Five ways to simplify your supply chain

Abstract

Purpose

To provide five ways of simplifying the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses the Complexity Reduction Framework to break down supply chain complexity into its component parts.

Findings

Reveals that ongoing globalisation brings increased complexity to virtually every aspect of the business world, and supply chains are the latest to be affected; thus adaptability has never been more crucial. Many company failures can be traced back to an inability to adapt rapidly to changing market expectations; overly complex supply chains are not adaptable. It is best to take some of the complexity out of the supply chain.

Originality/value

By simplifying the supply chain process overall performance will usually be enhanced, leading to more consistent quality, lower operation costs, and inherently greater responsiveness; and this will most certainly yield more satisfied customers.

Citation

Hoole, R. (2005), "Five ways to simplify your supply chain", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 3-6. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540510578306