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Supply chain optimisation through innovation and evolution

Delmia’s strategic business development director, Adrian Wood, walks readers through the evolutionary journey of supply chain optimisation

In the quest for supply chain optimisation, innovation emerges as a game-changer. It is all about leveraging modern technologies to make the supply chain more efficient, resilient and sustainable. The integration of supply chain services is one such innovation, shifting the perspective from a tactical view to a strategy-led vision of a more interconnected world. This involves the strategic use of technology to enhance interoperability and streamline operations and by integrating more stakeholders into the planning process to develop holistic and feasible strategies.

Delmia’s strategic business development director, Adrian Wood

Supply chain resiliency is not a short-term endeavour. For most, it will be a journey of progressive evolution, capabilities and results. This evolution can be broken down into key milestone stages that help define important steps and how to focus on process and technology changes.

Early-stage evolution (Stages 1 and 2)

Companies here probably still rely on manual processes, spreadsheets or homegrown applications. Their focus is usually entirely on internal operations. Opportunities at this stage are to enable new levels of automation and more robust processes. This helps stakeholders manage data and workflows needed to stop ‘reacting’ and start making more proactive and collaborative decisions.

There are also opportunities to introduce the first levels of optimisation to help develop better forecasting and planning of operational models.

Mid-stage evolution (Stage 3: the tipping point)

The fundamental change in focus at this stage is to stop thinking of the supply chain as an isolated and internal operation. Most supply chains are heavily dependent on additional stakeholders inside the organisation.

• Operational divisions support the business model, so additional stakeholders need to be included in the decision-making process. Finance is an especially important role to include in the process as it represents the fundamental business metrics and goals for success.

• Supply chain planning is generally strategic in nature, but tactical execution can influence performance and long-term goals. For manufacturers, production operations can both present opportunities in developing strategic plans and disrupt plans already in place. Including manufacturing execution and scheduling as part of the planning process can help achieve strategic goals. There are many challenges related to collaboration and the management of new types of data and information, but achieving this level of maturity means companies have developed a robust Sales and Operations Planning

(S&OP) process and have started to enable the first elements of Integrated Business Planning (IBP)

Late-stage evolution (Stages 4 and 5) 

Previous stages enabled a maturity level of all internal processes and planning. But since supply chain operations are often outsourced or dependent on third parties, it is important to consider external stakeholders as part of the collaborative process too. In addition, the growing scope and complexity of the planning process requires new levels of automation beyond just facilitating workflow and data management.

• External stakeholders: Whether it is alternative supply sources, contract manufacturers or logistics partners, it is impossible to make confident supply chaindecisions without being able to model the details of the extended value network.

• Autonomous supply chains: It is likely that the workforce managing the supply chain process is becoming busier and/or more constrained. With the explosion of the volume of data and variables now being considered, optimisation should now be applied to resolve supply and demand changes automatically wherever possible (eg within certain thresholds of acceptable outcomes). This way, supply chain professionals can manage ‘by exception’ and spend their time on value-added activities. In addition to including external stakeholders, supply chain organisations need to recognise the critical dependencies of other internal divisions on overall success. Some of the greatest opportunities (or risk mitigation) come from considering manufacturing and product design and engineering as critical stakeholders in the planning process.

Integrating manufacturing and engineering

Integrating manufacturing and engineering into supply chain optimisation involves a holistic approach that brings together all aspects of a business’ operations. This includes the synchronisation of end-to-end operations from planning and scheduling to production and shipping. Manufacturers must also achieve digital integration of supply chains with their engineering chains to remain competitive. This requires the use of innovative technologies such as intelligent automation, artificial intelligence and cloud-based platforms.

The integration also involves:

  • Streamlining information flows
  • Aligning physical flows with manufacturing improvement programs • Fostering close relationships with suppliers to reduce costs

This integration can result in substantial improvements in efficiency, product quality and customer satisfaction. It can also enhance profitability by optimising the utilisation of raw materials and production capacity. Further, integrating supplier practices into the optimisation process is also crucial. This can be achieved through lean management and total quality management paradigms, which emphasise close relationships with a concentrated base of suppliers. The combination of these elements leads to a more resilient and efficient supply chain, capable of adapting to changes in demand and supply, and capable of delivering superior customer service.

Achieving supply chain sustainability

Sustainability in supply chain management allows you to meet standardised processes without affecting the environment. Achieving more effective planning helps optimise supply chain and logistic flows to reduce emissions, energy consumption and waste across the value network. Matching supply and demand with optimised S&OP also means a more efficient use of resources, raw materials and energy. However, connecting the supply chain to engineering and production operations also provides unparalleled new opportunities to drive sustainability initiatives.

Achieving supply chain sustainability involves multiple considerations. It requires a holistic approach, considering the entire supply chain from raw materials  to customer delivery. The aim is to minimise environmental harm and ensure socially just practices.

  • Optimisation techniques: These involve lean practices and just-in-time processes that reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
  • Collaboration: Engaging with suppliers, customers and even competitors
    can foster unprecedented types of partnerships that enhance sustainability.
  • Technology: Utilising Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI, IoT and blockchain can significantly improve the supply chain’s efficiency and sustainability.

It is also crucial to consider the resilience and agility of the supply chain. A sustainable supply chain is more adaptable and capable of weathering disruptions, which is particularly relevant in the current context of global economic recovery.

Furthermore, the emphasis is not limited to environmental sustainability but also includes the human aspect. This extends to ensuring fair practices across the supply chain and preserving human rights.

Finally, it is worth noting that achieving supply chain sustainability is not only an ethical imperative but also a business necessity.
It enables companies to meet increasing customer expectations for sustainable practices, provides a competitive advantage
and contributes to long- term business success.

Embracing these innovations can lead to a high- performing supply chain that enables business efficiency and a successful customer experience.

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