2014 MHI Annual Industry Report – Innovations That Drive Supply Chains

In late 2013, MHI and Deloitte conducted their first MHI Annual Industry Report survey. The topic of this survey was “Innovations that Drive Supply Chains” and the goal was to provide an up-to-date perspective on emerging supply chain trends.

The survey found that supply chain executives want to invest in powerful new technologies and business innovations to improve their supply chains, but are hampered by a shortage of qualified talent and never-ending pressure to cut costs.

Key Study Findings Include

• The top two strategic priorities of executives are supply chain analytics and multichannel fulfillment.
• The two major barriers preventing innovation in the supply chain are a talent shortage and a continuing focus on cost reduction.
• Three emerging innovations are not yet top-of-mind for executives, but may be soon: sustainability, mobility/machine-to-machine technology and 3-D printing.

About the Survey
The survey included more than 450 respondents from large and small companies across a wide range of sectors, including: Retail and Wholesale, Consumer Packaged Goods, Automotive, Consulting, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Transportation and Warehousing, Material Handling and Supply Chain Equipment and Related Services. The vast majority of respondents were senior executives, with more than half being C-level executives, Managing Directors, Senior Vice-Presidents, Vice-Presidents, or Directors.