While much of the conversation around crowdsourcing in supply chain management today involves references to the internet and online platforms, high tech isn't necessarily required to tap into the wisdom or resources of the crowd. Nobody knows this better than Michael Hugos, author of Essentials of Supply Chain Management and co-founder of SCM Globe, a supply chain simulation tool. While employed by a restaurant supply cooperative in 2004, Hugos used crowdsourced decision-making to solve a large customer's problem-and keep the account. By brainstorming and discussing ideas via conference call with coop member leadership, the organization kept a key account by cutting the client's excess inventory by more than 50 percent, saving it $400,000 during the holiday season. "What's the chance that 20 to 30 street-smart professionals would make the wrong decision?" says Hugos about the crowdsourced process he instituted.
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