Build a smart, resilient, and agile supply chain
World-class supply chain management blends resilience, agility, and lean discipline. The goal is a network that flexes with demand, withstands disruption, and consistently delivers superior OTIF performance at competitive cost. Leading organisations combine waste elimination with responsiveness—an approach often described as “smart supply chain” design—so they can handle volatility without over-spending on buffers.
Why now
Mass customisation, shorter product lifecycles and persistent external shocks have made volatility business-as-usual. The answer is end-to-end visibility, faster decision-making and structural resilience that keeps service high even when conditions swing.
What we mean by a “smart supply chain”
A smart supply chain fulfils tailored orders quickly at a compelling cost-to-serve. It reduces defects and rework, shortens lead times, and connects customers and partners into the value stream. It’s data-literate, decision-driven, and designed for speed. Core enablers include real-time visibility, data-driven planning, and an operating model designed for speed and learning.
Design principles and enablers
A sharp, testable supply chain strategy. Be explicit about the promises you will keep (speed, reliability, sustainability, cost) and architect the network to deliver them. Review often; stay the course long-term.
Configure for late differentiation. Use postponement so products stay flexible until the last responsible moment and balance low cost with fast response, ideal for high-mix, unpredictable demand.
Flow before automation. Design order-to-cash for smooth flow and minimal handoffs; then automate where it speeds changeovers and decisions.
Multidisciplinary teams, delegated decision rights, and no silos so trade-offs are made in minutes, not meetings. Transparency and shared data are critical.
Partner integration, not just contracts. Share plans, constraints, and risk with suppliers, logistics providers, and key customers to cut total system cost..
End-to-end visibility and “control tower” capabilities. Sense events, model impacts, and orchestrate responses across planning, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics. True control towers go beyond just dashboards and combine people, process, data and technology.
Aligned performance management. Track role-based KPIs that reflect outcomes (OTIF, lead time, forecast quality, inventory health, CO₂e) with real-time alerts so teams can act proactively.
Digital and analytics at the core. Real-time data, advanced analytics, predictive insights and smart automation enable faster, better decisions and step-change productivity.
