The Digital Supply Chain Challenge



FOREWORD

After more than 35 years at the frontline of supply chain management, I have seen this discipline evolve from a business support function to a cornerstone of organizational strategy. Across industries, technological progress and digitalization have driven productivity, enhanced efficiency and reduced waste in supply chains around the world – unlocking enormous benefits for both organizations and society at large. It is no exaggeration to say that supply chain management has shaped the world we live in. And while change has been a constant theme over the past four decades, today’s operations are evolving faster than ever. A wave of digital technologies is transforming the very foundations and basic rules of supply chain management; conventional chains are increasingly being replaced with streamlined, connected and dynamic supply chain ecosystems. Organizations able to effectively seize these digital opportunities can level up their capabilities and performance; those that do not, face more challenging futures. Yet, for all the technological possibilities and the pressing need for effective digitalization strategies, too many supply chain practices are unfit for purpose. In their defense, professionals in our discipline are faced with the difficult task of disentangling myth from reality, hype from facts, practical ideas from overused buzzwords. And even when you have a solid understanding of the truth, how do you formulate a winning strategy? Moreover, how do you successfully execute this strategy? This book does much to bridge these gaps. By providing a comprehensive introduction to the challenges and opportunities of supply chain digitalization, it offers valuable insights for a wide range of supply chain professionals. In today’s disruptive world, a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts –

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