Global Supply Chain Ecosystems

“Global Supply Chain Ecosystems”

In the 21st century, the steps in your supply lines form supply chain ecosystems – an intricate interweaving of information and product flows connecting “organizations, industries and economies.” A developed supply chain ecosystem provides a tactical, multifaceted and worldwide competitive advantage. New rivals face great difficulty entering or competing with an already established system of customer-supplier relationships across continents.

Today, in every forward-thinking business, the chief supply chain officer is likely to sit on the corporate board. This shows how vital supply chain functions have become in enabling a business to thrive, driving revenue and differentiating against the competition. In this cutthroat arena, companies must constantly strive to enhance their warehousing, transport and inventory management capabilities.

Figures from the World Trade Organization indicate a “32-fold increase” to $37,658 billion in global trade’s “gross imports and exports” between 1973 and 2013. Globalization ensures that multiple-country commerce will remain the norm. Your parts, assembly, shippers and customers may all reside...