Why do many Supply Chain transformation projects revert back to status quo?

If we look around, there are many instances of major supply chain transformation projects, undertaken by leading companies, failing to deliver the promised benefits. We also find in many cases that teams revert back to their earlier ways of working. Why does it happen?

Supply chain improvement projects should start with identifying pain areas (Undesirable Effects) of the current systems, processes and practices. The next step is to link these UDEs to specific processes and practices, thereby creating dissatisfaction in the mind of team members with the current system.

If this step is skipped, the need for change is not strong enough in their mind. It also means that they don’t see any harm in reverting to status quo.

Creating dissatisfaction with the current system is a crucial step in any change effort. We should not go ahead with the improved system unless this part is done well.