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Most supply chain leaders agree that every year they learn something new. However, they also agree that the last two years has been unprecedented. Global pandemics, border regulation changes, manufacturing shutdowns, volatile demand patterns, hybrid working models …. have all led to businesses and organisations realising the value of being both adaptable and resilient.
Hard lessons learned
Many learned this the hard way – there are unlimited stories about companies who were let down by suppliers and customers, even where contractual obligations were in place. Some were fortunate in that market conditions turned in their favour (communications, tech…). Most relied on the sheer hard work of their employees and the ability to adopt new ways of working.
2022 – Resetting the supply chain strategy
The majority of supply chain strategies in 2022 are looking at ways of developing their supply chain talent, fostering closer relationships with key partners, and creating common real-time visibility of supply chain performance both within the organisation and across key partners.
New working models have started to emerge and will continue to evolve. The role of digitalisation and automation will
increase, and the need for supply chain employees to have greater ‘soft’ skills will increase, with communication, adaptability and collaboration being most in demand.
If you are part of an organisation and are looking to improve your skills within your supply chain team, our training division offers a variety of short courses to choose from. Click here to download a copy of our commercial course brochure.
Priorities are changing
For the first time, operational efficiency has replaced cost reduction as the most important strategic aim of Chief Procurement Officers according to the Deloitte annual survey. This in itself shows the recognition of visibility and collaboration across organisations, where the winners will have relationships based on trust and shared purpose, rather than adversarial combat.
Most importantly, purpose is rising up the agenda. Consumers are increasingly driven towards brands that have strong ESG (environmental, social and governance) purpose and vision. Driven by instant information and ability to switch, particularly from the millennials, profit and cash have a new supply chain metric alongside them, that of sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
What will you do?
At Slater Austin we help companies of all sizes make sense of their supply chain strategy and performance. We also develop and train the supply chain talent of the future, and place exceptional supply chain professionals in roles required by our customers, both on a permanent and interim basis.
We do not charge to get to know our customers. We offer a series of free supply chain reviews and consultations. Contact us today to see how we can help you, or download our brochure for more information.