How can you develop supply chain and operations skills to enhance competitiveness?

If you aspire to be in an executive position, it is critical to obtain skills in supply chain and operations management. Do you have to go work for a couple of years in one of these areas? No but you do need to understand best practices and methodologies. Understanding at least the basics in these areas help to ensure strategic alignment, avoid risks, ensure technology is integrated appropriately and enable companies to maintain their customer focus. There are a huge number of classes/workshops you can take on these topics including many in LinkedIn Learning. Take the time to invest in yourself to make yourself a better leader.

To enhance competitiveness in supply chain and operations, start by building a strong foundation. Gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, including inventory management, logistics, and production processes. Acquire knowledge about industry best practices and stay updated on emerging trends and technologies shaping the field. This foundational understanding forms the basis for effective decision-making and strategic planning.

Supply chain and operations management involves planning, designing, executing, and controlling the flow of materials and information from suppliers to customers. It requires balancing efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness in a dynamic environment. Key concepts include the supply chain network, strategy aligning objectives with business goals, performance measures evaluating efficiency, processes like sourcing and distribution, and best practices such as lean and agile principles. Understanding these fundamentals is vital for navigating the complexities of supply chain management.

Supply chain & operations management (SCOM) are the magic behind turning raw materials into customer smiles. Think sourcing, efficient production, and timely delivery - all working together seamlessly. Key elements for both? SCM focuses on sourcing, logistics, inventory, and predicting demand. OM tackles facilities, process design, and quality control. Both are crucial for cost cuts, happy customers, and a competitive edge.

Turning supply chain into CA requires four focus areas: technology, agile processes, partnerships and team innovations. Technology: 1. Enable automation through robotics: eg. Amazon 2. Leverage smart supply chains: eg advanced analytics. 3. Automate orders: eg study P&G 4. Enable AI: see P&G, Amazon. Agile processes 1. Make it an org priority 2. Integrate with other functions 3. Create stakeholder flexibility 4. Apply Lean Six Sigma to assess the supply chain Partnerships 1. Convert suppliers to partners 2. Co create value with suppliers 3. Continuously evaluate Team innovations 1. Engage experts 2. Understand and mitigate risks 3. Create forums for stakeholders together to maximize perspective

To gain insights into your supply chain, analyze its current state using tools like SWOT analysis for internal strengths/weaknesses and external opportunities/threats. Employ benchmarking to compare with competitors, conduct gap analysis to identify performance gaps, and use value stream mapping for visualizing material flow and efficiency sources. These methods help pinpoint areas for improvement in your supply chain and enhance overall performance.

Conduct a thorough analysis of the current supply chain and operations landscape within your organization. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Assess key performance indicators, evaluate process efficiency, and benchmark against industry standards. This analysis provides insights into areas for improvement and informs the development of targeted strategies. By combining a solid understanding of basics with a nuanced view of the current state, you lay the groundwork for enhancing skills and driving competitiveness in supply chain and operations.

To elevate your competitiveness, execute a supply chain improvement plan after analyzing the current state. Formulate SMART goals, use the PDCA cycle for continuous enhancement, employ project management for structured execution, and implement change management to navigate human and organizational aspects effectively.

Learn from the best to enhance your supply chain and operations skills. Seek guidance from experts through reading insightful content like books, articles, and podcasts, showcasing success stories and best practices. Participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences for the latest trends, and connect with professionals through networks and communities. Hiring a coach or consultant can further aid in skill development and practical application.

Staying current in supply chain and operations management involves ongoing adaptation to external and internal factors. This includes monitoring customer expectations, supplier capabilities, competitor actions, technological developments, and regulatory, environmental, social, and ethical considerations. These factors influence product demand, input availability, market position, supply chain management methods, and the sustainability and responsibility of operations. Continuous learning is essential in this ever-evolving field.

I advise leaders looking to build supply chain and operations acumen, to just start and start small. When you create a process to complete a set of tasks for a group, check efficiency and effectiveness. This helps you build the muscle for larger scale. Is this process repeatable by different people? Are the results of the process consistent every time? Is the duration of the process consistent? Are the outcomes what is expected of the process?