A whitepaper written by St. Onge Company was recently posted on SupplyChainBrain. The paper discusses what qualities to look for when choosing a supply chain partner. Click here to view the post!
When you need to select a supply chain expert, how do you make the best choice for your business’s immediate needs? There are specific considerations to take into account to ensure you receive the most from your selected supply chain expert. Do they have specific experience in your industry, segment and size? Do they have experience in your industry in the particular channel your business services? Manufacturing needs are different from a wholesaler’s needs, whose requirements are different yet again from an e-commerce retailer. Ironically, do they also have experience outside your industry? Such a diverse background will allow them to draw on experience across a spectrum of operations and allow them to bring a fresh perspective to your supply chain.
Once you determine they have the qualifications you are seeking, what will be the nature of their counsel? Are they independent in their approach? Will they be objective or do they sell equipment or systems aimed at enhancing supply chains that may bias their focus or findings? Do their references bear out all the above (both references provided by your prospective supply chain expert, and those references you seek out yourself with direct working experience with your candidate consultant)?
Careful consideration in the selection of your supply chain expert will allow you to forge a supply chain enabling a competitive advantage for your business.
