What's Driving Your Supply Chain Innovation Efforts Today?

In a 2013 white paper on this topic, The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics defined supply chain innovation as "the combining and application of a mix of inventions, existing processes, and technologies in a new way that achieves a desirable change in cost, quality, cash and/or service." A lot has changed over the past 10 years. What is the primary focus of your company's supply chain innovation efforts today?

We asked members of our Indago supply chain research community -- who are all supply chain and logistics executives from manufacturing, retail, and distribution companies -- that question in February 2023.?

40% of our member respondents said that "To reduce costs/become more cost competitive" is the primary focus of their supply chain innovation efforts. Second on the list was "To deliver an enhanced customer experience" (32%).

"We have multiple Agile teams set up to work on innovation projects," said one Indago supply chain executive. "Some advice to others: Be strategic when taking on projects. Select a few 'go fast' projects that will [provide] immediate [benefits] to the company. Many organizations fail when they try to take on too many projects, which stretches the bandwidth of teams who must support both the daily operations and enhancements/projects."

Another executive offered this advice:

"Unfortunately, we do not have a dedicated team focused on supply chain innovation efforts…All companies, irrespective of size and industry, should take a bottoms-up approach when innovating. Operators are aware of 90% of the issues while top management only knows about 1% of the issues. Innovations will be better if ideas are gathered from operators [on the frontlines] and discussed broadly amongst groups."

We also asked our Indago members "What supply chain and logistics processes are in most need of innovation?" and "What are the top barriers to supply chain and logistics innovation?"

For insights on those questions, Indago members can download the report at our website.

Does your company have a dedicated team focused on supply chain innovation efforts? What mistakes should companies avoid when trying to innovate supply chain processes? Post a comment and share your perspective!

This Week’s Indago Survey: Supply Chain Adjustments for 2nd Half of 2023?

We're a little past the halfway mark of 2023. It's like halftime at a football match and supply chain and logistics professionals are in the locker room preparing for the second half of the year. What adjustments do you need to make to finish the year strong?

Our Indago members are sharing their perspective this week. If you're a supply chain or logistics practitioner from a manufacturing, retail, or distribution company -- and you're interested in learning from your peers and taking this week's survey -- I encourage you to learn more about Indago and join our research community. It is confidential, there is no cost to join and the time commitment is minimal (2-4 minutes per week) — plus your participation will help support charitable causes like JDRF, American Logistics Aid Network, American Cancer Society, Feeding America, and Make-A-Wish.