In all fields, and the supply chain is no exception, propaganda has an enormous influence. We are subjected to it in our social life, in our consumer incentives, in the political influences to which we are exposed.
The Internet and social networks are a formidable gas pedal.
I invite you to explore Google Trends, to evaluate the global echo of a few terminologies over the last 10 years.
Let’s start with DDMRP.
Good progress, even if we seem to be reaching a plateau.
Compare this to “Demand Driven”.
We’re seeing a real craze. Although, let’s face it, not everyone understands the same thing as Demand Driven. But when you call yourself Demand Driven Technologies, you appreciate it.
Let’s see, let’s add “S&OP”.
Beaten to the punch! For a methodological approach that’s 40 years old and, let’s face it, hasn’t always lived up to expectations, this is a nice improvement. The post-covid rebound is remarkable – let’s hope it’s linked to a growing interest in risk assessment and the development of resilience tactics.
How about “Sales Forecasting”?
Hmm, strange correlation with S&OP. Are we still hoping, post covid, that better sales forecasts will save us?
Out of curiosity, let’s try adding “forecasting” in a broader sense.
Oh yes, the interest in forecasts in general overwhelms everything else…
Um, do I dare test “AI”?
OK, there’s nothing else, even “forecasting” disappears into the thickness of the line…
I’ve been attending a few Supply Chain conferences recently. There’s a lot of talk about AI, even if it seems that everyone is still trying to figure out how to really use it to achieve concrete results. Looks like a solution looking for a problem to solve.
Come on, one last try – let’s compare “Supply Chain Agility” in blue and “Supply Chain Forecasting” in red.
Hmm, I guess we’ll just have to keep patiently explaining the effect of the VUCA world on our supply chains…
