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n a volatile world where disruption can seemingly be found around almost every corner , businesses are constantly seeking new ways to ensure the resilience of their supply chains and smooth running of their operations .
It ’ s why the battle between lean and agile – two very different supply chain approaches – has come to the fore in recent years .
“ The lean supply chain approach focuses on minimising waste and maximising efficiency ,” explains Umar Butt , Regional CEO of Europe at the international logistics and transportation powerhouse , Aramex . “ It aims to streamline operations , reduce costs and eliminate any non-value-adding activities .
“ Key principles within this approach include just-in-time inventory management and continuous improvement ( Kaizen ), as well as maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials .”
Meanwhile , as its name suggests , the agile supply chain approach places emphasis on flexibility and responsiveness and is designed to enable firms to adapt quickly to changing market demands and external disruptions .
Agile supply chains tend to use tools like real-time data , advanced analytics and collaborative technologies to respond swiftly to customer needs and market conditions .
134 September 2024