The Danger of Supply Chain Fads: A Pragmatic Approach

Will you succumb to the new glamour? 

Despite decades of new practices and increasingly powerful IT systems, are you still mired in shortages, emergencies, excess stock and a plethora of Excel files? 

If this is your case, the solution may lie in the latest fashionable revolution, the new school of thought, the new algorithm that finally holds the martingale that will unleash your flows. 

What’s great is that there’s bound to be something new that your favorite consulting firm – completely impartial and disinterested, it goes without saying – can offer you. 

Better still: search the web for “supply chain hype cycle” and you’ll find all kinds of new ideas. For example, “Predictive Analytics In Supply Chain Execution” – sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it? 

What does ChatGPT have to say? 

Tell me, ChatGPT, what are the most innovative supply chain planning practices? 

“Innovative supply chain planning practices can greatly improve operational efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness. Here are some of the most relevant practices: 

1. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: these technologies can analyze large quantities of data to forecast demand and optimize inventory levels. 

2. Real-time planning: The integration of advanced IT systems provides real-time visibility of the supply chain, facilitating rapid decision-making. 

3. Advanced demand modeling: The application of statistical and simulation techniques to anticipate fluctuations in demand reduces the risk of overstocking or stock-outs. 

4. Inter-company collaboration: Encouraging transparency and data sharing between supply chain partners strengthens collaboration and improves forecasting. 

5. Sustainable approaches: Integrating green practices into planning, such as waste reduction and optimizing transport to reduce carbon footprints. 

6. Use of Big Data: Massive data analysis enables us to identify trends and patterns, so we can better anticipate needs and adapt the supply chain accordingly. 

7. Automation and robotization: Implementing automated systems and robots for repetitive tasks can improve efficiency and reduce costs. 

8. Adaptable planning: Development of flexible scenarios to adjust to sudden changes in market or economic conditions. 

9. Blockchain for traceability: Using blockchain technology to ensure product transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. 

10. Ongoing training and a culture of innovation: Encourage teams to constantly develop new skills and adopt innovative practices to stay competitive in the marketplace. 

By adopting these practices, companies can not only improve their operational efficiency, but also respond more quickly to customer needs and market changes.” 

There are a few valid points, particularly #10, but, Wow, artificial intelligence wraps up everyone’s marketing bluster superbly, don’t you think? 

What if we were pragmatic? 

Don’t leave the definition of your supply chain strategy to ChatGPT, the hype of the moment, or Gartner’s conceptual slides!

Instead, rely on the tangible results achieved by real companies, in a short space of time and at a contained cost. Talk to these practitioners to find out how they did it, the pitfalls they avoided, and how they got their teams on board! 

Would you like to find out more about these true stories? Come along to our user conferences and meet our teams and customers!