Business changes necessary to remain competitive must include changes in technology. To effectively integrate all supply chain partners, technology must be planned, developed and implemented jointly with business process. Technology, like process, must also support the overall supply chain strategy. The rate of business change has forced companies to pay close attention to automation. Companies must continue to revisit existing technology, and institute changes quickly to support business transformation.
Implementations can no longer span years.
To achieve the maximum business benefit, technology must be implemented effectively in months or weeks, along with the associated process changes. Relationships People plan and implement the strategy, processes, and technology in a supply chain management solution. Strong, trusting, collaborative relationships are required to operate a supply chain, manage the exceptions and adjust quickly to changes. These relationships must be cultivated within a corporation, as well as across corporate boundaries with other supply chain partners. To adapt to rapid business change, companies must constantly assess whether or not they have the correct relationships in place.