Supply Chain management

In our global economy, the management of complex supply chains is crucial to a company’s success. The Supply Chain Operation Reference Model (SCOR model) provides a comprehensive framework for this matter and aims to improve supply chain performance: SCOR was developed by the global non-profit organization Supply Chain Counsil (SCC) and is used worldwide to review and optimize supply chain performance. We explain which parameters the model uses, how it supports strategic risk management and what challenges can arise during implementation.

The logistics industry faces numerous challenges when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of global goods movements. Companies must continually adapt to reduce their environmental impact while remaining economically viable. Many supply chain managers are therefore increasingly shifting their strategic focus towards the so-called Big 5 of sustainability: procurement, packaging, storage, transportation and returns. In this blog article, we explain how each of these areas can contribute to a more environmentally conscious and responsible approach.

In order to meet delivery deadlines, legal regulations and contractual agreements, the seamless digitalization of logistics processes is becoming a strategic advantage in almost every industry. The integration of high-performance technologies and the networking of all relevant players form the basis for greater transparency, efficiency and flexibility in the supply chain. This development requires not only a reassessment of existing processes, but also an adaptation to the dynamic requirements of the market. In our latest article on the blog, we discuss the three pillars that are fundamental for an intelligent, adaptive and sustainable supply chain management.

Effective supply chain management is a key concern for all companies operating in a global business environment. Push and pull strategies form the backbone of supply chain management and determine how companies manufacture, store and deliver their products to customers. But how do managers find the right balance between supply and demand to avoid risks and remain flexible at the same time? We discuss the difference between push and pull strategies and why ever more companies are adopting a hybrid approach.

In view of increasing legal requirements, sanction regulations and heightened public interest, companies are strategically strengthening their focus on sustainability. Under the Supply Chain Act or the new EU CSR Directive, it is therefore not just a matter of a company’s direct environmental impact, but also of Scope 3, i.e. the indirect emissions along the supply chain. Hence, if companies seek to achieve a net-zero objective, their efforts to reduce emissions must also focus on Scope 3. We discuss how environmental aspects can be integrated into the SCM strategy in order to advance the decarbonization of the entire value creation process.

Digital supply chain management represents a paradigm shift in the design and management of supply chains. In order to overcome the challenges and complexity of today’s value chains, companies are increasingly relying on innovative technologies and analytical tools. The latter enable them to monitor the entire supply chain in real time and react immediately to changes. We discuss how digital SCM is changing operational processes and what role predictive analytics plays in this context.

Global business processes are in a constant state of flux. This means that the requirements for modern supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. In order to maintain a balance between corporate stability and security on the one side and a flexible adaptation to changing market conditions and technological developments on the other side, business leaders are increasingly turning to hybrid supply chains. The latter combine different logistics approaches to ensure efficiency, resilience and flexibility. In this article, we explain which models of hybrid supply chains are available and what advantages and challenges they entail.

Today’s customers expect a seamless shopping experience: Orders should be placed without major hurdles and returns must be processed easily. It’s the task of logistics to move the required goods from one place to another as safely, efficiently and sustainably as possible. For this to succeed, orders need to be optimally planned and coordinated, and the individual sections of the supply chain must be precisely matched. We explain the key role of an active Order Management in this context and discuss how companies benefit from intelligent Order Management.

Digital technologies make a decisive contribution to increasing supply chain transparency: This view is held by more than two thirds of a total of 150 logistics managers at German companies surveyed for the 19th Hermes Barometer "Transparency along the Supply Chain "*. According to the poll, end-to-end visibility of the supply chain through multilateral data sharing leads to numerous benefits, such as an increased quality of deliveries and higher customer satisfaction.

Not only are companies constantly exposed to new challenges in their operating business – they also need to remain agile with regard to increasing sustainability criteria. This enhances the willingness to rethink and adapt supply chain processes: Green logistics aims to integrate environmental sustainability into all phases of logistics activities and thus makes a positive contribution to environmental protection. In our latest article on the blog, we discuss what options companies have to implement sustainability goals along their supply chain and what challenges need to be mastered in the process.