TABLE OF CONTENTS In the beginning of this book, we discussed the "lure" of supply chain collaboration as well as the need to smooth out the bullwhip effect caused by a noncollaborative supply chain. The supply chain collaboration best practice, when properly implemented, is the result of several best practices that are implemented together. With the hundreds of successful collaborative relationships as well as the failures, we can always see where the implementation of a best practice or the failure to implement the best practice can be identified. What are some of the key best practices for a successful supply chain collaboration program?
We often look at most major supply chain initiatives as a technology project and fail to see that the majority of the effort should be focused on the business issues (see Figure 42). If we allow for our supply chain collaboration program to exist in this alienated disconnect, then we end up with what is shown in Figure 43.
For many of us who have been in the industry for a long time, this picture looks very familiar. I have seen it over and over again for twenty-five-plus years. We install new technology and we think it becomes the answer to all our troubles. It is only when we align our people and...
