SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Then there is the consideration organisations such as retailers must have for changing customer expectations .
“ Today ’ s customers are demanding more than ever ,” states Joe . “ One expectation accelerating supply chain complexity is post-purchase order changes , which could have significant impacts on warehouse operations and the supply chain .
“ When companies understand and plan for these new expectations , it will enhance their overall resilience .”
Lean vs . agile A prominent conversation in modern -day supply chain management is between ‘ lean ’ and ‘ agile ’ – two very different supply chain approaches .
The lean approach focuses on minimising waste and maximising efficiency . Those adopting it look to streamline operations , reduce costs and eliminate any non-value -adding activities .
Meanwhile , as its name suggests , the agile supply chain approach places emphasis on flexibility and responsiveness and is designed to enable firms to adapt quickly to changing market demands and external disruptions .
In a world dominated by unforeseen disruption , one might imagine an agile approach is the way forward , but David has a different take .
“ Supply chains can be lean while also being resilient , but this requires strong visibility , coordination and orchestration of contributing suppliers ,” he says . “ In some cases , improved agility comes
110 December 2024