The Seven Supply Chain Commandments

Traditional supply chain practices are inadequate in todays highly competitive and volatile world – they need to be dynamic, as well as able to adjust rapidly and cost effectively to fast-changing market conditions. In studies carried out by Accenture management consultants of how organisations design and manage their supply chains for superior performance – across various industries and geographies – seven notable supply chain imperatives have been identified.

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1. Articulate a clear value-creation algorithm

This requires a clear understanding of how the company or business unit can create value for customers, looking at two propositions. The value proposition considers what the company or business unit is known for and how it is differentiated in the marketplace. The growth proposition looks at where the business needs to focus to generate current and future growth in terms of customers, products, channels to market and geography. Defining both propositions is crucial in achieving high supply chain performance.

2.  Approach the supply chain as a comprehensive value delivery system

This means moving away from the traditional and rigid “plan, buy, make, move” model to take a far more comprehensive view. The supply chain should be seen as a holistic network of suppliers, plants, distributors, retailers and various other internal and external stakeholders that all participate in the sale, delivery, design and production of a company’s goods and services.

3.  Segment the supply chain and consistently adapt it to the characteristics of each segment

Not all customers are equal so a one-size-fits-all approach is inappropriate in today’s operating environment. It is better to create a number of supply chain configurations that can deliver across multiple channels and products in different markets, mindful that, in general, the minority of customers provide the majority of the profits.

4.  Optimise the global operations architecture for scale, access, flexibility and risk mitigation

This requires converting the worldwide footprint and reach of a business into a competitive advantage and achieving the correct balance between local, regional and global considerations.

5.  Selectively invest for mastery in differentiating capability areas

A company’s value proposition (as defined in the first imperative) will help determine the supply chain areas in which the organisation should excel, as well as those in which it should maintain average performance. A high performer need only excel in one or two key domains, such as fulfillment and planning, and need only perform close to average on the rest. Excelling in every area would require too much internal investment. This imperative means a baseline level of acceptable competence across all supply chain capabilities, with operational excellence in a few critical areas.

6.  Deploy information systems that deliver insightful analytics, alignment and responsiveness

This means enabling levels of co-ordination and alignment throughout the supply chain network. To avoid conflicting decisions in the chain, performance expectations must be aligned throughout the organisation.

7.   Drive process execution discipline with the right talent, powered by a culture that enables high performance

People and culture are sometimes considered intangible issues and so are avoided. But these concepts can be measured and should be integrated with the overall business strategy and managed proactively. A supply chain high performer devotes greater attention to developing and executing a strategic approach to talent, and assessing, measuring, and improving specific cultural traits. It will consider issues such as retirements, shrinking labour pools, the emergence of new talent sources, virtual methods of working and any growing divisions in the workforce culture.

High performing supply chain

These seven imperatives, when effectively combined, create a high performance supply chain. They establish a differentiated, sustainable value proposition at lower relative cost. High- performing companies can remain dynamic and relevant, optimise the right parts of their supply chains at the right times and outperform and achieve breakthrough performance. A business that excels in these seven imperatives will be better positioned to develop, source, manufacture and distribute superior products at a lower cost. It will more effectively anticipate customer needs and meet them profitably. It will reduce inventory and transport costs, maximise throughputs, uptime and equipment effectiveness. It will increase revenue, profit, cash flows and shareholder value. To achieve this, constant evaluation of and investment in the supply chain is required, regardless of the business cycle.

Source: Adapted from an article by Kamendran Govender in Supply Management, 2010

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The word count is 5,000 words (+/- 10%) with indexed headings & subheadings in the following format:

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• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
• Reference Section

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