Supply chain management is more critical—and more challenging—than ever before. The global disruptions and crises in recent years compelled manufacturers to implement or reassess "best practices" and seek more resilient solutions.
In this podcast episode, CPS Vice President of Business Development, Albert Medoro, explores how new and amplified supply chain management challenges are putting unprecedented pressure on manufacturers. Albert also shares how technology and strategic partnerships with full-service toll processors such as CPS can turn supply chain obstacles into opportunities.
Supply chain management has always come with its share of challenges, but current trends and geopolitical upheaval around tariffs have made material shortages, shipping delays, and labor constraints commonplace.
These issues create a complex environment that leaves manufacturers vulnerable to rising costs and complicated sourcing decisions. In addition, consumers demand faster deliveries, real-time tracking capabilities, shorter lead times, and more reliable service overall. The combination of heightened complexity and expectations can trigger delays that — even if minor — can result in lost sales and frustrated customers.
Therefore, supply chain optimization must be viewed as essential, not merely reactive damage control.
Technology is making meaningful contributions to supply chain management and optimization. "We heard a lot of buzzwords like AI and real-time data. But it's not just buzzwords anymore," Medoro explained. "AI is making it very easy for companies to now start to source and select their suppliers based on different algorithms and characteristics."
Notably, AI is a valuable tool for helping manufacturers:
The relationship between manufacturers and suppliers has evolved significantly. "Established manufacturers aren’t looking just for vendors anymore," Medoro notes. "They really want partnerships with their suppliers, and they want their suppliers to be like a true extension of their company."
This partnership approach prioritizes trust and transparency through:
Full-service toll processors such as CPS specialize in handling complex, specialized production processes that may fall outside a manufacturer's core competencies. "When a toll processor is able to run a specialty product on a piece of equipment that has other specialty products to run on it, it really helps with the overall capacity and usage of both facilities," Medoro explains. "You're cutting down setup time and manufacturing inefficiencies."
Likewise, the improved resource management:
Markets shift constantly, demand fluctuates, and product specifications evolve. Large manufacturing facilities often struggle to adapt quickly to these changes, but full-service toll processors can provide crucial flexibility.
This allows manufacturers to avoid what Medoro calls the “ricochet effect” throughout their infrastructure since it:
Custom Processing Services offers a distinctive advantage by handling multiple processes under one umbrella. Our services include micronization, blending, milling, repackaging, and screening—all available at a single location, creating streamlined efficiencies for manufacturers.
In addition to full-service processing services, CPS provides engineering expertise and rigorous lab testing capabilities. "It's not just about running the materials through the machine," Medoro emphasizes. "We have to help manufacturers optimize the entire operation" by expertly:
For manufacturers looking to optimize their supply chains, Medoro offers several important recommendations:
Supply chains inherently carry some risk for manufacturers. Mitigating it to your best advantage requires understanding and leveraging partnerships with toll processors that are invested in helping achieve greater efficiency, flexibility, and competitive advantage.
CPS has the capabilities and reputation to support your supply chain optimization goals. Find out more about the expertise and technologies we offer by downloading our Milling Methods Comparison Guide.