News
Fast tracking into mining companies
2nd May, 2007
One of the biggest challenges facing potential suppliers to the mining industry is accessing those who make the buying decisions. The challenge for the mining industry is to ensure that suppliers understand their business environment and are able to meet specifications, supply agreements, technology requirements and many other cost-saving criteria.
This is where L&SC Strategies comes to the fore, lead by the Director Sharyn Grant, a Rockhampton born and based logistics and supply chain management and human resources specialist. L&SC Strategies will be facilitating a strategy-packed Supply Chain Networking Program at the Queensland Resources Expo (QREX) being held in Rockhampton from 23 to 26 May. Many opportunities are not-to-be missed events, but for miners and suppliers, the L&SC Strategies' Team will be presenting topics for audience discussion, that have the potential to generate substantial returns for both mining companies and suppliers across all industries. The sessions will also double as excellent networking opportunities to connect buyers and suppliers within the resources sector.
Sharyn Grant established her company Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies Pty Ltd in early 2004, backed by many years of on-the-job experience. She has built her consultancy into a highly successful business with a team of four professional consultants whose skills sets cover logistics/supply chain, organisational development, maintenance engineering and quality.
"We have over 90 years business improvement experience. We assist clients to improve operational efficiencies and to establish the required relationships with supply chain parties, in order to maximise the marketplace responsiveness of the supply chain. We are so confident of our services that we can guarantee a one-to-three dollar ratio return on consultancy fees" says Sharyn.
It is worth understanding how Sharyn got to be where she is now.
As a student at university in Toowoomba, Sharyn wanted to study human resources, but had to take two majors for her undergraduate degree and was advised to make her second major logistics. She was hooked. The idea of helping improve the efficiencies of how companies operate and the supply chain that feeds them became her goal.
In order to build the experience to achieve that, and because of the challenges of entering the logistics industry at the time, she first took work in human resource management where she learnt to spot the human and systems challenges to ensuring full efficiency in a work place.
While employed in human resources, Sharyn continued to study, lecture and consult in logistics after hours to build her knowledge and contacts. That led her to major logistics contracts with Queensland Rail (QR) and co-managing the fit-out of the Palazzo Versace Hotel on the Gold Coast through RGC Consulting, which involved detailed logistics management, overseeing 30 installation team members, a challenging fit-out schedule and the management of 60 supplier packages from six different countries.
Sharyn then pursued the mining industry, working at Anglo Coal Capcoal managing inventory procurement, then left to commence her consulting business which lead to consulting contracts within mining and transportation industries. While working for the mining companies Sharyn managed the setup of more than 100 supplier agreements which generated significant savings for the mines in addition to improved service, quality and lead times.
Whilst managing the CQ Mining Growth Project for the Rockhampton Mayor during 2004/2005, Sharyn organised the "Mayor's Invitation to Mining Management" which attracted 14 mining companies to the Mayor's gala dinner, sponsored by over 50 suppliers who networked with the mining personnel.
"She's the true jewel in the mine", says QREX Event Director Rick Palmer.
This project built upon Sharyn's contacts throughout the mining industry (in addition to that of her Associate consultants), and allowed her to further define the business needs of both small and large mining companies. It also became more apparent that some suppliers were not aware of the high level of support and understanding required by the mining industry. Safety, product availability and cost-efficiencies are paramount to the industry.
"One of our goals is to develop committed suppliers so that they are able to improve the management of supply, inventory, purchasing, customer relationships and meet the client's supplier performance targets. Meeting "DIFOTEF" (deliver in full, on time, error free) is now a minimum requirement."
The QREX Supply Chain Networking Program, to held during 24-26 May, consists of 10 strategy-packed complimentary information sessions, including:
- Maximising Supply Chain Value
- Becoming a Preferred Mining Supplier
- Managing Efficient Inbound Supply
- Maximising Business Growth Readiness
- Achieving Inventory Optimisation
- When to use VSM and Six Sigma
- Value Stream Management: Unleash the potential
- Maximising Asset Availability & Utilisation
- Maximising Supply Chain Velocity
- Maximising Responsiveness to the Resources Industry
L&SC Strategies is Central Queensland's leading logistics and supply chain management consultancy and look forward to meeting you at QREX.