The Evolution of Philippine Supply Chains
Supply Chain and Logistics Summits Global Series recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kasian Lee - Ereso , PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies a speaker from the Supply Chain and logistics summits Philippines, taking place on August 7th and 8th, 2024.
Kasian Lee is a seasoned professional with nearly 8 years of experience in procurement and almost 2 years in the Strategic section of their department. In this role, Kasian focuses on building and nurturing vital relationships with suppliers through effective partnerships and strategic initiatives.
With a deep understanding of supply chain management, negotiation, and strategic sourcing, Kasian excels in recommending and implementing improvements to enhance team efficiency and effectiveness. Their passion for innovation and excellence drives them to consistently contribute to the team's success and the organization's overall goals.
Below is the Q&A we had with Kasian, where they share their insights and experiences in the field:
SCLS Series: The past couple of years have been just about the scariest environment imaginable for every supply-chain executive. Can you tell us what you and your team are most proud of having accomplished during the crisis??
Kasian Lee - Ereso: During the crisis, maintaining purchases for country-wide operations was very challenging. However, due to our partnerships with vendors and the practice of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) with our critical vendors, we managed to use that as a kick start during the crisis. This allowed both the vendors and us to focus on our strategies moving forward.?
SCLS Series: With the global geopolitical situation, instability in commodity pricing, trade risk and global health developments, how are you preparing to meet these challenges in 2024??
Kasian Lee - Ereso: We create contracts with our vendors, allowing us to secure our prices for at least six months to one year and stocks for two months through VMI.?
SCLS Series: AI’s ability to derive insights and make recommendations from vast amounts of big data will have dramatic implications for supply chains. How is technology transforming the way you plan, communicate and operate? Are there any recent innovations or technologies that have the potential to transform the industry??
Kasian Lee - Ereso: We are currently using SAP for Ariba and S4HANA, which have significantly impacted on our manual operations, particularly during the creation of purchase orders. The team is now focused on vendor compliance, such as SLA adherence, and actively engaging more vendors to secure the best prices for their products through contract management.?
Moreover, we aim to enhance our services to clients by improving the e-commerce experience in ordering. This includes implementing a ready chat feature available at any stage of the procurement process.?
Additionally, AI assists us in aligning our stock quantities and helps our vendors in aligning their production and ordering processes.?
SCLS Series: Surveys of supply chain leaders show the need for visibility on sustainability performance and a holistic business case to drive results. How big a role do you see sustainability playing in the future of supply chain and how are you approaching this within your organization??
Kasian Lee - Ereso: We are inviting our vendors to incorporate technology and innovation into their operations as a starting point. We also encourage our internal users to purchase sustainable products instead of virgin products.?
SCLS Series: Another thing that has become a big topic of conversation recently is worker shortages and the problems associated with finding the right talent, whether that’s in distribution centers, manufacturing, or transportation. How do you ensure that your organization keeps winning the talent battle??
Kasian Lee - Ereso: PJLGC ensures that we provide the best possible compensation and benefits to our employees. We also ensure that our employees have access to extensive training opportunities. Additionally, we promote internal wellness activities, focusing on both mental and physical health. We offer a work-from-home arrangement to our employees, enabling them to plan their weekly activities effectively. Lastly, we invest in technology to streamline processes and reduce dependency on manual labor.?
SCLS Series: How will the supply chain look like in 10 years??
Kasian Lee - Ereso: Predicting the supply chain in 10 years is challenging due to various external factors like technological advancements and consumer preferences. However, several trends are likely to shape the future of the supply chain, including increased automation, data analytics, sustainability, risk management, and personalization. Overall, the supply chain of the future will be characterized by agility, resilience, and digitalization while managing risk and maximizing efficiency.?
The Philippines Gears Up for SCLS: Building Bridges in the Supply Chain Network
The SCLS Philippines event is happening on August 7th & 8th in Metro Manila, and we're inviting all supply chain leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to join us. This is your chance to connect with industry experts, explore groundbreaking solutions, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of the Philippines' supply chain landscape.
Be a part of the Panel Discussion
Join Kris in the upcoming SCLS Philippines with 2 other panelists to discuss the best practices of success when it comes to implementing E-Procurement. There will be several discussions including the common challenges in supply chain industry and the strategies in overcoming those. Register and join us!