TABLE OF CONTENTS Throughout this book, we have discussed why supply chain collaboration is important. We have provided you with examples of companies that have successfully implemented collaborative trading partnerships, the value and benefits that successful partnerships can provide, what technology is required for collaboration to occur, and methods for implementing supply chain collaboration programs for one or more partners.
The next step is up to you. From your observations in reading this book, do you see the value of exploring or expanding your efforts in supply chain collaboration? What sort of questions should you be asking yourself?
Do you have a "bullwhip" effect in your supply chain?
Do you find your company always in a reactive fire-fighting mode?
Do you see product margins declining?
Is forecasting accuracy an issue?
Do you have excessive inventory and lead times?
Are your customers demanding better customer service from you?
Do you see your supply chain as the next competitive battlefield?
Are your customers asking you to collaborate with them?
Do you find yourself the "victim" of many of your customers' demands?
Are your suppliers failing to perform to the levels you expect them to?
Chances are, you answered "yes" to most, if not all, of the questions above. This is true of most companies and why supply chain collaboration has become one of the leading supply chain best-practice initiatives any company can adopt.
Supply chain collaboration is a "transformational strategy," and it takes dedication, hard work, and commitment to execute. Supply chain collaboration, although...
