FOR RELEASE: June 8, 1999

(Tempe, Arizona) — In the June 1999 issue of Purchasing Today®, the article, "Building a Customer-Centered Supply Chain," features organizations that are moving to a more customer-focused supply chain.

The Trane Company, which specializes in heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and building management systems, and Harley-Davidson Motor Company are profiled as organizations that are making their customers drive their supply chain management (SCM) efforts. Both rely on specific information gathered from the last link of the supply chain, the final customer. Leroy Zimdars, C.P.M., director of supply chain management for Harley-Davidson, states, "A big value for the Harley lover is paint and chrome. This is another major example of why we link with our customers, to find out their requirements on chrome-plated parts. We'll take new part samples to a rally and actually ask customer opinions. This information is gathered, calibrated into quality expectations, and moved right back into the value chain."

According to many experts, SCM is an evolving technique with many trends on the horizon. Some of the trends listed in the article include:

• Smaller organizations will lean on the leading supply chain organizations to support their efforts.
• Within the next two to three years, the United States will see more organizations actually implementing full-scale supply chain models.
• Strategic purchasing competency centers will be established for the sole purpose of studying the supply chain and recognizing opportunities for improvement.

Purchasing Today® is NAPM's monthly publication and is a benefit exclusively for NAPM members. For information about receiving Purchasing Today® and becoming a member of NAPM, call NAPM Customer Service at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 401. Or visit the NAPM Membership area of the web site.

The National Association of Purchasing Management is a not-for-profit association that provides national and international leadership in purchasing and supply management research and education. The association exists to educate, develop, and advance the purchasing and supply management profession. NAPM provides members and nonmembers alike with opportunities to expand their professional knowledge and skills. NAPM is comprised of 181 affiliates with more than 44,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.