A software company recently conducted research to explore challenges and solutions to ongoing supply chain disruptions.
The findings of the research conducted through a global research survey were presented in Rosebank on April 11.
Syspro Africa announced the findings of the survey titled Realigning the links of the disconnected supply chain which explores the disruptions that manufacturers and distributors face.
The report revealed four key themes and illuminated the need for a long-term digital strategy that incorporates improved customer-centricity, external collaboration and data-driven decision-making to engineer a bounce-back.
“Manufacturers and distributors need to review and consider realigning their supply chain to overcome the ongoing crisis and set themselves up for growth into the future,” said Mark Wilson, CEO of Syspro EMEA&I.
Theme one: The disconnect between the investment in internal efficiencies and external collaboration
With global lockdowns and ongoing disruptions driving increased pressure, it comes as no surprise that 70% of businesses experienced supply chain disruptions over the last few years. Concurrently, 60% of businesses were unable to engage and collaborate with customers and suppliers in real-time. As a result, those businesses were often unable to deliver to their customers.
Theme two: Digital roadmaps do not align with execution
When exploring the execution of the digital strategy, the survey found a clear disconnect. Despite supply chain disruptions that started long before the pandemic and despite a commitment to improving customer services, only 23% of businesses looked at increasing external collaboration with suppliers and customers as a part of their digital transformation strategy.
Theme three: Supply chains are not competing at a global level
Head of product marketing of Syspro, Nhlakanipho Zondi said, “Business models are rapidly changing before our eyes and without data insights, manufacturers and distributors will struggle to compete on a global level.
Analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning are essential to making sense of the mountains of data currently being captured and using that information to adjust business strategies and to further improve operational efficiencies across the entire supply chain.”
Theme four: Customers are placed at the end of the supply chain and not at the centre
“As part of any digital roadmap, the customer must also be at the centre. Manufacturers require a 360-degree view of their customer base and how they purchase products or services. While businesses have improved operational visibility through technological investments such as IoT or even alternative e-commerce sales channels, the reality is that ongoing and real-time external collaboration with suppliers and customers remains vital,” concluded Mark.
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