Analyst

Business Systems Analyst

Business Systems Analysts work with information technology to solve business problems. They analyze an organization's systems and processes, then recommend solutions. This course explains Material Requirements Planning software which can be invaluable to a Business Systems Analyst working in the manufacturing and supply chain areas. A Business Systems Analyst may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Systems Analyst

Supply Chain Fundamentals

Understanding the Basics

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Supply chain fundamentals: clear & practical overview

Activities

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