Supply chain survey calls for your participation

How will South Africa’s supply chains be a source of business innovation in the coming year. That’s the essence of the 2010 edition of supplychainforesight, an independent study initiated and sponsored by Barloworld Logistics since 2003 and now conducted by international research specialists Frost & Sullivan. “This year’s study will examine the ways in which South Africa’s supply chains are being used, not only to keep companies resilient, but to aid economic recovery and competitiveness in the current brutal economic climate,” a spokesman told FTW. The study is currently calling for responses from supply chain experts all over Southern Africa. “Since last year’s research, the recession has bitten South Africa hard, particularly in the manufacturing sector. “CEOs last year decided to align their supply chains to a business strategy designed to reduce costs and increase efficiencies in order to survive,” he said. The 2010 report will address the following key questions: • CEO Crisis Call: How do senior managers in different industries see their global ambitions and activities being thwarted (or enabled) by the current crisis? • Alignment between business and supply chain strategy: The 2009 study found increased alignment between business and supply chain strategies. How is this alignment being planned and executed in 2010? • Management of Uncertainty: The recessionary environment increases various risks to the business. How are supply chain innovations helping to reduce these risks and making business more resilient and prepared for the upturn in growth? • Benchmarking Supply Chain infrastructure: Where do the discrepancies and shortfalls lie? What can the private sector do about them to present Transnet and other State Owned Enterprises with a confirmation of the compelling case for change? Answers to these vital questions will feature prominently in the upcoming national launch of the 2010 supplychainforesight research. To participate in this year’s research and add to the strategic direction of South Africa’s supply chains, visit www. supplychainforesight.co.za and fill out the online questionnaire. You can also read more about the background to the study and access results of past studies for your industry.