Prior to the onset of the global recession, the effect of high fuel on total landed costs, increasing control issues and market uncertainty made many stakeholders take a closer look at their offshore sourcing strategies. As recently as the fall of 2008, evidence of reverse globalization was being uncovered with many companies shortening their supply chain back from traditional off shoring practices. Lower fuel and commodity costs since then, combined with the economic slowdown, have left many companies taking a ‘wait and see’ approach on their global sourcing decisions. However, current conditions offer the perfect opportunity to examine prospects for longer term sourcing strategies, not only for when market conditions improve, but in terms of building future flexibility and agility into their supply chain.

During Near Shoring: Next Wave or Just a Phase, a panel of experts will discuss the pros and cons of near shoring, including control issues, shorter lead time, potential loss of intellectual property and who is doing it, and how. The session will be moderated by Lou Smyrlis, Editorial Director, Business Information Group’s Transportation Group of Properties, and includes speakers such as: 

• Garland Chow, Associate Professor, Sauder School of Business, Director, Bureau of Intelligent Transportation Systems & Freight Security The University of British Columbia
• John O’Reilly, Director, Customs & Traffic, EQL, Toshiba of Canada Limited.
• Jim Kilpatrick, Principal, Deloitte Supply Chain Management

Reposition 2009
Core Strength: The Power of Improved Supply Chain Fundamentals