Research on supply chain industry out soon

South African CEOs have begun to focus on the following:

• Strategic alignment - this aspect was underway in 2009, and will be a key focus of redesigned supply chains in 2010. Business decisions will be taken more holistically, with more understanding, post-recession, about how supply chain planning will affect the cost and effectiveness of global supply and demand networks.
  
• Lead time reduction - the recession has shown the pitfalls of a global supplier base and the difficulty of balancing global demand with efficient local supply that cuts lead times. A focus on more localised supply continues to be important.
  
• Technology deployment - the use of ERP technology can represent a competitive advantage for markets like those of South Africa's that are geographically remote from major markets. Such technology is now more mature, cost effective and can be more effectively applied.

International research specialists Frost & Sullivan now conduct this annual independent study, initiated and sponsored by Barloworld Logistics since 2003. More details are available at www.supplychainforesight.co.za.