Supply Chains should develop capability to deal with surprises.

Most supply chain leaders focus on improving efficiencies, so that they can excel in handling the several repeatable processes involved in demand fulfilment. However, the basic underlying assumption in such initiatives is stability and predictability of demand.

What often gets missed out is dealing with frequent surprises in the market, which make our plans go haywire. Dealing with such surprises is an important capability that must be developed through Demand Sensing, Flexibility and Responsiveness initiatives.

If we fail to develop this important capability, the team will continue to firefight and get stressed for every surprise.

It was quite evident in yesterday’s thriller in the last two overs of India’s T20I match with Sri Lanka!