There are thousands of books on business and logistics management and while they share many common themes, one thing is different every time – how they define supply chain management.
It’s true. For almost every academic or business consultant writing about supply chain, there is a new definition of just what that means.
Why is that? There are several reason. Firstly, the world of business is constantly evolving. That means supply chain is evolving too.
Secondly, supply chain management is an extremely broad discipline. Writing in the The International Journal of Logistics and Management, three leading academics defined it as: “the integration of key business processes from end user through original suppliers that provide products, services, and information that add value for customers and other stakeholders.”
This covers almost every activity your business could be involved in!
Supply chain management is about adding value
That may sound unhelpful, but we at Hexagon Consultants recognise a key concept in the IJLM definition of supply chain– that of adding value for customers and stakeholders.
Supply chain really is a broad field. Within our services, it can include managing cash flow, forecasting, inventory, procurement, skills and more besides. All these things have something in common. They are all related to the flow of goods and services into, out of and within your organisation.
More importantly, they are about adding value.
When we start working with a new client, we use data analysis and business intelligence to examine every aspect of their organisation. Our analysis has one purpose: to uncover hidden opportunities to add significant value to the business.
Beyond the buzzword
The term ‘supply chain management’ was first used in a 1982 Financial Times interview with Booz Allen consultant Keith Oliver.
It became a business buzzword soon after. But it is much more than a buzzword to us.
We are passionate about helping business leaders to transform their organisation and grow in a sustainable way.
Our consultants use razor-sharp analysis to understand the ins and outs of your business, and then implement change that adds the value you are looking for.
That is what supply chain management means to Hexagon Consultants. If you would like to know more, contact us on 0113 873 0040 or send us a message
Sue Willis is Managing Director of our Strategy & Operations Business. Find out more about our senior team.
