CIPS L4M7 - Whole Life Asset Management

Explanation

For single items, an extra investment in inventory (higher levels of safety stock) will always in-crease customer service levels. Conversely, higher service levels imply larger quantities of safety stocks and an increased investment in inventory. (Procurement and Supply Chain Management - 9th Edition)

Warehouse location selection depends on:

Land cost: Directly affects budget planning and long-term operational expenses.

Nature of items to be stored: Determines special requirements (e.g., climate control).

Access to transport: Proximity to transport hubs reduces logistics costs and improves efficiency.

These considerations are critical for effective whole-life asset management, optimizing operational costs and logistics.

RFID technology offers higher security compared to barcodes, as tags are harder to replicate. RFID also enables wireless scanning, without line-of-sight, and can store more information than barcodes. This enhances asset tracking and security, essential in whole-life asset management for tracking valuable assets and reducing losses due to theft or misplacement.

Explanation

One-dimensional (or 1D) barcodes systematically represent data by varying the widths and spac-ings of parallel lines. These include some of the most traditional and well-recognized barcode types, such as the UPC and EAN codes. 1D barcodes are also commonly referred to as linear barcodes.

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes look like squares or rectangles that contain many small, individual dots. QR codes, Data matrix and Aztec codes are examples of 2D barcodes

Numerical code contains all numbers, no letters

There are two different scan engine types (laser scanner versus imager) for interpreting the infor-mation provided in the barcode. Many companies producing the technology capable of reading the barcode data uses the term “scanning” regardless of the type of scan engine used. For the purposes of these FAQs, we are trying to draw a clearer distinction for you.

Linear (1D) codes can be scanned with a traditional laser scanner. A laser scan engine uses a laser and mirror to create the bar that scans the information. 1D barcode scanners will only interpret the linear barcode scanning technology. 1D barcode scanners are typically less expensive since the type of encryptions they can decode is limited.

Diagram Description automatically generated

LO 1, AC 1.2

Staged payments linked to milestones (order, delivery, and acceptance testing) provide a fair and structured approach for both buyer and supplier. They ensure:

Alignment with performance: Payment is contingent on the supplier meeting specific contract stages, protecting the buyer.

Risk mitigation: The buyer avoids full payment upfront, reducing financial exposure.

In whole-life asset management, this approach enables better cost control and accountability throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.

Explanation

Tail Spend is derived from ABC Analysis, Class A high value suppliers, Tail Spend is formed from class B & C suppliers, equates to 20% of the total spend, B is Mid Tail and C is Long tail. Effective Spend Analysis and tail spend management, ensures that procurement can focus on creating an optimum and efficient sourcing strategy.

Procurement Spend Analysis

Procurement organisations effectively identify and manage suppliers using a sourcing strategy. Tail suppliers normally have low strategic value and makes the category management, very difficult . Spend Analysis and Category Management are very closely aligned, Spend Analysis including ABC, provides the category manager, with spend visibility.

Spend Analysis and procurement metrics are used to create category plans, build supplier relation-ships, to maintain service levels and deliver the best possible price and quality for goods and ser-vices bought. The acquisition of Spend data and subsequent Spend Analysis, provides Category Managers access to a well-structured procurement process,