When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, producers of consumer products were scrambling to keep up with demand. One supply chain executive told us that according to internal projections, his company could have sold 400% more personal hygiene products over the first six months of the pandemic. But years of cost cutting had eliminated any slack capacity and alienated suppliers. Those sales—and the customers behind them—went instead to more agile competitors that had invested in flexible equipment and built long-term relationships with key supply chain partners. His experience is not unique. Many companies have struggled to keep up with recent market shifts. But despite the missed opportunities and frequent disruptions, very few have taken a structured approach to investing in supply chain agility.
 
Supply chain agility reflects how quickly a company can adjust operations to avoid disruptions while capitalizing on opportunities. In other words, agility enables companies to thrive in uncertain environments. To enhance agility, companies need a structured approach for identifying and funding projects that build internal capabilities and external relationships. Concretely, this means making targeted investments that improve areas such as decision-making, process cycle times, and capacity optimization. Ultimately, the goal is to provide managers the flexibility to respond to a wide range of possible outcomes.
 
But where to begin? Few companies have a process in place, and available agility frameworks provide limited guidance. The lack of practical advice on how companies should be thinking about agility investments is what prompted our research (see “About this research” sidebar). Based on discussions with dozens of supply chain leaders, we have developed a framework that breaks agility into three broad categories: digital, physical, and process.

SCPro™ Certification is a three-tiered program that assesses progressive knowledge and skills across integrated supply chain activities. This process validates an individual’s ability to strategically assess business challenges, effectively implement supply chain improvements through the analysis of real-world case studies, and develop a comprehensive project plan to achieve results such as a positive ROI. 

Houston Roundtable
"Initially, I joined CSCMP to attend the Nashville Conference in September 2022. I joined to network and gain additional relevant knowledge in supply chain from a diverse set of members in education and business. My advice is to network as much as possible with in-person or virtual events. Don't be afraid to ask people questions about the industry, their job, etc. Mentoring and being mentored is a great opportunity through CSCMP as well. I made a great connection through several people. One gave me an opportunity to be a panelist, and another has asked me to participate in a video for their ESG educational program. We continue to network since that day. I am also participating in the CSCMP mentoring program and looking forward to the opportunities of the program!"

 

Join Charlie Saffro, President & Founder of CS Recruiting and Kyle Rapaport, Senior Supply Chain Recruiter, for a workshop on January 18, 2023, at 1pm CT in which they will help you create or improve your resume to increase your chance of landing your ideal internship or dream job!
 
The presenters will discuss best practices for writing a resume that maximizes exposure while highlighting and leveraging your interests, skills, and experience. This hands-on seminar will provide you with valuable tips and actionable advice to ensure your resume stands out and sets you apart from others.
 
Remember...your resume has about 5 seconds to grab someone's attention, so attend this workshop to learn how to transform your resume into a powerful tool that will attract the right attention and open doors for conversations and interviews.

 

CSCMP's Roundtable Success Coach, Patrick Algyer, is accepting volunteer applications now through February 28, 2023 for our roundtable communities, please read on for how you can get involved.
 
Every two years, CSCMP conducts a call for volunteers to serve in various capacities within the Roundtable Community. What is a Roundtable? – Learn more today!
 
Terms for volunteer roles are 2 years and require about 1-4 hours per month of volunteerism. Have specific questions about your local Roundtable? – Learn more and contact your local CSCMP Roundtable.
 
Even if you're currently serving in a volunteer role, you must apply again as all current volunteer roles expire June 30, 2023. Apply now to participate!