SUPPLY CHAIN
“ I think we ’ ll see widespread adoption of blockchain usage in supply chain management ”
PAUL BRODY GLOBAL BLOCKCHAIN BUSINESS LEAD , EY
shared data and the right preconditions for really great S & OP .
ML : Our perspective is that , first and foremost , S & OP is a process-first discipline , especially given its cross-functional nature . However , it does benefit enormously from technology . For example , the scenario analysis used to drive alignment and make decisions is much easier with digitisation . This makes it easier to achieve and sustain meaningful S & OP .
What are today ’ s main S & OP challenges ? PB : The biggest challenge is visibility beyond the four walls of the enterprise . Supply visibility and reliability is by far the biggest cause of S & OP failures , although sometimes it ’ s also to do with channel execution issues . Suppliers can be reluctant to share fully their true situation , particularly when they ’ re managing allocations and constraints , or their own supply shortages . They ’ re often reluctant to cause anxiety with key clients until they ’ re sure there will be a short-fall .
ML : S & OP should be about making crossfunctional decisions , but this requires dealing with several hurdles , including : lack of clarity around S & OP ’ s role ; S & OP being overtaken by near-term issues ; demand planning not providing quality inputs ; and
supplychaindigital . com 41