This Sunday is Mother’s Day! It is a beautiful day to show our moms, grandmas, or nanas how much we care and appreciate all the things they do for us. They are our first real-time superheroes, setting an amazing example in every aspect of life. So, why not take a cue from moms and incorporate their best practices into our supply chain strategies?
Let's get inspired and see how we can learn from our very first supply chain managers of all time: our moms!
#1 She is the dictionary definition of risk-resiliency.
When I was a kid, each time I tripped and scraped my knee, like a superhero, my mom would come rushing to my rescue with a napkin and band-aid in hand. Or whenever I mentioned I was hungry or thirsty, she'd pull out a magical purse filled with snacks and water. They are constantly one step ahead, knowing our needs and ready for any kind of shenanigans.
Just like how moms, supply chain professionals need to have their special tools in their toolbox to predict, anticipate, and act with agility toward any issues that may arise. If anyone knows how often the ship hits the fan, it's supply chain managers.
One of the most important tools in the supply chain managers’ toolbox is having full visibility to thrive instead of just surviving in the business world. Breaking down silos and sharing real-time information with each stakeholder in the supply chain operations enables businesses to make informed decisions with an agile reflex.
#2 She leverages Momtifical Analysis capabilities.
Let’s be honest, moms never seem to forget a single detail – this is a dad-approved statement by the way - and they are always ready to give us the guidance and support we need to make the optimal decision in seconds.
Much like moms’ ability to make quick decisions, supply chain professionals need the tools to do the same. Incorporating business AI into operations is like the supermom senses of real-time data and insights, enabling supply chain managers to make quick and resolute decisions and guiding businesses through the complexities.
By harnessing the power of data analytics and machine learning algorithms, organizations can pinpoint and address issues in real time, reduce wastage, and improve overall production quality. They prevent potential equipment malfunctions before they occur, schedule maintenance, and safeguard against costly breakdowns and production chokepoints, which enables them to increase efficiency and maximize profitability.
#3 She can effectively alternate sourcing strategies.
Shopping with mom is like embarking on a wild scavenger hunt through the aisles of multiple stores. She knows where to buy the freshest groceries, and always knows when to get them. Moms’ knowledge of suppliers - including the network amongst the local stores and other moms - is so extensive that she is always prepared and alternates sourcing strategies in case their supplier cannot provide what they need.
In today's digital age, an interconnected, transparent, and versatile network is a must for businesses to establish strong connections with their partners and suppliers along the supply chain. Connecting the partners, suppliers, and logistics data in a single centralized environment eliminates the need for individual integrations with each trading partner. This streamlined and centralized network improves risk management and enhances trust, therefore, enhancing customer satisfaction.
#4 She shapes a greener future.
Back in the day, my schoolbag and pockets were like a treasure trove of empty snack packs and wrappers, as my mom taught me to throw away my trash only in the bin. Fast forward to adulthood, I still find myself hoarding trash in my bags, as her voice still rings in my head. The fact is moms are shaping the future by teaching generations to be eco-conscious by instilling habits like repurposing items and cutting down on waste.
Just as mothers are instrumental in making this change, supply chains, as great contributors to waste in the world, are also essential drivers of change and innovation in creating a more sustainable future for our planet.
By implementing sustainable methodologies and tools, the supply chain can become a valuable asset in not only profitable growth but also positive environmental change.
In a world where we are consistently looking for alternative ways to run supply chains more efficiently, why not draw inspiration from our very first supply chain managers we know: our mothers?
To learn more about enabling a risk-resilient and sustainable supply chain, please join us at the upcoming SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference, from June 3-5, 2024 in Orlando.
