Email
sinha.rk.dr@gmail.com
Our favourite Supply Chain design can still be improved.
Many supply chain professionals fall in love with the design of their supply chain, especially if it has been done or tweaked by them. However, this is a recipe for mediocrity as supply chain designs are always contextual. As the consumer preferences, business environment, channel dynamics, and competitive landscape change, we must have a relook at the supply chain design.
How do we track these changes and their impact on the supply chain design? Are there advance triggers to indicate that the design needs a fresh look?
One of the most effective triggers I have seen in my professional life is a criticism of the current design... when someone approaches us and tells us about the pitfalls of the design and its adverse impact on performance. The key is to listen to him, understand his point of view, and use it to improve the design further. If we dismiss such criticisms as biased, the supply chain performance will surely stagnate and start declining.
It takes courage to listen to criticism and use it for improvements. That’s why there are so few well-running supply chains which continue to perform at the cutting edge.