Post-pandemic, we’re reassessing our JIT inventory strategy for [automotive / industrial equipment / aerospace] manufacturing. Leadership wants a component-by-component recommendation.

Build a decision framework for determining which components should remain JIT vs. move to safety stock buffers. Include: demand variability scoring, supplier lead time reliability weighting, criticality-to-production classification, and geographic risk overlay.

Give me a scoring matrix template with suggested cutoff thresholds for each decision tier, and a 1-page executive summary structure I can use to present the findings.

I manage inbound logistics for a manufacturing plant receiving [X] shipments/week from [X] suppliers across [regions]. We’re experiencing [dock congestion / missed production starts / premium freight overuse].

Design an inbound logistics optimization program covering: milk run route design criteria, consolidation hub evaluation, supplier scheduling and ASN compliance improvement, dock appointment systems, and a 90-day improvement roadmap. Include the metrics I should track to measure improvement and the benchmarks I should aim for.

We import [components / materials] and manufacture finished goods that are subsequently exported. I believe we may be eligible for duty drawback, but have never filed.

Explain the 3 main drawback program types (manufacturing, unused merchandise, rejected merchandise), which one likely applies to our situation, what records we need to establish a program, and a realistic estimate of recovery potential given that we pay approximately $[X] in duties annually on imported inputs used in exported products.

I’m evaluating whether a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation for our [manufacturing facility / distribution center] makes financial sense.

Build a feasibility framework that covers: the key FTZ benefits applicable to a manufacturer (inverted tariff, weekly entry, merchandise processing fee reduction), the activation and compliance costs, the volume and duty thresholds where FTZ typically breaks even, and the process to apply. Include questions I should ask our customs broker to size the annual savings opportunity.

I’ve been asked to assess the maturity of our trade compliance program ahead of a Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) application / internal audit.

Build a trade compliance program gap assessment covering: the 10 key program elements CBP evaluates, where mid-size manufacturers typically have the largest gaps, what documentation and procedures I need to have in place, and a prioritized remediation roadmap from the most common failure points. Include a self-scoring checklist I can use internally before engaging a consultant.