Innovations for the Chain: Maximize Efficiency within the Canadian Supply Chain

Three words define the challenges supply chain managers have been given in today’s increasingly global and complex world. Supply chain professionals are under the microscope to identify and employ innovative methods to accomplish tasks, while the scope of those tasks has gotten more complex and demanding. For supply chain managers and logistics professionals, the new normal refers to:

• A continuous focus on efficiency

• Responding to changes without excessive cost, time or loss of performance

• Designing and operating a network capable of meeting the different service requirements placed on it

A new arsenal of tools is available to help managers fine tune their supply chains, and achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness than ever before. Technology has changed the way businesses operate, and the cloud has made previously cost-prohibitive technology accessible. Businesses are able to set metrics and analyze performance to a detailed extent. A new way of thinking has taken hold, driven by changes in customer expectations, shorter product life spans, and greater demand for sustainability.

Logistics providers are rising to the challenge and have expanded the scope of service to levels unthinkable five years ago. Instead, businesses are establishing partnerships with their logistics provider, where each party has a vested interest in success, and is aware of goals and expectations.