Supply Chain Agenda 2014

Since joining AMR Research way back in September 2000, I have read, written or edited thousands of articles and reports on the topic of supply chain. The topic pulses with excitement because so much of what happens in business, economics, technology and society depends on what the supply chain does. For me, this is reason enough to keep going.

Africa, 3D printing, megaprojects, ideation and supply chain integrity

This week, however, I am newly energised by the release of SCM World’s 2014 research agenda. The topics are bigger, deeper and more edgy than anyone else’s, but more importantly they represent the best thinking of the top supply chain executives in the world.

SCM World does not develop its agenda as we used to at AMR, from the inside out with analysts telling practitioners what matters. Instead, we rely on extensive structured direction from our Executive Advisory Board, which comprises C-level executives at global companies such as Dyson, Nike, Mattel, Unilever, Chevron and Merck. The process takes three months and includes oversight from our Chairman, Dr Hau Lee at Stanford University.

Among the topics our 12-report research agenda will address in 2014 are the following:

• Manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, robotics and other emerging mechanical techniques with the potential to change production strategies across industries.
• Mega-project supply chains as applied to large-scale efforts, including shipbuilding, factory construction, massive product launches and even feature film or drug development.
• Supply chain integrity and quality, including how far back we must see in the chain and where quality goes beyond the plant.
• Design for profitability, considering not only platforming and simplification, but also creativity, ideation and pure design excitement as drivers of sales.
• Africa as an emerging market, with an eye on where and when to start and how to avoid overinvesting relative to other emerging market opportunities.
• Distribution and logistics state of the art, including not only optimal transportation principles but also emerging capabilities within the distribution centre that may impact value-adding production steps.
• Omnichannel and digital demand as it affects not only retail but also manufacturers’ supply chain strategies and investment plans, including direct-to-customer fulfilment.

Of course, we will also continue drilling into classic topics like S&OP and supplier management, each of which will have dedicated events during the year (one each in Europe and the US), as well as demand planning, inventory management, supply chain risk, sustainability and more. We also have a new series of reports coming on the success and/or failure of service providers, including third-party logistics firms, consultants, information technology vendors and contract manufacturers.

FUBU: For Us, By Us

The important takeaway for members of the community is that this research is produced collectively by all of us. Each year thousands of you complete surveys that provide data that we use continually to answer specific questions about trends and practices. The Chief Supply Chain Officer data set, in particular, has been cut dozens of ways to isolate what’s unique across industries, geographies, functions and even individual companies.

Coupled with deep-dive insights provided by practitioners in our webinar library and live at our events, this data enables us all to look around at our peers and ahead at the future. For anyone needing to benchmark their thinking externally, this body of knowledge is unparalleled.

I have often said that SCM World’s published material is 10:1 authored by our practitioner members. This means that for every word written by our research staff, there are 10 words written, recorded or presented by a practising supply chain executive from across the community.

The premise is simple: you collectively know more about supply chain than any academic, consultant or analyst. In fact, the whole idea of SCM World is that this model is a better way to accelerate learning in practice.

We’re trying to harness the energy of social networking but without the clutter.

What matters to you?

As the days shorten in Boston and London, and 2013 draws to a close, we anticipate a fantastic year ahead. Many of you have been generous with feedback and suggestions for me. If ever there was a time to speak up for what you think deserves more focus from SCM World’s content team this is it.

Please contact me directly with any comments, questions or suggestions. I welcome your feedback.

Kevin O’Marah
Chief Content Officer
SCM World