We fix broken supply chains. And we make good supply chains better.
Straight Forward Consulting’s goal is to save you time and money, and to help you serve your customers better.
We focus on results, not reports. Our results are validated by your data. This means that the savings you’ll enjoy are real and will positively impact your bottom line.
OUR EXPERTISE
Straight Forward’s clients vary in size from less than $10 million in to over $42 billion in revenue. Our proven analytical process allows us to have successful engagements with clients in diverse industries such as consumer goods, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, government, life sciences, distribution and service industries.
Supply Chain
We collaborate with your entire team to implement best practices, optimizing process design and execution for maximum return on investment and the best customer experience. We specialize in:
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
- Materials Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Procurement and Inventory Optimization
- Demand Planning
- Distribution Network Optimization
- Operations Strategy
Logistics
In the dynamic transportation industry, regulations change, costs fluctuate, global trade rules change and carrier capacity is difficult to anticipate. Since 2009, we’ve helped Straight Forward clients achieve a 27.6% savings in annual less-than-truckload (LTL) spend.
Our package design and optimization program delivers an average logistics savings of 10-15%. And our warehouse optimization program helps you save time and make better use of your existing footprint and head count, while improving efficiency, flexibility and accuracy.
Operations
We use proven cross-industry methodologies that deliver significant cycle time reduction, increased quality and lower costs.
We engage cross-functional teams of stakeholders within and outside of the process to objectively assess your operation. Then we’ll leverage the methodologies that will have the greatest impact for you. Our tools include Lean and Six Sigma, value stream mapping, Kaizen, Heijunka, visual and communication management and many others.
JOHN HOGG, President
After years of gaining real-world supply chain insight and experience, John Hogg established Straight Forward Consulting in 2008. Today, he continues to work side-by-side with both senior leadership and front-line workers to create efficient operations that save companies money and workers time and effort.
John has achieved success across all areas of the supply chain, including demand planning, supply planning and materials management, lean manufacturing, and logistics. He also has extensive experience in sales and operations planning, business process redesign, and ERP and MRP system implementation and development.
He is most proud of the impact that Straight Forward has on his clients – success that is based on SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound.
INcorporate: A Podcast for Business Owners (2025)
Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor or service-based business, this conversation reveals how efficient systems can boost profitability, reduce risk, and create long-term growth. Learn how to build a resilient supply chain that scales with you.
Examples of Our Clients’ Results
40%
reduction in new product development time for an
“Engineer to Order” client
25%
increase in throughput without cost increases for space or labor
140%
improvement in annual
inventory turns, from 5 to 12
30%
reduction in annual less-than-truckload (LTL) spend
50%
savings in annual ocean freight spend
INVESTMENT
We are here for the long haul. And we’ll prove our value to you every day.
Our pricing model is unique and tailored to your business needs. We work on hourly, project, and mutual benefit pricing models. Our mutual benefit approach ensures that we get paid only if you realize savings. We have skin in the game with you.
Many of our engagements are structured to be self-funding; clients use savings from our transportation or “Fix the Mix” offers to fund long-term consulting engagements.
Depending upon the scope of the engagement, we are sometimes able to obtain grant funding to offset a significant portion of the cost of the engagement.
“ John’s deep domain expertise and extensive connections in logistics resulted in the design of efficient packaging, improved pallet configurations, and he negotiated a 71% savings on LTL shipments on behalf of Medical Acoustics.”
Frank Codella
former President and CEO, Medical Acoustics
Industry Insight
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The Big Fat Lie We Tell Ourselves About Warehouse Growth
Too many companies treat a full warehouse as a badge of honor. It’s not. It’s a warning sign! Growth doesn’t require more square feet. It requires more flow. And better thinking.
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Port Volumes, Tariff Turbulence, and Tactical Moves
The Port of Los Angeles—the busiest in the U.S.—is seeing a measured response to the recent 90-day tariff pause between the U.S. and China. Read the article for metrics.
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2025 Warehousing Market: Insights for Buffalo, NY Manufacturers
The warehouse vacancy rate has doubled from 3.4% to 7.2% in just three years. This presents both challenges and opportunities for local manufacturers as we move into 2025. By understanding trends and implementing strategic adjustments, manufacturers can position themselves for success in an evolving landscape.