Get started today on tomorrow

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 12/1/2000

If you don't plan and execute a supply chain strategy by 2004, competitors will gain strategic advantage, new customers may not see you, and you won't get to partner with the best suppliers. That's according to Larry Lapide, vice president and service director, supply chain strategies at AMR Research, Inc., Boston, Mass.

Lapide advised attendees at AMR's 14th annual fall executive conference to begin developing a supply chain strategy because it's a long process that needs to be done in small increments.

According to Lapide, there are three major steps to building a supply chain strategy. First, you have to decide where you are today in the e-supply chain stage. You could be in one of four stages known as: Supply chain optimization; advanced supply chain management; leveraging e-commerce; and e-business optimization. To determine your stage, map current processes to a series of interview questions developed by AMR.

The next step is to determine where you can and want to be in the year 2004 and develop a strategic intent. Viewing roles in the e-supply chain today and what they will look like in 2004 is equally important.

In the third step, you have to decide what should happen next to attain the stage you want to be in. Each stage offers e-business tools that will enhance the processes needed.

For more information, contact llapide@amrresearch.com .