decision/analysis partners are committed to helping clients develop robust supply chain strategies that focus on delivering real business value.  We understand the importance of supply chain integration and the interdependence of supply chain partners in delivering this value.

Technological innovation and quality management have increased supply chain velocity, reduced costs, and increased customer satisfaction. However, some see recent concerns with supply chain security as a "necessary evil" that can set back these gains. Our viewpoint is that security concerns can be addressed without re-introducing the problems caused by unnecessary inventory, including the process failures that it tends to hide.

We focus on the same key issues regardless of whether we are addressing supply chain efficiency or security:

• Process variability
• Bottlenecks
• Breakdowns

Introducing the right level of flexibility, and identifying mitigation strategies to address potential delays due to security concerns, is key to developing an efficient supply chain in the current environment. So are a number of other proven approaches, including:

• Total supply chain visibility
• Collaborative planning and information sharing with supply chain partners
• Capacity sharing with supply chain partners
• Postponement strategies
• Leveraging technology to support information sharing for supply chain planning, routine management, security, and exception management