Supply Chain Digital Magazine June 2024 | Page 85

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the experts , forecasting is getting more and more into the blood of everyone and we see increasing benefits – for example , higher product availability , optimal utilisation and raw material planning and cost control .”
Ceylan adds : “ Also for my business line it is very important to have a reliable forecast . Although our business has a high variety of products and customer base spread across the globe , we are now in ongoing exchange with the sales team to improve the demand planning process .
“ Also in recent years the important contribution of the Supply Chain function to the Net Working Capital has become clear .
“ My business line relies on my team and me to set and steer the optimal levels of inventory , so that we can ensure on the one hand the necessary product availability but on the other hand to not hold too much inventory .”
All of this has given the supply chain team a boost : “ I would say during the last years the importance of the supply chain role itself has clearly grown , while the confidence in this role for me and my colleagues has grown with this .”
Embedding sustainability into the supply chain As with all businesses , big and small , sustainability is key .
“ Evonik is very determined regarding sustainability . We offer our Next Gen product portfolio to our customers , supporting them in reducing their carbon footprint by using those products as their raw materials .
But the question is , ‘ what can the Supply Chain do regarding sustainability ?’
Ceylan says : “ This is a topic close to my heart because it is not only enough to fulfil
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