'Make allies out of competitors'

MAKING COLLABORATION work in supply chain logistics demands a financially beneficial relationship for all parties, and one which is sufficiently workable to overcome the operational friction which can often result from the delicate task of co-ordinating supply chain planning and activity across more than one organisation. This was the message that came through loud and clear at the recent SAPICS supply chain conference on the theme 'Empowering the Supply Chains of Africa' held at Sun City. Business maturity within industry sectors is a further prerequisite and speakers made it clear that the laager mentality was not endemic to SA business enterprises alone. "In the US there are reservations about collaboration through information exchange - the benefits of such exchange are clear, but the heritage of competition still needs to be overcome in many cases."