Supply Chain Continuous Improvement Requires Collaboration, Trust, and Tolerance for Failure

摘要

Q How can a 3PL affect continuous improvement of their partners' supply chains? ARuan's approach to effective continuous improvement (CI) is centered around creating value within our partners' businesses. CI begins with a clear understanding of each unique supply chain and baseline performance measures. Although tools and technigues vary, the first steps involve analyzing supply chain data, applying proven best practices, and altering the supply chain process to incorporate the improvement. Measuring performance after implementing the process change determines the value created. In some cases, value creation can be realized quickly, but often, CI takes patience, creativity, and a strong commitment to the cause. The desired technology doesn't always exist, or there may be an operational or cultural shift needed before the proposed initiative can be put into practice. Eventually, improvements either become feasible to implement or the problem becomes obsolete.