Page 14 - Logistics News - March_April 2023

O P I N ION

the worst decade of hacks (Forbes, 2019). In the In response, one of the biggest global corporate
2020s, it will be supply chains and the continued agendas has been the implementation of new
elevation of its professionals. Many businesses now technologies to improve visibility and communication
recognise supply chains as more than just conduits all around (Hackett Group, 2023). This visibility is
and cost centres, but, in fact, as powerful value creating foresight and shining much-needed light on
generators deserving of representation in the C-suite how ill-prepared the world may be to face the next
(generixgroup.com, 2020). crisis.

Today, supply chain turmoil is viewed as the The world learned how insufficient the ‘every man
greatest threat to growth. More executives are placing for himself’ approach is when it comes to dealing with
global supply chains at the heart of their operations global shockwaves of change as well as the importance
strategies and this has accelerated the drive to rethink of collaboration and sharing valuable information.
the entire playbook. As one expert put it: “The Change management evolved into change leadership
question should not be how to return to pre-pandemic as businesses began to recognise the wisdom in
conditions, but whether those conditions were making transformation and continuous improvement
really serving the company well in the first place” part of the company’s culture and DNA.
(Chiefexecutive.net, 2023).
As we look forward to the future, the one word
Despite the economic uncertainty, COVID-19 that should come to mind should be ‘opportunity’.
inspired more investment in innovative technologies. It is said that the waves of change are inevitable and
Increased volatility and the need to quickly respond the ones who will thrive in the future are those that
to disruptive forces emphasised the value of supply surf it the best. Is your supply chain in flow across its
chain digitisation. Prior to the pandemic, a significant value chains and do your team and leadership have
number of companies had less than optimal visibility the resilience and adaptability to catch and ride the
and didn’t communicate with or even know the waves to shore? May your supply chain surfing score a
location of their suppliers (N.R. Sanders, 2023). ‘Perfect 10’. •

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